Safety is a top priority when purchasing a new vehicle. Knowing that everyone inside is protected, regardless of the destination, provides peace of mind. At Auto Sportiva, all the cars we offer boast an excellent safety record.
So, which models are considered the safest options on the road? In this article, we will address that question, and the great news is that all these models are available right here.
When you’re cruising at 70 miles per hour surrounded by semis, crosswinds, and unpredictable drivers, nothing matters more than how secure and planted your car feels.
Whether you’re a daily commuter logging miles on the interstate or planning a long road trip, some vehicles just inspire more confidence than others.
Cars That Feel Safe on the Highway
In this article, we take a look at the cars that deliver the kind of highway safety you can actually feel—from rock-solid stability and reassuring steering to advanced driver-assistance systems that take some of the stress out of long hauls. These are the cars that make highway driving feel less like a risk and more like a breeze.
Range Rover
The Range Rover clearly stands out as a strong choice when it comes to safety. While it is undeniably a large SUV, its secure nature isn’t solely due to its size or shape.
When evaluated by industry experts Euro NCAP, the Range Rover earned a full five-star rating, placing it among the safest vehicles on the road.
Its safety credentials are also linked to what lies beneath the surface. The Range Rover achieved an impressive 82 percent rating for its assistance systems, thanks to a wide range of built-in safety features that contribute to making this vehicle exceptionally secure.
Sometimes in life, a bold transformation can be a welcome change. For some people, that might mean a fresh haircut or an entirely new wardrobe. In the case of the upcoming Range Rover Velar EV, it means a complete break from its traditional SUV design and identity.
For the first time ever, the next-generation Range Rover Velar will be fully electric, and it’s poised to make an equally dramatic visual shift, stepping away from the conventional SUV look it’s long been associated with.
Expected to launch next year, the Velar will follow the debut of electric versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport by a few months. However, it won’t be built on the same architecture as those models. Instead, it will use Jaguar Land Rover’s all-new electric platform called EMA—developed specifically for next-generation EVs.
This EMA platform will also serve as the foundation for the upcoming Land Rover Defender Sport and the next-generation Range Rover Evoque. All three will be compatible with ultra-fast public charging, expected to support up to 350kW. The Velar will be the first model released using this platform, meaning its success could signal a promising future for other EMA-based vehicles.
Like those future models, the Velar will be manufactured at JLR’s Halewood facility in Merseyside, which is currently undergoing upgrades to support EV production.
Although battery specifications have yet to be announced, it’s anticipated that the Velar will be benchmarked against rivals like the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan Electric. That suggests a likely range between 300 and 400 miles on a full charge.
Visually, the next Velar is expected to depart significantly from the current design, incorporating a sleeker, saloon-inspired roofline and a lower ride height.
While it will maintain some traditional SUV traits, early indications suggest it could grow in length—possibly to accommodate a third row of seats. If so, it would offer a more affordable seven-seat alternative to the full-size Range Rover, which currently stands as Land Rover’s only large family option.
Inside the cabin, the new Velar is expected to receive a premium overhaul similar to that of the Range Rover, featuring high-quality materials and a modern, tech-centric layout. JLR’s Pivi Pro infotainment system is likely to be included, delivering sharp graphics—though it has been noted for being somewhat fiddly to navigate.
Despite its shift to electric power, the Velar will continue to uphold Land Rover’s reputation for off-road capability. With electric motors allowing for precise power delivery to the wheels with the most traction, the Velar should handle rugged terrain with ease. It’s a similar approach to what Toyota is expected to take with its electric Land Cruiser when it arrives in 2026.
There’s also the possibility that the electric Velar could be sold alongside a combustion-engine version. JLR previously announced plans to expand its investment in plug-in hybrid technology in response to slower-than-expected EV adoption in the UK. However, it’s not yet clear if the new EMA platform can support hybrid or combustion drivetrains.
The new Range Rover Velar is slated to launch next year. While official pricing has not been confirmed, expectations place the starting price around £70,000—bringing it into close competition with the Porsche Macan Electric.
Porsche Taycan
The Taycan exemplifies how to design an electric vehicle that truly feels like a ‘proper’ sports car. Offered with various power options, it’s a favorite here at Auto Sportiva, and we especially appreciate the more practical Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo variant, which provides extra space.
In addition to its performance, the Taycan is also a very safe vehicle. During Euro NCAP testing in 2019, the Taycan earned a full five-star rating, receiving particular commendation for its protection of both child and adult occupants.
It also includes essential safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and an Active Bonnet, which helps cushion the impact for pedestrians or cyclists in the event of a collision.
The Taycan occupies a unique space, straddling the line between a sports car and a saloon in a way that few other vehicles manage—fewer still if you’re looking exclusively at electric options. Even after four years on the market, if the Taycan’s concept appeals to you and you’re in a financial position to afford it, it’s still one of the very limited choices available.
To maintain its position at the forefront, the Taycan has now undergone a refresh. It’s called a ‘refresh’ rather than a ‘facelift’ because the exterior changes are minimal—limited to tweaks in the front air intakes and lighting.
The updates instead focus on more substantial improvements. Most notably, the range has been increased through a combination of improved efficiency and a larger battery.
Additionally, it can now charge at higher power levels. Thanks to the enhanced efficiency, each kilowatt-hour added at the charger now gets you farther, meaning less time spent charging relative to your driving time.
Lower-trim Taycans now come standard with air suspension, while higher-end models feature an advanced new active suspension system. The Taycan was already a standout in terms of driving performance, but this updated suspension setup preserves its dynamic excellence while also enhancing ride comfort.
Audi RS3
The Audi A3 is a well-liked hatchback, and the high-performance RS3 variant takes it to the next level. Powered by a lively 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine, it is a spirited hot-hatch, with quattro all-wheel-drive delivering exceptional grip and precision, regardless of the driving conditions.
Beyond its performance capabilities, the Audi RS3 also offers excellent safety. When the A3 the foundation for the RS3 was tested in 2020, it earned a full five-star rating and achieved an impressive 89 percent score for adult occupant safety, along with an 81 percent rating for child occupant safety.
My initial encounter with the 2018 Audi RS 3 took place at Lime Rock Park racetrack, where I found myself slipping into the driver’s seat of one RS 3 while positioned between two others. We were set for a lead-follow session on the track, a wise move considering that many of the journalists on hand had never even seen Lime Rock before, much less driven on it.
Having raced at Lime Rock multiple times over the years, I know firsthand how easily the track can catch you off guard if you’re too aggressive too soon—so the decision to start with a lead-follow made complete sense.
Our trio of RS 3s was assigned to trail an Audi R8 V10 Plus piloted by Stephan Reil, Audi’s head of technical development. A brief thought crossed my mind—this hardly seemed like a level playing field.
I quickly snapped myself out of that line of thinking: this wasn’t a race, and we were here to test cars for Automobile, not challenge an R8. Besides, my next actual race was in Portugal, not Connecticut. Right—best to leave the R8 alone and focus on the task at hand.
Here’s something most enthusiasts are already familiar with: at the limits of grip in a corner, the majority of street cars—performance models included—tend to understeer.
This applies whether you’re on the street or at the track. Manufacturers typically tune in understeer for safety reasons, since it’s easier for the average driver to manage. Usually, simply lifting off the throttle is enough to bring the car back in line.
From my perspective, getting a street car to behave on a track generally involves doing whatever it takes to keep it from pushing straight through corners like it’s headed to grandma’s house. That often means “cheating” the rear end around the bend, because the front tires usually can’t get the job done on their own.
Jaguar F-Pace
Jaguar revealed a completely new dimension with the launch of the F-Pace. True to the brand’s identity, it introduced a dynamic twist to the conventional SUV experience, especially with the high-powered SVR models featuring a distinctive supercharged V8 engine.
Safety was naturally a major focus, as demonstrated by the F-Pace’s five-star Euro NCAP rating achieved during testing in 2018. Equipped with a comprehensive array of airbags, the F-Pace ensures maximum occupant protection, while additional features like Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Keeping Assist further enhance its safety capabilities.
The Jaguar F-Pace is the Jimmy Hill of premium SUVs. Why the comparison to the famously big-chinned football pundit of old? Because, much like Jimmy’s iconic statement that football is “a game of two halves,” the F-Pace’s story unfolds in two distinct parts.
Initially, it arrived as a stylish and engaging SUV saddled with a disappointing interior. Later, it received the premium-grade cabin and plug-in hybrid technology it needed to stand toe-to-toe with top-tier German rivals.
Though it’s no longer available as a new model—Jaguar trimmed its lineup ahead of its transition to an all-electric future—there’s a strong presence of used F-Pace models in the market. And with a bit of luck, you might still come across brand-new examples sitting unsold at dealerships.
From the outset, the F-Pace stood out for its design. It took the usual tall-and-bulky SUV silhouette and elevated it with a bold yet refined grille, narrow headlights, a subtle bonnet bulge, and brake lights styled like fine jewelry. Visually, it holds the edge over competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, though the Audi Q5 comes close in terms of attractiveness.
Early F-Pace interiors, however, were a letdown. The abundance of dull black plastic clashed with the premium image Jaguar aimed to project—more reminiscent of a barebones rental car than a luxury vehicle. That changed in 2020 when Jaguar finally gave the F-Pace an interior upgrade that brought it much closer in quality and ambiance to its German counterparts.
A major highlight of this refresh was the introduction of an 11.4-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the older and more awkwardly embedded display.
The new system, powered by Jaguar’s curiously named Pivi Pro software, is sleek and generally easy to use. While it doesn’t quite match the fluidity or intuitive layout of German systems, its crisp graphics and premium aesthetic hold their own.
Complementing the screen are multifunctional rotary dials that provide quick access to climate controls—something users will appreciate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included as standard across the range.
Additional tech features included a digital rearview mirror connected to a camera on the boot and a digital instrument cluster, both of which improved significantly over time. One persistent gripe, however, was the presence of touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, which proved frustrating in regular use.
Despite its size, the F-Pace was strictly a five-seater, with Jaguar never offering a seven-seat configuration. In terms of practicality, most versions offered a capacious 650-litre boot—around 100 litres more than many rivals. Even the plug-in hybrid P400e, while slightly more limited, still delivered a respectable 552 litres of cargo space.
Audi Q7
The Q7 is Audi’s largest SUV, making it an excellent choice for drivers who need plenty of space. With its seven-seat configuration, it’s perfect for larger families or those who frequently travel with bigger groups, while still offering the high level of craftsmanship and build quality that Audi is known for.
Especially for a family-focused vehicle, the Audi Q7 is notably impressive in terms of safety. When tested in 2019, the Q7 earned a full five-star rating and performed exceptionally well in adult occupant safety, achieving a score of 92 percent.
It also features a cyclist-specific Autonomous Emergency Braking system that can detect people traveling on two wheels.
The 2025 Audi Q7 continues to quietly hold its ground in the midsize luxury SUV market. Though it might not be the flashiest option available, it remains a solid and refined choice, thanks to its elegant styling, a tech-rich three-row interior, and capable performance.
This year, Audi has made subtle but meaningful updates, including exterior design changes and enhancements to the infotainment system. These tweaks help to extend the Q7’s relevance, even if they don’t completely resolve its lingering drawbacks such as a cramped third row and limited cargo space.
There’s a lot to like about the Q7. The interior materials and build quality are exceptional, reflecting Audi’s long-standing commitment to craftsmanship. It also offers a strong lineup of standard and optional tech features. On the road, the Q7 strikes a pleasing balance between ride comfort and athletic handling.
However, it’s not without shortcomings. Compared to many competitors, the Q7 provides less cargo room and its third-row seating can feel tight, especially for adults. Additionally, the infotainment system, while improved, still requires too much attention from the driver and can be distracting to use.
In terms of what’s new for 2025, Audi has refreshed the Q7’s front and rear styling, introduced new wheel designs, and added advanced digital OLED lighting.
A selection of new paint colors and interior trims is also available, giving buyers more ways to personalize their vehicle. These design updates enhance the SUV’s visual appeal, helping it stand out in a crowded segment. The more notable upgrades, though, are in the infotainment system.
Through the Audi App Store, drivers can now download popular apps such as Spotify and YouTube directly into the car. Audi has also extended the complimentary trial periods for several connected services, including Wi-Fi access, online navigation, and the unique Traffic Light Information system, which provides real-time data to help drivers time green lights.
Fuel cost estimates for the 2025 Q7 Premium with the 45 TFSI engine—a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with mild hybrid technology—are based on an annual mileage of 15,000, with a driving mix of 55% city and 45% highway.
Using an average fuel price of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota, the Q7 is expected to cost around $216 per month to fuel, compared to an average of $227 per month for similar large SUVs.
Though it hasn’t seen a full redesign since 2017, the Q7 remains a refined, tech-savvy, and stylish SUV that manages to stay competitive thanks to consistent, thoughtful updates. It may not be the most spacious or simplest to use, but it delivers where it counts—in build quality, driving experience, and premium feel.
Cars That Don’t Feel Safe on the Highway
Nothing is more crucial than safety when it comes to motor vehicles. Ensuring that you drive a safe and dependable car, truck, or sport utility vehicle should be everyone’s highest priority when purchasing a vehicle.
This is especially important because not all vehicles are built the same, and their safety records and features can vary significantly.
Fortunately, reputable organizations like Consumer Reports conduct thorough testing of cars across various categories and rate them based on their safety performance.
This information is essential for any buyer searching for a new or used vehicle. With that in mind, here are 5 cars with the worst safety ratings, according to Consumer Reports.
Dodge Journey
Ah, the Dodge Journey. Like many Dodge models, the Journey primarily competes on price and affordability. With a starting price of $20,000, it is priced more attractively than many other vehicles in its sport utility vehicle category.
However, this vehicle performs poorly across nearly every metric. Consumer Reports found that the three-row Journey features a very cramped interior, suffers from poor handling, and its V6 engine delivers the worst fuel economy in its class.
If that weren’t enough, the Dodge Journey also scored significantly below average for reliability and received a terrible rating in the IIHS small-overlap frontal crash test. Although Dodge often offers discounts on the Journey, don’t be tempted. This SUV is simply not worth the risk.
After more than ten years on the U.S. market, the Dodge Journey continues to follow the same well-worn path, with minimal updates over that time. While this leaves it lagging behind more modern midsize SUV competitors, it also results in a lower price point, making the Journey particularly attractive to buyers on a tight budget.
However, for shoppers focused on overall value, the absence of smartphone integration and modern safety technologies like blind spot monitoring is a significant drawback. The Journey does manage to hold its own when it comes to passenger space and affordability, but these positives are counterbalanced by limited cargo capacity and lackluster fuel economy.
In the face of more advanced and capable rivals such as the Kia Sorento and Honda Pilot, the Journey simply lacks the features and performance needed to remain relevant—especially since it now only comes with a relatively weak 173-horsepower four-cylinder engine.
Dodge has simplified the Journey lineup for 2020, making the buying process more straightforward. The SE Value trim remains the entry-level offering, with a starting MSRP of $23,495. The only available upgrade is the Crossroad trim, which increases the cost to $28,595. All-wheel drive is no longer available, meaning the range ends with these front-wheel-drive variants.
Though a handful of optional packages remain, the Journey still ranks as one of the most budget-friendly SUVs currently on the market. Keep in mind that these prices do not include taxes, registration, licensing fees, or Dodge’s $1,495 destination charge.
Most vehicles receive a mid-cycle refresh just a few years into their production run, but the Dodge Journey—now more than a decade old—clearly missed that memo. Behind the wheel, it feels outdated and clumsy. The steering is vague and lacks feedback, with a poor on-center feel that makes it difficult to judge direction accurately. P
aired with the SUV’s hefty curb weight, the Journey is ill-suited to any kind of spirited driving and handles corners like “a rickety old man on roller skates.” At slower speeds or while maneuvering through parking lots, however, it remains relatively manageable.
The braking system tells a similar story. It performs adequately at lower speeds in urban environments but loses confidence at higher velocities. More troubling still is the Journey’s handling as a whole—body roll is pronounced, and road grip is inadequate, leading to an overall unsettling driving experience.
Perhaps it’s a small mercy that the only available engine is a modest four-cylinder unit. Around town, this powertrain gives the illusion of competence, but at higher speeds, it quickly reveals the vehicle’s underlying flaws.
Even ride comfort fails to redeem the experience. The seats offer little support, and the overall ride quality hovers between mediocre and uncomfortable. All things considered, the Dodge Journey feels more like a relic of the past than a contender for today’s midsize SUV buyer.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
It may come as a surprise to find a Land Rover on this list. After all, Land Rover is a well-respected brand and has long been a leader in the compact sport utility vehicle segment.
However, automotive experts suggest that Land Rover’s quality has declined in recent years. A prime example is the Discovery Sport, which struggles to keep up with other vehicles in its class.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been criticized for delivering uneven power, and the transmission is neither smooth nor responsive.
Additionally, many reviewers agree that there is nothing about this SUV that would justify calling it “sporty.”
With poor scores in both safety and reliability, combined with a steep starting price approaching $40,000, the Discovery Sport is a compact SUV best avoided.
Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade, once regarded as a premium large sport utility vehicle, has seen better days. Nowadays, few automotive experts would still classify the Escalade as a luxury vehicle.
They argue that its handling is too stiff and that it lacks the essential qualities needed to compete with other luxury SUVs. In fact, Consumer Reports states that: “The Escalade simply floundered in our tests.”
Despite its sizable exterior, the interior feels noticeably cramped. The second-row seats offer limited comfort, and the third row provides almost no legroom.
The Escalade’s infotainment system has been labeled one of the worst in the entire auto industry. However, the most significant drawback is its safety performance, as it holds the worst safety ranking in its class. All of this comes with a starting price of just over $85,000.
The Cadillac Escalade is Cadillac’s flagship full-size luxury SUV—bold, brash, high-tech, and unapologetically American. It’s one of the most iconic names in luxury SUVs, with a reputation built on size, comfort, prestige, and presence. Here’s an in-depth breakdown:
The Escalade is a three-row, body-on-frame SUV that shares its platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon, but it’s dialed up with more luxury, technology, and style. The current generation launched in 2021, marking a major leap in refinement and innovation over its predecessors.
Chrysler Town & Country
The Chrysler Town & Country narrowly surpassed its Dodge Grand Caravan counterpart to earn the title of worst-rated minivan.
Although neither vehicle received strong scores or ratings for safety and reliability, the Town & Country stands out for having seats that are thin, low, and simply uncomfortable.
Its fuel economy is poor, delivering only 17 miles per gallon the absolute worst among all minivans.
Additionally, the Town & Country received a dreadful safety rating in the IIHS small-overlap frontal crash test.
Chrysler appears to have responded to the criticism by replacing the Town & Country with the heavily promoted Pacifica van, while the Dodge Grand Caravan is being discontinued entirely.
However, try to resist the incentives offered on these two minivans in the coming months. They are not worth the hassle.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
Now we come to the “green” car category the segment for vehicles designed to be environmentally friendly, meaning fuel-efficient, clean-burning, or, in many cases, fully electric.
While this is an admirable class of vehicles, not all green cars live up to their reputation. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a prime example.
Critics who have harshly reviewed the i-MiEV point out that there’s a reason it’s the cheapest all-electric car on the market today, with a base price of $23,000.
Some reviewers have even described it as essentially a golf cart. Known for being slow, awkward, and unresponsive, the i-MiEV features a barebones interior so cramped that drivers’ elbows often rub against the window glass when their hands are on the steering wheel.
Additionally, the cabin is extremely noisy. On top of that, it suffers from poor battery life, allowing drivers to travel only about 56 miles before needing a recharge.
Its tiny size and limited range have resulted in very poor scores for safety and reliability. Some critics have argued that the i-MiEV does more harm to the electric car movement than rising gas prices.
