Which Used Vehicles Are the Safest?
Every season, safety should be a priority for all drivers. When winter rolls around, this statement becomes even more important. In addition to proper driving techniques and caution, you need a vehicle that is sturdy and capable of handling different road and weather conditions.
Having a limited budget doesn't necessarily mean having to compromise on safety. While new or recently introduced vehicles typically include more safety and driver assistance features, you can also be well protected and safe in a used vehicle.
Which brands should be on your shopping list? We can start by talking about Subaru and Mazda which, year after year, keep winning the highest distinctions from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the North American organization that conducts various crash tests on vehicles. A Forester or a CX-5, for example, will give you peace of mind on the road. As a bonus, their all-wheel-drive systems stand out from the pack - giving you a good edge during the winter months.
Honda, Toyota, and Nissan cars, SUVs and minivans generally do well, too. If you're looking for a more luxurious vehicle, the same organization recommends models from Volvo, Lexus, and Audi. The former being historically known for its innovation and safety expertise.
Looking for an electric vehicle? Tesla's models aren't just leaders in technology and range; they also impress with their safety, consistently earning five out of five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States. This excludes their Autopilot feature, which, as we know, is not quite ready for full-time use.
Finally, for those who prefer pickup trucks, the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 should be the first names to look at. The downside is that despite their large size, which makes them less vulnerable in an accident, many models in this category could be improved in terms of passenger safety, according to the IIHS.