If you’re shopping for a new car, chances are you’ll consider how safe it is compared to others in its class before making a final decision. It can be difficult for consumers, or even someone who has received automotive training in Toronto, to translate all the different active and passive safety systems and crash-test rating into real, solid numbers that are more easily digested. Luckily, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has put together its own list to highlight vehicles that feature excellent safety ratings. The IIHS rated vehicles as being “good,” “acceptable,” “marginal” or “poor” across five test categories: moderate overlap frontal crash, small overlap frontal crash, side impact, rollover and rear impact.
Here’s a look at the best of the safest from the recent IIHS list.
2014 Ford Focus, sedan and hatchback
The Ford Focus has earned the same high marks in each category of testing as the 2012 model, continuing the Focus’ commitment to safety. The only issue with the 2014 Focus seems to be with the structure around the driver in small overlap front testing, but even then, there’s only a very low risk of any significant injuries. The sedan and hatchback model received the same outstanding safety rating.
2013 Honda Civic, coupe and sedan
The only potential issue with the 2013 Civic variant is in the leg protection capabilities of the coupe model. Otherwise, the Civic easily outperforms other vehicles in its class from a safety standpoint. After struggles with head-restraint ratings in the mid-2000s, the Civic has earned “good” ratings in every category from 2006 on, becoming a standard bearer for safety in the small-car category.
2013 Dodge Avenger
The 2012 Dodge Avenger was an excellent safety choice, and the 2013 Avenger picks up where its predecessor left off. The Avenger features a full complement of airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, active head restraints and a special child-seat restraint system. With safety accolades to go along with its power and affordability, the Avenger makes a fine showing for itself in the midsize family sedan segment.
2013 Ford Fusion
The all-new Fusion has been turning heads, earning accolades and has been the talk of professionals with automotive careers in Toronto since its debut. The car uses Ford’s Personal Safety system, incorporating eight airbags, a restraint control module that gathers information from sensors around the cabin and venting technology designed to enhance side-impact protection in order to deliver one of the safest rides on the market today.
2013 Honda Accord, coupe and sedan
The 2- and 4-door configurations of the redesigned Accord earned Honda two more safety accolades. Using Honda’s new Advanced Compatibility Engineering II body structure, the 2013 Accord’s front frame is designed to disperse more energy away from the driver and passengers during a wider range of crash scenarios than previous models. The new ACE II body structure helped earn the 2013 Accord coupe and sedan impressive marks in small overlap frontal crash testing. If you’re currently taking mechanic courses in Toronto, you should definitely study this model for great examples of innovative, contemporary car design.
