Safety is one of the most important considerations when you’re shopping for a used car. Key safety features to look for include accident and collision avoidance systems, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability control (VSC), and a backup camera. You’ll also want to look for high-quality headlights, sensor-controlled adaptive air bags, and antilock brakes that have been standard in many vehicles for a while. Some of the top safety picks on the market include the 2016-2018 Mazda CX-3, 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 2014+ Jeep Cherokee, 2016-2017 Honda Accord, and 2018 Kia Sorrento—continue reading for a more in-depth look at these.
2016-2018 Mazda CX-3
The 2018 model was one of the top picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This small SUV also holds an overall safety rating of 5 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is rated high for collision avoidance. All trim levels include Daytime Running Lights; a rearview camera; and front, front side-impact, and side-impact airbags. An engine immobilizer and anti-theft system is also included. The Grand Touring trim adds LED headlights with auto leveling plus a range of other features with the Premium Package.
2016 Hyundai Tucson
Notable for its styling, ergonomics, and handling, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson was also an IIHS 2016 Top Safety Pick+. The NHTSA gave it a five-star rating for overall, front, and side crash tests. Equipped with a rearview camera, the SUV also includes (in its Sport and Limited trims):
- Blind spot monitoring,
- Rear cross traffic alert, and
- Lane change assist
The Tucson Limited incorporates adaptive headlights, as well as driver assist features like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
2014+ Jeep Cherokee
The 2014 Jeep model did well in crash testing, while the IIHS scored it marginal in the small overlap front crash test. However, the NHTSA gave it a perfect rating for side impact testing and four stars for front and rollover crash testing. A technology package available for Limited and Trailhawk models includes adaptive cruise control, parallel park assist, and forward collision warning with brake assist. And don’t forget the Cherokee’s spunky all-wheel drive system and off-road capability.
2016-2017 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has long been regarded for safety. The NHTSA’s four-star frontal crash test and five-star side and rollover rating demonstrates the 2017 model’s crashworthiness. Available features include Honda LaneWatch, which incorporates a camera under the passenger-side mirror, and the radar-based Collision Mitigation Braking System™. A range of driver assistance features are available with the sedan as well.
2018 Kia Sorrento
Not the cheapest pre-owned car, the Kia Sorrento is loaded with safety features when you select the available surround-view parking camera, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive cruise control, and others. The Sorrento can be fitted with autonomous emergency braking as well. Some V6-equipped models are highly rated for their headlight illumination. A full set of air bags is standard, making the Sorrento a model for highway safety.
Contact Hawthorne Auto Square
Gone are the days when a seat belt and sturdy structure were all you needed for safety. Today’s automobiles are equipped with advanced safety features that cover everything from driver assistance and collision avoidance to securing your windows and doors. At Hawthorne Auto Square, we have implemented sanitizing and social distancing procedures to protect against COVID-19, while providing the same level of customer service to help you get the vehicle you want and need. Whether you’re looking for a used car, hatchback, or SUV with a full set of safety features, visit us or call 866-707-7664 today!