Technology is expanding at an exponential rate and is integrating into our lives in many different ways; one of which is car safety. Innovations such as automatic braking and blind spot warning systems have changed the way we drive forever. No longer do people have to strain their necks to look behind them when there is a handy rearview camera plastered on the dashboard. According to the National Safety Council, around 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2018. This number was around 1 percent less than 2017, which one reason being that modern cars are becoming safer. With many innovations out there, consumers still face the age-old predicament – what car to choose? To help answer this question, I have developed this list of the five safest cars of 2019. The cars listed below are not in any hierarchical order, and are based on data gathered from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, (IIHS),
- Toyota Camry – From $23,945 MSRP
The Toyota Camry was a 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2019. One feature earning some praise is the adaptive headlights which are equipped on the XLE Hybrid model. Adaptive headlights are an active safety feature that is designed to make driving in minimal light situations safer by increasing visibility over hills and around hills. All models come equipped with 10 airbags and driver/passenger whiplash-injury-lessening seats. Overall this is a very deserving car in terms of safety and price.
- Subaru Outback– From $26,345 MSRP
Another IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2019 the Subaru Outback does not disappoint. One cool feature of the Subaru Outback is the Subaru EyeSight package. This package monitors traffic movement, warns if the driver sways out of their lane, and optimizes the cruise control system. This model also comes equipped with the pre-collision braking feature to help avoid frontal impacts by automatically applying the brakes in emergency situations.
- Mercedes-Benz E-class – From $53,500 MSRP
The Mercedes-Benz E class series is the most expensive on this list, but the safety features make it worth every penny. This car is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2019. This model has the Mercedes brake assist feature, which senses when a vehicle or person is in front of the car and helps the driver stop the car in time. The Driver Assistance package adds features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Driver Assistance package also includes a semi-autonomous driving mode – which is not a fully self-driving feature but works well in low-speed situations and is smart enough to assist the driver in emergency situations.
- Lincoln Continental – From $46,145 MSRP
Lincoln is often referred to as a luxury brand, which leads to high levels of comfort and safety, but at a higher price. All models of the 2019 Lincoln Continental are equipped with blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and even pedestrian detection. This was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ choice in 2019, earning the highest marks in all categories except for Child Seat anchors ease of use, where it earned a ‘Good’ rating.
- Kia Optima – From $22,990 MSRP
Last but not least the 2019 Kia Optima was yet another IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in 2019. All models come with Kia Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, (ADAS), which include: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision Warning System, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning and more. The limited package includes Kia’s 360-degree exterior camera system which allows the driver to see practically a birds-eye view of their car which can help in a tight parking situation or at any other time. Overall the Kia Optima has a lot of advanced safety features at a super affordable price.
Author:Â Katherine White is a contributor for 365 Business Tips and a digital marketing expert for local brands such as Audi Las Vegas. Her educational background in Public Relations helps her tackle topics regarding strategy, branding and messaging.