As cars get smarter and smarter, so should consumers about getting the best bang for their buck when it comes to safety and things like crash-avoidance features. This technology isn’t just a flash in the pan, it’s here to stay. So, we’d encourage you to enjoy driving while you can, because so much research and development money is pouring into the autonomous aspect of design and manufacturing of these cars someday they’ll be driving themselves. As a result of the rush to be first to market, car manufacturers are most likely going to absorb the cost of the technology in order to put it in the hands of consumers.
This technology isn’t just for high-end cars anymore either. Now, you can find it in new cars listed at just over $20,000 MSRP.
The following cars were tested and ranked based on forward collision warning and auto braking systems, blind spot warning, and lane departure warning and prevention systems by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. We ranked them based on reports from car.com and the car’s various features (or lack of them) with the top car in the No. 1 position all the way through to No. 8. Also, just because a car is lower down on the list doesn’t mean it’s any worse, it just means it was rated based on the new safety technology. So, without further ado, here’s how we ranked the sedans:
No 1. 2017 Kia Forte – The Forte nabbed the top spot because of its optional Technology Package, which features:
- Collision warning system and automatic braking
- Blind spot warning
- Lane departure warning
- Lane centering steering, which worked as advertised
- $21,540 MSRP
No 2. 2017 Honda Civic – Again, the Civic EX was loaded with a Honda Sensing package that’s an array of safety features making it a high-ranking car for the money, including:
- Collision warning and automatic braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Lane centering steering, which worked good on well-marked roads
- No blind spot warning offered, but its LaneWatch camera gives a good view of passenger side
- $22,975 MSRP
No. 3 Toyota Corolla – The Corolla SE has a respectable safety technology package that comes standard, including:
- Collisions warning and automatic braking
- Lane departure warning system
- Steering mitigation
- Adaptive cruise control
- $22,865 MSRP
No. 4 Mazda3 – The Mazda3 has a modest safety technology package, including:
- Collision warning and automatic braking, which only works at low speeds
- Mazda3’s higher trim packages have automatic braking in a broader range of speeds
- Lane departure warning and lane centering steering only offered in higher trim models
- $22,670 MSRP
No. 5. Hyundai Elantra – This mid-level Elantra offers some advanced safety features, including:
- Blind spot warning system
- No lane centered steering or any other safety technology features until you step into an Elantra Limited (which is far more expensive than the mid-level car evaluated.
- $21,360 MSRP
No. 6. Volkswagen Jetta – This Jetta 1.4T SE model and most others include the following safety technology features:
- Blind spot warning system
- No land departure warning or active steering systems
- No collision warning system or automatic braking, except on 1.8T SEL models
No 7. Subaru Impreza – The Subaru’s EyeSight technology package includes:
- Collision warning and automatic braking system
- Lane departure warning
- Steering assist
- Blind spot warning system
- The bad news is the EyeSight package was not optional on the Impreza 2.0i that was tested.
- $22,519 MSRP (models costing more than $23,000 have the EyeSight package)
No. 8 Chevrolet Cruz – There were no safety options on the Cruze LT automatic, however Chevrolet does offer the following safety features that are optional (so additional add on fees apply) including:
- Blind spot warning system
- Forward collision warning system, but no automatic braking
- Lane departure warning and steering assist, but no lane centering steering
- $22,465 MSRP for the Cruze LT Automatic (which had no safety features)
Contact a Denver Car Accident Attorney at Tomazin Law Group LLP
Regardless of the safety features associated with a vehicle, drivers can and will still be involved in crashes – particularly when they are drunk, distracted, non-compliant with traffic laws, don’t take over on manual control of a self-driving vehicle, etc. So, when you have been impacted by a car accident and need legal assistance, contact a Denver Car Accident Attorney at Tomazin Law Group LLP to get a clear understanding of your options for recovery and justice. Our attorneys are trustworthy, empathetic and compassionate to your plight. We are also ready to provide you with aggressive legal counsel and dedication to holding negligent parties responsible for their actions that caused you harm.
Call us today at 303-835-4595 or email us using the contact form on this page to start the conversation that could change your life – and make all of the difference in your financial recovery and future. We can meet at our Denver or Greenwood Village offices, or conference call if you are in more remote areas of the state.
