It should come as no surprise that at Elephant, safety is one of our top priorities. We’re a car insurance company, after all, and we want our clients to be as safe as possible on the road. So much so that we even reward policyholders who haven’t had accidents in a while with our Responsible Driver Discount.
While there are many factors at play, driving a vehicle that’s equipped with the latest safety features can help reduce your chances of an accident. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first car, or want to upgrade an old vehicle, here are our picks for the safest cars on the market for 2021.
2021 Honda Accord
Nearly synonymous with safety, the Honda Accord is an all-around workhorse of a vehicle that’s reliable and priced right. Earning a perfect score in all three of the crash tests administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the car received a perfect five out of five-star rating. The Accord also received the highest rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in all six test categories.
With a myriad of standard driver-assistance features—such as automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control—the Accord is a smart choice for nearly any driver. And in addition to its safety features and practicality, the Accord is stylish, spacious, and surprisingly fun to drive. According to Car and Driver, the Accord strikes the perfect balance between a sports sedan and a family car.
2021 Subaru Legacy
Much like Toyota, Subaru has built itself up as a leading brand in car safety over the past decade or so. And the 2021 Subaru Legacy is no exception. Boasting a perfect score in all IIHS crash testing, the four-door sedan also received top ratings in crash avoidance and mitigation, partially due to its standard lane departure warning and prevention features. The IIHS also named it a Top Safety Pick+ for this year.
Redesigned for the 2020 model year, the four-door, family-minded sedan is designed for safety and comfort. While its traditional styling may be at odds with the brand’s other rugged SUV options, the new Legacy has a spacious interior and trunk space. Our bottom line? If practicality is a top priority, the Legacy should be high on your list.
2021 Audi E-tron
The first battery-electric vehicle from Audi, the E-tron offers all-wheel drive, high-speed charging, and impressive safety features. For starters, the vehicle received the highest rating in all safety crash tests from the IIHS and top ratings from the NHTSA. The E-tron is also packed to the brim with standard advanced safety features including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
With a zero-to-sixty time of only 5.5 seconds, the electric drive system is rated at 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque (but can deliver 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque in small bursts). If you’re looking for a safe, responsive ride in the growing luxury SUV category, the E-tron may be right for you.
2021 Kia Telluride
Originally debuting as a 2020 model, the Kia Telluride has become something of an instant classic. Not only is this family-minded vehicle attractive and affordable, but it’s also one of the safest car offerings in the mid-sized, crossover SUV category. The 2021 model comes with five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, while the 2020 model was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Plus, a suite of driver-assistance technology comes standard on the Telluride.
To the blind eye, the Telluride may rival luxury vehicle styling—although its price tag is much easier on the wallet. The three-row SUV can fit up to eight passengers, while its comfortable, attractive interior is perfect for a growing family. With the latest safety and technology features, the Telluride is one of the best value-minded cars out there.
2021 Hyundai Kona
A formidable player in the ever-popular subcompact SUV/crossover category, the Hyundai Kona is practical, efficient, and safe. For starters, the vehicle earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. But the Kona also comes standard with several safety features, including automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. Plus, it won’t cost much more if you want to upgrade to blind-spot monitoring.
In addition to its impressive safety features, one of the most attractive options about the Kona is its versatility and affordability. The standard model starts at $20,500, with its top model (the Ultimate) starting at $28,150. As a huge bonus, the Kona even comes in an electric model, which is also priced competitively and includes a fantastic warranty. It doesn’t hurt that both the gas and EV versions are responsive and attractive, making the Kona an all-around smart buy.
2021 Honda Odyssey
Looking for a reliable and safe minivan to transport a growing family? Look no further than the Honda Odyssey. In addition to a redesigned interior, the 2021 model also adds several standard active safety features. Billed as the Honda Sensing driver assist bundle, these safety add-ons include automatic emergency braking, lane assist, and pedestrian detection. Additionally, the Odyssey received top ratings form the NHTSA.
On top of its added safety features, the 2021 Odyssey received an attractive face-lift, including a redesigned interior and exterior. With its remarkable amount of cargo space, and comfortable seating arrangements for up to eight people, this year’s model is designed with comfort in mind.
Shopping around for quotes before making a big purchase? Looking to insure a new vehicle? Elephant Insurance can provide customized car insurance coverage to get you on the road. To see how you can save on insuring your new safe car, get your free quote today.
Article last updated on June 25th, 2023 at 7:12 pm
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