Vehicle safety should be your number one concern when purchasing a vehicle. In 2022, vehicle safety features are more advanced than ever, meaning if you’re in the market for a new car, chances are you’ll be making a major upgrade in safety. Thanks to safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), buyers can make educated purchases when it comes to auto safety.
The IIHS tests two important aspects of safety. One is the crashworthiness, meaning the effectiveness of protection during a crash, and the other is crash avoidance and mitigation, meaning the vehicle’s ability to prevent the severity of an accident. They have two types of awards, Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+. The Top Safety Pick+ award has the strictest of standards, which is why fewer vehicles qualify.
In 2022, some new, innovative safety features have helped vehicle brands achieve these ratings. Things like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, blind-spot detection, rear-view cameras, and facial recognition software have started to become staples in the world of vehicle safety.
Here’s our list of favorites from the safest rated vehicles of 2022:
2022 Toyota Corolla
The 2022 Toyota Corolla had fantastic results on the NHTSA’s safety and crash tests. Though this vehicle hasn’t fully undergone its safety marks from the IIHS, its Toyota Safety Sense features and technologies set it apart. This includes lane-centering assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, road sign recognition, and automatic high beams. For a lower-priced sedan, the Corolla beats many competitors in safety features.
2022 Genesis G70
The 2022 Genesis G70 received a 9.8/10 on the U.S. News Safety Score. The model boasts perfect crash tests that were performed by the IIHS. They’re equipped with rear cross-traffic alert, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver drowsiness features.
2022 Tesla Model Y
The 2022 Tesla Model Y received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. The Tesla brand continues to rise in popularity, and for good reason! This vehicle includes safety features like anti-lock brakes, stability control, brake assist, traction control, blind-spot monitors, auto-leveling headlights, lane departure warnings, lane assist, and cross-traffic alerts.
2022 Audi e-tron
The 2022 Audi e-tron isn’t only one of the most popular new electric vehicles on the market, it’s also one of the safest. It was given a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for its crash ratings and safety features. These include traction control, brake assist, stability control, blind-spot monitoring, auto-leveling headlights, lane departure warnings, lane assist, and cross-traffic alerts.
2022 Honda Odyssey
The 2022 Honda Odyssey is one of the tops in the minivan class when it comes to safety. Alongside normal safety features, this minivan has some of the exciting newer features like brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
Check out the full list of 2021 & 2022 Top Safety Pick+ awarded vehicles by the IIHS:
Small Cars
2022 Honda Civic
2022 Honda Insight
2021-22 Mazda 3
2022 Mazda 3
2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Midsize Cars
2022 Honda Accord
2022 Kia K5
2021 Mazda 6
2022 Nissan Altima
2022 Nissan Maxima
2022 Subaru Legacy
2022 Subaru Outback
2022 Toyota Camry
Midsize Luxury Cars
2022 Acura TLX
2022 Lexus ES 350
2022 Lexus IS
2022 Tesla Model 3
2022 Volvo S60
2022 Volvo S60 Recharge
2022 Volvo V60 Cross Country
Large Cars
2022 Kia Stinger
Large Luxury Cars
2022 Audi A6
2022 Audi A6 allroad
2022 Audi A7
2022 Genesis G70
2022Genesis G80
2022 Genesis G90
2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Small SUVs
2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer
2022 Ford Bronco Sport
2022 Hyundai Tuscon
2022 Mazda CX-5
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
2022 Volvo XC40
2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Midsize SUVs
2022 Ford Explorer
2022 Hyundai Palisade
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
2022 Mazda CX-9
2022 Nissan Murano
2022 Subaru Ascent
2022 Toyota Highlander
2022 Volkswagen ID.4
Midsize Luxury SUVs
2022 Acura MDX
2022 Audi Q5
2022 Audi Q5 Sportback
2022 Cadillac XT6
2022 Genesis GV70
2022 Genesis GV80
2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
2022 Tesla Model Y
2022 Volvo XC90
2022 Volvo XC-90 Recharge
Large SUVs
2022 Audi e-tron
2022 Audi e-tron Sportback
Minivans
2022 Chrysler Pacifica
2022 Honda Odyssey
2022 Toyota Sienna
