Each year, thousands of drivers look to purchase a new or used luxury car with safety as one of the top reasons. Luxury vehicles consistently rank as the safest cars to drive, as they are designed with high-quality materials and often have advanced driver assistance technologies. While many people know that they want to drive the safest car possible, not everyone knows exactly what to look for when choosing a safe new or used vehicle. The good news is that, with a little research and knowledge, you can make an informed decision and find the right car for your needs.
How to Read Safety and Crash Test Ratings
While automotive manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve car reliability, many factors determine a vehicle’s safety levels. Both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) serve as trusted, third-party authorities regarding safety testing. Each year, both organizations release rankings for the safest cars of that model year to help drivers make informed choices.
How is Car Safety Rated?
Vehicles are rated by several factors, the first being crash performance. Cars are subjected to simulated collisions, with dummies to stand in for human passengers to help gauge the car’s level of protection from the front, sides, and top of the car. Cars with high crash test ratings (5 being the highest score) can manage heavy striking forces without crumpling. Of course, the vehicles’ seat belts and airbag responsiveness are also closely evaluated.
Crash test ratings also account for crash avoidance, or the car’s ability to help the driver prevent collisions. Vehicles at the top of the safety list will feature advanced driver assistance systems like brake assistance, steering stability control, and headlights. Safety ratings are also determined by how well a car can drive in poor road and weather conditions.
How to Choose a Safe Car
One of the first steps to choosing a safe luxury vehicle is checking out reliable resources such as the annual NHTSA and IIHS test results. The NHTSA test focuses on vehicle restraints and head-on collisions, while the IIHS analyzes a vehicle’s structural integrity. Consulting these resources together will help you fully understand the car’s safety rating.
Check for Safety Recalls
If you’re considering purchasing a used luxury vehicle, check for manufacturer recalls. Simply enter the VIN on NHTSA’s website to verify any information. Even if the seller assures that the car has been repaired, always request proof. You can also trust an experienced service team to run a thorough inspection and report.
Why Buy a Safe Car?
When evaluating car safety, many drivers have one priority in mind: protecting themselves, their loved ones, and fellow drivers. But did you know that your car’s safety ratings affect your insurance price and warranty?
Your car’s impact resilience, crash prevention features, and passenger restraints help prevent accidents and serious injury in the first place. Therefore, having a safer car can drastically lower your insurance bill each month, as you’re seen as less of a liability.
Safest Luxury Vehicles of 2022 - 2023
Whether you’re looking for a pre-owned or new vehicle, your dealer should be ready and enthusiastic about helping you make an empowered decision. Check out the IIIHS’s list of the safest luxury vehicles for 2022 and 2023 so you can walk into your dealership prepared.
Top 5 Midsize luxury cars
- 2022 Acura TLX 4-door sedan
- 2023 Audi A3 4-door sedan
- 2022 Audi A3 4-door sedan
- 2023 Audi A4 4-door sedan
- 2022 Audi A4 4-door sedan
Top 5 Large luxury cars
- 2022-23 Audi A6 4-door sedan
- 2022-23 Audi A6 allroad 4-door wagon
- 2022-23 Audi A7 4-door hatchback
- 2022-23 BMW 5 series 4-door sedan
- 2022-23 Genesis G70 4-door sedan
Top 5 Mid-size luxury SUVs
- 2022-23 Acura MDX 4-door SUV
- 2022-23 Acura RDX 4-door SUV
- 2022-23 Audi Q4 e-tron 4-door SUV
- 2022-23 Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback 4-door SUV
- 2022-23 Audi Q5 4-door SUV
We’re Here to Help You Make the Best Choice For You
As Indy’s Luxury Service Experts, our mission is to provide world-class automotive service. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or service appointment!
