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Car safety is an important factor to consider when shopping, especially if you have a growing family. You may ask yourself — “Does this car have features like Lane-Keep Assist or Automatic High Beams?” “Are there enough airbags inside to keep us protected?”

For those who hold safety above other priorities, some models and brands stand out. The two brands that tied for the #1 spot on U.S. News’ ’15 Safest Car Brands of 2022′ list are Mazda and Genesis. Let’s see how they were able to snag the top spot and earn bragging rights.

Are Mazda car and SUV models safe? 

A 2022 Mazda3 hatchback model parked in an office space
2022 Mazda3 hatchback | MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS

Average U.S. News Safety Score: 9.8/10

Mazda is one of the safest automobile brands on the market based on safety scores. Surprisingly, there was a tie for the safest brands rankings with a 9.8 average score from U.S. News and World Report. First, we have Mazda. An automaker we all know and love. Mazda features a sporty lineup of sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. They’re packed with many standard features that other manufacturers consider upgrades. For example, base Mazda3 cars come standard with Adaptive Cruise Control. Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Emergency Braking are available features.

Speaking of the Mazda3, the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, and it received five stars in all crash tests from NHTSA. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has a safety score of 9.9 and is also a Top Safety Pick+. Additionally, the CX-5 is a finalist for U.S News’ ‘Best Compact SUV for the Money’ and ‘Best Compact SUV for Families’ awards — talk about impressive!

Genesis is one of the safest and most reliable car brands

Average U.S. News Safety Score: 9.8/10

Hanging out in the other top spot on the list is Genesis. The Genesis G90 sedan proudly received the brand’s only score of 10. Additionally, the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. Safety features include Hands-On Detection (HOD), which allows the car to accurately detect when the driver is holding the steering wheel. Another feature, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), automatically slows down when entering a new speed limit or curved road sections. After, it will return to the previous set speed. Other features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), and Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM).

The Genesis G80 sedan has a high score of 9.9, and NHTSA awarded it five stars in every crash test. This sedan also has a long list of driver-assist technologies, like Speed Limit Recognition. The lowest rating of 9.5 – still an incredible score – was awarded to the GV80. It was also named a Top Safety Pick+ and has over 12 standard safety features.

The safest car brands on the market

What automotive brands did Mazda and Genesis have to surpass to be the safest car brands of 2022? Of course, these aren’t the only “safe” vehicle brands you can buy. The runners-up, Subaru, Hyundai, and Volvo, all tied. Additionally, if you’re familiar with these auto brands, you already know that safety is at the forefront. For example, the Hyundai Tucson scored 9.9, was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS and named the 2022 ‘Best Compact SUV for the Money’ by U.S. News.

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