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If you’re in the market for a new car, you have probably considered owning a vehicle with top-of-the-line car safety features. According to U.S. News, advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are included in more cars every year. These features help avoid getting into a car accident, but not every collision can be avoided, no matter how many sensors are arrayed around the vehicle. Some of the best car brands feature cutting-edge designs to help protect you and your loved ones in an accident.

Below are the top five brands with the highest average safety scores across all vehicles:

3. Ford (Tie)

Ford F-150 Lighting production and safety tests at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center
Ford F-150 Lighting production and safety tests | The Ford Motor Company

Average U.S. News Safety Score: 9.7/10

First, it’s important to note that several car brands tied for the third spot on U.S. News’ list of the safest car brands. Among them is Ford, which has put a lot of its time into making great SUVs and trucks. However, aside from that, the company has also upgraded its safety technologies and features.

For instance, the Ford Mustang Mach-E received a perfect 10, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick. The Ford Explorer and Explorer Hybrid ranked highly, too, each with a rating of 9.8. 

3. Subaru (Tie)

Average U.S. News Safety Score: 9.7/10

It’s no surprise that Subaru is one of the safest car brands in the industry. Depending on the model you choose, most vehicles come equipped with a long list of standard advanced safety features. These features include adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

The Crosstrek Hybrid SUV and Legacy are on top with a perfect 10. Plus, the Legacy happens to be an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It was also awarded five stars by the NHTSA — talk about impressive!

3. Hyundai (Tie)

Average U.S. News Safety Score: 9.7/10

Hyundai has stepped up its safety game over the past few years. The new Hyundai lineup also has a vehicle that will fit the ever-changing needs of drivers. Whether you need a small car or a full-size SUV, Hyundai will have what you need. 

The Hyundai Tucson has an almost perfect safety score of 9.9. It was also named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, and U.S. News called it a “2022 Best Compact SUV for the Money.” The Tucson Hybrid received the same score, while the Ioniq landed a perfect safety score.

3. Volvo (Tie)

Average U.S. News Safety Score: 9.7/10

Volvo has always put safety first. The Volvo S90 sedan did receive a perfect safety score. On the other hand, the Volvo V60 wagon also has an excellent safety score and was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS. Plus, the entire lineup of SUVs received the Top Safety Pick+ designation.

Now, you must be wondering what safety features are included with the models. Although features vary, a couple are traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic alert.

1. Mazda (Tie)

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

Mazda has tied for the number one spot on U.S. News’ list of the safest car brands, and for good reasons. 

The Mazda3 received a high safety score of 9.9 — that’s just about perfect. The IIHS named this car a Top Safety Pick+, and it received five stars in all crash tests from NHTSA. The Mazda CX-5 is another top model. It has a safety score of 9.9, and it was a finalist in U.S. News’ Best “Compact SUV for the Money” and “Best Compact SUV for Families”.

1. Genesis (Tie)

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

Genesis shares the number one spot with Mazda. Are you surprised?

The Genesis G90 received the brand’s only 10, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. It comes equipped with dozens of safety features, including navigation-linked cruise control and forward and reverse automatic emergency braking. If you need a smaller vehicle, we recommend the G80, which received a 9.9 rating. NHTSA awarded it five stars in all crash tests. The brand’s lowest score of 9.5 was awarded to the GV80.

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