Vehicle safety is especially critical right now since eight percent more people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 compared to 2019, despite drivers driving 13 percent less miles. Empty lanes are inviting high speeds and reckless driving.
We have compiled a list of the safest cars of 2021. These are the only 2021 model cars which meet the following, strict qualifications:
- Are 2021 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners
- Scored 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA’s overall, frontal crash, side crash, and rollover crash test ratings
- Offer standard or optional forward collision warning, lane departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support systems
2021 Acura TLX
This car scored the highest grade possible in all but two metrics tested by IIHS, and did not have a “poor” score for any metrics. The car received a “marginal” rating for lower leg/foot driver injury measures in small overlap front: driver-side crash testing, and an “acceptable” score for leg/foot, right driver injury measures in moderate overlap front crash testing.
Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support systems are all standard on the 2021 Acura TLX.
2021 Mazda3
The 2021 Mazda 3 also scored the highest grade it could in all but two metrics that IIHS tested, and also failed to score a “poor” score in any metric. The torso driver injury measures for side crash testing received an “acceptable” score, as did the car’s overall headlight rating for the 2.5 S trim model.
The 2021 Mazda3 comes standard with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support systems.
2021 Subaru Legacy
The 2021 Subaru Legacy scored the highest grade possible in every metric tested by IIHS save for one. It did not receive a “poor” grade in any metric. It received an “acceptable” rating for passenger restraints and dummy kinematics during small overlap front: passenger-side crash testing.
This car has standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support systems.
2021 Tesla Model 3
The 2021 Tesla Model 3 scored as high as it possibly could in all but three of the metrics that IIHS tested, and did not receive a “poor” score in any area tested. It received an “acceptable” rating for child seat anchor latch ease of use, and an “acceptable” overall rating regarding child seat anchors. It also received an “acceptable” rating for lower leg/foot driver injury measures in small overlap front: driver-side crash testing.
Standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support systems are all standard on the Tesla Model 3.
2021 Toyota Camry
The 2021 Toyota Camry received the best possible grade in every metric tested except “acceptable” grades for passenger restraints and dummy kinematics in small overlap front: passenger-side crash testing, and headlight ratings with every trim, except for Hybrid XLE trim equipped with Adaptive Headlights package, which received the best possible grade.
Standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, crash imminent braking, and dynamic brake support systems all come standard on this car.
Jeffrey Nadrich
Jeffrey Nadrich is a nationally-recognized California plaintiff’s personal injury attorney. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley and UC Hastings College of the Law. He has successfully represented thousands of injury clients over the last 40 years.
