Family Fun With a Top Rated Safety Car
Oct 24, 2011
It’s great to have a stylish car, but stylish doesn’t always mean it’s a viable option for a family car. Today, we’re offering our top five favorite cars that also made the list of IIHS Top Safety Picks.
To determine crashworthiness, the Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. To be a top safety pick, a vehicle must have good ratings in all four Institute tests.
1. Chevrolet Traverse
In the $30,000 price range, this car has made the list a few times. It’s a popular SUV option for families due to its practical features like seating for up to eight passengers, a huge amount of cargo space, and reasonable fuel economy for its size.
2. Ford Explorer
A car-based crossover vehicle with unibody construction, this Explorer has improved in recent years to provide a better ride, better handling, and better fuel efficiency.
3. Honda Odyssey
A minivan, sure, but a cool minivan! In the $30,000 price range, this minivan offers extremely responsive handling, which makes for a smooth ride even on highways. Another great feature is the extra-wide 16in screen in the backseat: big enough to show two movies. The kids will love it!
4. Hyundai Sonata
Great for a parent who is also a professional, this car provides a mix of sleekness and a top safety rating. This car is brand new for 2011, in the $20,000s, has an excellent warranty, and is also available as a hybrid.
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Great for families that deal with inclement weather frequently, this is a vehicle that is just as rugged as it sounds. The 2011 Jeep family has been redesigned to be rugged enough for off-roading while also providing a quality experience on city streets.
Out of the many cars on the list, these are the ones we chose as the top five for both safety and style. Which one do you like best?
