Smaller cars that get high gas mileage are getting safer -- a lot safer. None of the 13 small cars recently tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety were rated poor in any of the four key crash tests. Six of them were given the coveted Top Safety Pick rating in their size class."The list of cars with the best fuel economy now includes those with the highest crash test ratings in their class, too," says David Zuby, the Institute's chief research officer."
Still, Zuby points out that small, lightweight cars "don't protect their occupants as well as bigger, heavier ones. Even though fuel prices sometimes defy gravity, the laws of physics always are in effect for cars. That's why it's important that the crashworthiness designs of smaller cars be as good as possible. The new ratings demonstrate that small cars are much safer than they used to be."
The ratings are based on performance in front, side, rollover, and rear impact evaluations. Cars that earn the top rating of good in each test and come with electronic stability control qualify for Top Safety Pick.
Those with the top rating in the latest round of testing:
- 2012 Ford Focus
- 2012 Honda
- 2011 Hyundai Elantra
- 2011 Lexus CT 200h hybrid
- 2011 Nissan Juke
- 2011 Toyota Prius
The Dodge Caliber, Honda CR-Z and Insight hybrids, Nissan Sentra and Versa, Scion xD, and Suzuki SX4 also were rated but didn't come in as top safety picks. In addition, other small cars with alternative powertrains have scored well, too -- namely, the Nissan Leaf electric car, shown being crash tested above, and the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric.
In 2006, when the IIHS began awarding Top Safety Pick, only 3 small cars earned the designation (Honda Civic, Saab 9-2X, and Subaru Impreza) and the tests weren't as tough. Now 22 small models have the rating, under tests that now include the roof test, the ESC requirement and a harder rear impact test.
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