2012 car safety ratings are out. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a non-profit organization funded by insurance companies, has released its list of 2012 “Top Safety Picks”. In total, an impressive 115 models made the list, which is more than half of all new models.
Automakers have really put an emphasis on safety. 2005 was the first year the IIHS released its “Top Safety Picks” and only 11 models made the list. New federal laws that require all new 2012 models to have electronic stability control (ESC) as a standard feature have bolstered the list. ESC has proven in studies to reduce the loss of vehicle control and reduce the number of accident.
IIHS Testing
In order to determine which are the top safety cars of 2012, the IIHS put models under a series of test including front, side, rear and rollover strength resistance. In order to be awarded a “Top Safety Pick” designation, the model had to score a “Good” in all tests.
The models that sit atop the 2012 car safety ratings list range from the diminutive Fiat 500 to full-size pickups such as the Ford F-150 Crew Cab. In fact, three other “minicars” made the list besides the 500: the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris hatchback (four-door). Green cars such as the Toyota Prius and plug-in Chevy Volt and all-electric Nissan Leaf also made the list.
Safest Models
Honda made a big step up in the 2012 safety ratings. The IIHS cited the Japanese automaker for the most improvement. 10 of the 18 models that were new to the list this year were Honda or Acura models. The IIHS found that Honda had significantly upgraded the quality of its models roof construction to better withstand rollover accidents.
Not surprisingly, large and luxury cars did very well in the ratings. “Top Safety Picks” form these classes include the Acura TL, Acura TSX, Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi A6, BMW 5 series (except 4-wheel drive and V8 models), Buick LaCrosse, Buick Regal, Buick Verano, Cadillac CTS, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Equus, Hyundia Genesis, Infiniti M37/M56 (except M56x), Lincoln MKS, Lincolnk MKZ, Mercedes-Benz C class, Mercedes-Benz E class, Saab 9-5, Toyota Avalon, Volkswagen CC (except 4-wheel drive models), Volvo C30 and Volvo S80.
Drivers With Safe Cars Can Save
These car safety ratings of 2012 should help you evaluate which models would provide you and your family the most protection in the event of a collision. Vehicle safety can also help you lower your auto insurance rates, and make you eligible for discounts. You can learn more by checking the complete IIHS list, comparing crash data results from the
NHTSA website, and in our 2012 safest cars article.
