Safety is a key factor for many drivers. Not only are drivers and passengers better protected, but cars that perform better in government and insurance crash tests may entitle their owners to lower auto insurance rates.
In this article, we look at Toyota Corolla vs. Chevy Cruze safety and see how they stack up. These are two of the hottest models in the growing compact sedan class.
Crash Tests
The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the governmental agency that conducts crash tests on vehicles being sold in the United States. Those that pass these tests with high marks are the safest vehicles to drive, and cars that have the lowest insurance rates.
Other crash test data comes from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS similarly tests vehicles to determine their crash worthiness. This helps insurers set rates for models as cars that perform poorly in vehicle collisions present a greater risk for insurance companies.

photo credit: Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious
Toyota Corolla Safety Ratings
In NHTSA testing, the Toyota Corolla received high scores, but because it did not receive a perfect score of five stars in its frontal crash test, it may not qualify for the lowest car insurance rates.
The Corolla’s NHTSA results were as follows:
• Frontal crashes: Four stars
• Side, frontal crashes: Five stars
• Side, rear crashes: Four stars
The IIHS named the 2012 Corolla a “Top Safety Pick” meaning that it received a “Good” rating in frontal off-center, side impact, rear impact, and rollover crush testing.

photo credit: Collin Allen
Chevy Cruze Safety Ratings
The Chevy Cruze received higher ratings than the Toyota Corolla, and notably in the
frontal crash tests.
• Frontal driver impact: Five stars
• Frontal passenger impact: Five stars
• Side driver’s impact: Five stars
• Side rear impact: Five stars
Because the Chevy Cruze received five stars in both frontal crash tests, car insurance
companies will tend to favor the Cruze for lower car insurance rates than the Toyota Corolla. The 2012 Cruze was also named a “Top Safety Pick” by the IIHS.
Standard Safety Equipment
A car insurance company’s risk is reduced when a vehicle has effective safety features. This usually means lower insurance rates. Toyota Corolla has several of the features that encourage lower car insurance rates.
Some of these features are:
• Electronic stability control
• Accident avoidance system
• Daytime running lights
• Anti-lock brakes
• Several airbags
The Chevrolet Cruze also has these standard safety features, but the Chevy Cruze also has the standard feature of OnStar installed in every model of the Chevy Cruze. The Toyota Corolla only has the option of installing an anti-theft system for its vehicles.
The Verdict
When considering Toyota Corolla vs. Chevy Cruze safety, both models offer drivers a lot of protection in accident. However, the Cruze gets the edge as it scores better in crash tests. It is the newer model with more safety features and this can mean lower insurance rates.
Whether you have a Corolla, Cruze, or any other model, see how much you can save on auto insurance by entering your zip code on our site for free quotes from leading insurers in your state. You can compare rates and save!






[...] Other crash test data comes from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS similarly tests vehicles to determine their crash worthiness. This helps insurers set rates for models as cars that perform poorly in vehicle collisions present a greater risk for insurance companies.Source: bestcarinsurancecompanies.net [...]
[...] Other crash test data comes from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS similarly tests vehicles to determine their crash worthiness. This helps insurers set rates for models as cars that perform poorly in vehicle collisions present a greater risk for insurance companies.Source: bestcarinsurancecompanies.net [...]