The 10 Safest Cars of 2019

BUCKLE UP

When it comes to driving, we take a risk every time we sit behind the wheel. We also take a risk with our health and the environment when we drive cars that produce too many emissions and not enough safety. When you go to buy a new car, you should have peace of mind knowing that your car is one of the safest on the road. But before you purchase your new ride, you also need to know how safety ratings are measured on every vehicle. Queensland Government’s own Street Smart’s Car Safety Guide can help you measure the safety rating of your vehicle just by the make, model and price and even if it’s P-Plate approved.
Whether you’re a P-Plater or a highly experienced driver, it doesn’t hurt to look at the ANCAP Safety Rating of your car of choice. Since 1993, the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has shared its vision of making new cars safe for all. On their website, you can determine the level of any new car produced (from 2017 onwards) through their test results. This saves you finding out the hard way… During the safety test, all cars are evaluated in four different coloured categories

• Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)
• Child Occupant Protection (COP)
• Vulnerable Road User Protection (VRU)
• Safety Assist (SA)

These categories are very self-explanatory. This is due to the fact that all vehicles must meet all four of these requirements in order to pass the ANCAP Safest Rating Test. Whether they pass or fail, each vehicle will receive an overall rating. If you’re still unsure about which car is right for you, don’t stress we’ve found the best 10 safest cars for 2019. Below each review is a link to the ANCAP safety rating for each vehicle.

SAFEST CARS OF 2019

1.2019 Toyota Corolla ZR Hatch
The once regarded best selling hatchback on the Australian market, the Toyota Corolla, has now gotten a facelift. We don’t mean just in looks but also in safety features. The new Corolla offers the next generation of drivers safety features like six airbags, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, active cornering control, adaptive cruise and a reversing camera. The all-new Toyota Corolla is definitely suitable for drivers who are fresh off their learners. With all these safety features, the petrol-fueled car will help keep any driver and passenger safe on our roads. You’ll have peace of mind knowing it gained a 5-star rating badge as well.
Price: $22,870-30,370
Safety Rating: 5 Stars
AOP:96% COP:83% VRU:86% SA76:%

2.2019 Volkswagen Touareg
Another amazing German-engineered SUV with all the latest features; 3.0L, V6 Turbo, Diesel engine, cruise control and satellite navigation. The Touareg is designed to take you and your mates anywhere, making road trips a breeze with safety features like; driver fatigue detection, auto emergency braking, front and rear cross-traffic alert not to mention it also has eight airbags. It also has a handy 3.5-tonne capacity for those who love caravaning in our great outdoors. Did we mention it has a 5-star safety rating?
Price: Starting from $89,990
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 Stars
AOP:89% COP:88% VRU:72% SA:78%

3.2019 Kia e-Niro
This pint-sized Korean-made EV was first released in Paris, 2018 and is the second series of EVs to be sold by KIA. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it’s also one of the safest EVs on the road. The small SUV is jam-packed with features like dual frontal, head, side and knee airbags, with a 64kWh to a powerful 150kW motor to produce an incredible 395Nm torque. Not to mention it also got a 5-star rating.
Price: Set to release late 2019 in Australia at around $55k-$65k
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 Stars
AOP:91% COP:80% VRU:70% SA:81%

4.2019 Nissan Leaf
One of the more popular ‘fuel-free’ vehicles is the Nissan Leaf. This unusual yet stylish EV offers great features like sat-nav, plenty of room in the back, reversing camera and airbags galore. So, if you have a young family, you’ll be happy to know that the child occupant protection sits at a high 85%, making this car safe to handle the school run. The Nissan Leaf also includes safety features such as; AEB, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, active cruise control and blind-spot monitoring as well as auto high-beam headlights. And let’s not forget the 5-star rating.
Price:$49,990
Safety Rating: 5 Stars
AOP:93% COP:85% VRU:71% SA:70%

5.2019 Subaru Forester 2.5iS
The famous Japanese four-door wagon has really impressed a lot of Australian road users with its incredibly spacious seating and is considered to be highly competitive in safety tech. Some aspects of safety tech include emergency braking and the camera-based monitoring system. This monitoring system allows the vehicle to detect the condition of the driver (via facial recognition) and will automatically change the driving conditions to suit. These safety features are perfect for outgoing drivers who enjoy off-roading and plenty of road trips. The Forester brings safety to a whole new level making it amongst the safest car in Australia.
Price:$35,890
Safety Rating: 5 Stars
AOP:94% COP:86% VRU:80% SA:78%

6.2019 Toyota Fortuna GX
The super-stylish yet very popular Toyota Fortuner comes in diesel only and has a 4 cylinder 2.8L engine. Its basic features also include seven seats, four doors, 6-speed automatic and a five-year warranty. The large SUV is perfect for families wanting the ideal road trip whilst enjoying all the extras this car has to offer. Plus it scored a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Its likeness can be compared to other cars like the Mitsubishi Pajero, Isuzu MU-X and the Ford Everest.
Price $44,990 – $59,990
ANCAP Safety Rating: 5 Stars
AOP:95% COP:84% VRU:88% SA:78%

7.2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Coming in at number seven on our list is the Tesla Model 3. Tesla’s hatchback range is packed with the complete safety range that can be closely compared to the Toyota Corolla. Such features like; six airbags, AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking), blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and not to mention the highly anticipated autopilot mode. Though there are some differences to the Corolla, there’s also the high price tag that comes along with it. So, if you’re after an EV with sophistication and high-quality safety, then look no further than the Tesla Model 3. And on that note, with a high price tag, you’ll expect a high ANCAP safety rating.
Price:$92,900
Safety Rating: 5 Stars
AOP:96% COP:87% VRU:74% SA:94%

8.2019 Mercedes-Benz B-Class B180 Sports Tourer
The timeless Merc B-Class brings a car suitable for a growing family and is more practical than its A-Class series counterparts. Like high-end vehicles, the B-Class has similar features like most of their competition. For instances, the new B-Class comes with parking sensors (both front and back), traffic sign assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, AEB, auto-folding mirrors, a reverse camera and not to mention the PreSafe. The Pre Safe Limited is only available for all new Mercedes Benz vehicles and is a system designed to warn the driver that a service is required. The Pre Safe software also alerts the driver if an accident is about to occur and thus will take action to prevent it. On that note of safety, it also earned a safety rating of 5 stars.
Price:$46,400
Safety Rating: 5 Stars
AOP:96% COP:92% VRU:78% SA:76%

9.2019 Toyota Hilux SR
This is the third Toyota on our list and has yet again produced one of the highest-selling utes in Australia. The famous go-to tradie vehicle, the HiLux is not only safe but incredibly reliable with safety features like; side curtain airbags, downhill assist, emergency hand brake assist as well as the trailer sway control. Though it doesn’t have AEB, the Toyota HiLux still managed to come up on top with a 5-star rating.
Price:$48,640
Safety Rating: 5 Stars
AOP:96% COP:87% VRU:88% SA:78%

10.2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Active Diesel
Lastly, a car fit for off-roading and weekend escapes, the new Hyundai Santa Fe promises to lead by example and deliver a ‘more bang for your buck’ family SUV. Though our safety car list has more SUV’s on it than any other type of vehicle, there are few safety features that make this car stand out from the rest. For example, The Sante Fe Active Diesel has a very generous safety package like; active cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, ABS, stability and traction controls, leather wheel with shifter, rear parking sensors, heated and folding rear vision mirrors as well as a high and low speed AEB. It’s a well priced safe vehicle with all the bells and whistle with plenty of room, perfect for a family to grow into. And yes you’d be right in assuming it has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Price:$39,220 – 46,640
Safety Rating: 5 Stars
AOP:94% COP:86% VRU:67% SA:78%

OFF INTO THE SUNSET…

When dealing with new cars, always bear in mind to check the safety ratings as this can help you choose the best car suitable you. Every time you drive, please remember that it isn’t just you on the road and to be aware of other road users and pedestrians. The safety features mentioned are only guidelines used to assist any driver during their daily commute. This is just an indication and such safety features should not be solely relied upon. Always stay alert regardless of your journey and destination and drive safely.

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