Our comprehensive guide explores the safest cars in the UK, highlighting their unique safety features and addressing common concerns across various vehicle types.
Best Safest Cars in the UK: 2024
Toyota Corolla
- ✓ Five-star Euro NCAP rating
- ✓ Advanced safety tech in base models
- ✓ Well-tested hybrid system
- ✓ Excellent visibility
- ✓ Top reliability rating
The Corolla addresses key safety concerns by combining modern safety technologies with proven reliability. It offers advanced features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning even in base models, proving that newer cars often outperform older ones in safety. The hybrid system is well-tested, addressing concerns about alternative powertrains. Excellent visibility and parking aids tackle common SUV-related worries, while Toyota’s reputation for reliability ensures fewer breakdowns and safer journeys.
Lexus NX 450h+
- ✓ Stable chassis with adaptive suspension
- ✓ Comprehensive safety suite
- ✓ Powerful plug-in hybrid system
- ✓ Large HD touchscreen for visibility
- ✓ Comfortable for long journeys
The Lexus NX 450h+ tackles SUV safety concerns with its well-engineered chassis and adaptive suspension, offering stability without compromising handling. It addresses technology worries with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including dynamic radar cruise control. The powerful plug-in hybrid system ensures safe overtaking, while the large touchscreen and camera system enhance visibility and parking safety. Long-distance driving concerns are mitigated by the quiet cabin and comfortable seats, reducing driver fatigue.
Honda Civic
- ✓ Five-star Euro NCAP rating
- ✓ 11 airbags and pop-up bonnet
- ✓ Excellent visibility
- ✓ Powerful hybrid system
- ✓ Intuitive infotainment system
The Honda Civic addresses safety concerns with its comprehensive safety package, earning a five-star Euro NCAP rating. It tackles visibility issues with slim pillars and large windows, while the powerful hybrid system ensures safe overtaking. Handling concerns are addressed through precise steering and good grip. The ergonomic interior design, with physical controls for key functions, minimizes driver distraction. The Civic proves that family cars can be both safe and enjoyable to drive.
Tesla Model Y
- ✓ Top Euro NCAP safety scores
- ✓ Robust structural safety
- ✓ Advanced Autopilot system
- ✓ Excellent camera system
- ✓ Long range to address range anxiety
The Tesla Model Y addresses electric vehicle safety concerns with top Euro NCAP scores, including 98% for safety assistance systems. Its robust construction tackles structural safety worries, while the advanced camera system and Autopilot feature address visibility and driver assistance concerns. The powerful electric drivetrain ensures safe overtaking, and the long range (up to 331 miles) combined with Tesla’s Supercharger network effectively tackles range anxiety issues common to electric vehicles.
BMW 5 Series
- ✓ Comprehensive driver aids
- ✓ Adaptive LED headlights
- ✓ Clear digital displays
- ✓ Precise steering and handling
- ✓ Comfortable, supportive seats
The BMW 5 Series addresses safety concerns with a host of electronic driver aids, including blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. Visibility worries are tackled with adaptive LED headlights and an optional 360-degree camera. The clear digital displays and retention of physical controls for key functions address driver distraction concerns. Handling and stability issues are mitigated by precise steering and well-controlled body movements, while comfortable seats reduce driver fatigue on long journeys.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- ✓ Standard AEB and blind-spot assist
- ✓ 360-degree camera system available
- ✓ Adaptive LED headlights
- ✓ Comfortable ride for long journeys
- ✓ Advanced voice control system
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class addresses safety concerns with standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot assist. Parking and maneuvering worries are tackled with an available 360-degree camera system. Visibility issues are addressed with adaptive LED headlights, while the comfortable ride reduces driver fatigue on long journeys. The advanced voice control system minimizes manual interactions while driving, addressing concerns about driver distraction.
Audi Q7 e-tron
- ✓ 30-mile electric-only range
- ✓ Predictive Efficiency Assistant
- ✓ Integration with adaptive cruise control
- ✓ High-performance LED headlights
- ✓ Strong acceleration for safe overtaking
The Audi Q7 e-tron addresses hybrid vehicle concerns with its 30-mile electric-only range, suitable for emission-free urban driving. The Predictive Efficiency Assistant tackles fuel economy worries while enhancing safety. Integration of efficiency systems with adaptive cruise control addresses concerns about balancing efficiency and safety. Visibility issues are mitigated with high-performance LED headlights, while the strong acceleration ensures safe overtaking, addressing performance concerns often associated with hybrid vehicles.
Volvo XC40
- ✓ Five-star Euro NCAP rating
- ✓ Advanced AEB system
- ✓ 360-degree camera system available
- ✓ Comfortable, adjustable front seats
- ✓ Easy-to-drive nature
The Volvo XC40 addresses safety concerns with its five-star Euro NCAP rating and advanced AEB system that recognizes cyclists, pedestrians, and large animals. Parking and maneuvering worries are tackled with an available 360-degree camera system. Driver fatigue concerns are addressed with comfortable front seats offering a wide range of adjustments. The easy-to-drive nature of the XC40 contributes to overall safety by reducing driver stress and enhancing confidence on the road.
Skoda Karoq
- ✓ Standard AEB, lane assist, and traffic-sign assist
- ✓ Excellent all-round visibility
- ✓ LED headlights on all models
- ✓ Composed handling with good grip
- ✓ Comfortable ride, especially on motorways
The Skoda Karoq addresses safety concerns with a range of standard features including AEB, lane assist, and traffic-sign assist. Visibility worries are tackled with excellent all-round visibility thanks to narrow pillars and big windows, complemented by LED headlights on all models. Handling concerns are addressed with composed handling and plenty of grip for confident cornering. The comfortable ride, especially on motorways, reduces driver fatigue, addressing concerns about long-distance driving safety.
Mazda CX-50
- ✓ Full suite of driver-assistance features
- ✓ Responsive handling with communicative steering
- ✓ Standard all-wheel drive
- ✓ Robust construction
- ✓ Typically good visibility
The Mazda CX-50 addresses safety concerns with a full suite of driver-assistance features as standard. Handling worries are tackled with responsive handling and communicative steering, providing confidence in various driving conditions. The standard all-wheel drive addresses traction concerns in adverse weather. Structural safety concerns are mitigated by the CX-50’s robust construction, while Mazda’s typical approach to good visibility helps address common SUV-related visibility issues.
