Buying a three- to five-year-old vehicle is the smartest way to access advanced safety systems without paying the premium for a new car. Technologies such as automatic braking and blind spot monitoring, which were previously available only in luxury sedans, have become standard on many popular models today.
This means that by selecting the right safe used car, you can get protection comparable to new cars at a much more attractive price. In this guide, we’ve compiled the top 10 safest cars of all time that combine reliability, advanced technology, and excellent crash test ratings.
A high level of vehicle safety increases your chances of surviving a serious accident, but also helps you avoid one altogether. Active safety systems play a crucial role. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) has been mandatory for all new vehicles in the United States since 2012. Its purpose is to prevent skidding by selectively applying brakes to individual wheels. (IIHS) shows that ESC reduces the risk of fatal crashes by 38% for cars and 56% for SUVs.
Passive safety is equally important. Body strength, crumple zones, and airbags determine how well a vehicle absorbs impact energy. Many of the best cars for surviving an accident were designed with a higher safety margin ten years ago and may be more robust than a new budget sedan. Therefore, analyzing structure and crash test results becomes a primary consideration.
In the United States, two main organizations conduct vehicle safety assessments: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Their reports serve as the primary source of objective information.
The IIHS awards Top Safety Pick (TSP) and Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) designations. To receive a TSP+ rating, a vehicle must pass six crash tests with a “Good” rating, and its headlights and collision prevention systems must receive high scores. NHTSA ratings assign one to five stars based on results from frontal and side impact tests, as well as rollover testing.
When evaluating the safest vehicle to drive, pay attention to specific Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The most beneficial include:
The Toyota Camry consistently maintains its reputation as one of the safest cars to drive year after year. Models manufactured after 2018 come standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes adaptive cruise control, a collision prevention system, and a lane-keeping function. High ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA make the Camry a predictable and safe choice for daily commuting.
The Honda Accord matches the Camry in terms of safety. For those considering used Hondas, models beginning with the 2018 model year come equipped with the Honda Sensing package, which includes adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking. The Accord features precise handling, which also contributes to active safety by allowing the driver to better control the vehicle on the road.
Although Ford discontinued the Fusion in 2020, it remains an attractive option in the pre-owned market. Used Ford models from recent production years were often equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 system, which included blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. Thanks to its solid construction and good crash test results, the Fusion provides a high level of protection.
The compact Honda CR-V SUV is a bestseller valued for its practicality, reliability, and safety. Fifth-generation models (from 2017 onward) regularly received the IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The CR-V offers a spacious interior and generous cargo capacity, making it an excellent addition to any list of safest family cars. All-wheel drive availability enhances confidence on Philadelphia’s slippery roads.
The premium Audi Q5 SUV offers exemplary safety and comfort. In pre-owned condition, used Audi models impress with build quality and advanced technology. Even in base versions from previous years, you can find the Audi pre sense city system, which can detect vehicles and pedestrians at speeds up to 52 mph and initiate braking. The quattro all-wheel drive provides superior road grip in all conditions.
The Hyundai Sonata challenges the stereotype that the safest car to buy must be expensive. This sedan offers a rich set of driver assistance systems, often included as standard equipment. Models after 2020 feature bold design and cutting-edge technology. The manufacturer’s extended warranty, part of which may transfer to the second owner, adds confidence to the purchase.
The Subaru Outback represents a unique combination of wagon and SUV. Its main advantage is standard symmetrical all-wheel drive and the EyeSight driver assistance suite, making it one of the top 5 safest cars available on the pre-owned market. EyeSight uses a stereo camera to monitor the road and control adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-keeping assist. High ground clearance makes it ideal for any road conditions.
The Toyota RAV4 is one of the world’s most popular compact SUVs for good reason. When searching for Toyota used cars, this model stands out as reliable, fuel-efficient, and exceptionally safe. Models manufactured from 2019 onward are built on the new TNGA platform, which provides improved handling and passive safety. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package makes the RAV4 one of the class leaders in protection.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a sense of solidity and protection thanks to its size and robust construction. Many consider it the safest SUV of all time due to its impressive safety record over multiple generations. This SUV is well-suited for families needing a spacious interior and confidence in off-road situations. When looking at a used Jeep for sale, it’s recommended to check IIHS and NHTSA reports for specific models.
For large families, the Toyota Highlander is considered one of the top safest cars. This three-row SUV consistently receives top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA. Like other Toyota models, the Highlander is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense package, offering a high level of protection for all passengers.
Finding a safest used SUV with a small budget is entirely feasible if you know what to look for. Here are some practical tips:
Choosing the safest used cars requires a careful approach and knowledge. At Rolls Auto Sales, we simplify this process. Each vehicle in our inventory undergoes thorough inspection, with transparent history. When considering what are the safest cars to drive, browse our selection of the safest used SUVs in Philadelphia and find a vehicle that will provide confidence on the road.
Rolls Auto Sales no es tu concesionaria típica. Nos enfocamos en la calidad, la transparencia y la satisfacción del cliente, asegurándonos de que cada cliente se vaya con una sonrisa. Además somos “un dealer cerca de mí que hable español". Aquí te mostramos por qué nos destacamos entre las agencias de autos en Filadelfia:
At Rolls Auto Sales, you will find a wide range of quality pre-owned vehicles that meets every need and budget. We keep our inventory fully serviced and inspected, offering peace of mind with every purchase. Our inventory includes anything from reliable sedans to spacious SUVs, making us one of the top used car dealers in Philadelphia, PA.
Bad credit? No problem! To get you approved, our financial gurus work their magic! We offer low down payment options for used vehicle financing in Philadelphia accommodating a variety of budgets and credit ratings, thanks to our strong relationships with banks and lenders.
We pride ourselves on offering competitive prices across our entire inventory. As a leader among used car dealerships in Philadelphia, we work hard to ensure you get the best deal on a reliable, fully inspected vehicle. Our regularly updated used car specials ensure that you’ll always find the best value.
Con décadas de experiencia, nuestro equipo está comprometido con brindarte un servicio excepcional. Desde la búsqueda hasta la compra, nuestro personal está aquí para ayudarte en cada paso, tratándote como parte de la familia. No dudes en agendar tu prueba de manejo — estamos listos para ayudarte a encontrar tu próximo auto. Solo revisa nuestras reseñas en Google y verás por qué somos uno de los mejores concesionarios de autos seminuevos en Filadelfia. "Es un dealer cerca de mí que hable español".
No solo vendemos autos, también te acompañamos en el camino. Aquí hay más razones para elegirnos:
Con precios competitivos, autos inspeccionados y un servicio al cliente excepcional, Rolls Auto Sales ha sido el destino confiable de Filadelfia para comprar autos seminuevos desde 2002. Visítanos y conoce nuestro inventario de autos usados cerca de ti. Estamos aquí para ayudarte a encontrar tu próximo vehículo, donde la calidad y tu satisfacción son nuestra prioridad. Puedes decir con seguridad: "Es un dealer cerca de mí que hable español y que cumpla con todos mis requisitos."
Sí, incluso con un puntaje de crédito alrededor de 500, aún puedes comprar un vehículo usado de calidad a través del concesionario Rolls Auto Sales en Filadelfia. Un puntaje de crédito entre 500 y 550 se considera subprime, lo que indica algunos desafíos financieros previos. Para mejorar tus posibilidades, es esencial proporcionar al prestamista prueba de empleo estable u otra fuente de ingresos que pueda cubrir confiablemente los pagos del préstamo. Muchos prestamistas buscan que los ingresos mensuales sean al menos tres veces el pago mensual.
Además, hay opciones de pago inicial bajo de alrededor del 10-15% del monto del préstamo para ayudarte a encontrar tu próximo auto, lo cual puede fortalecer tu solicitud.
Rolls Auto Sales ofrece una selección diversa de autos usados en Filadelfia, incluyendo sedanes, SUVs, camiones y vehículos de lujo. Esta amplia gama de opciones ayuda a los compradores a encontrar un vehículo que se ajuste a su presupuesto y estilo de vida. A diferencia de otros concesionarios de autos usados en Filadelfia, ofrecemos ofertas especiales en autos usados y revisiones detalladas del historial del vehículo para brindar tranquilidad a nuestros clientes. Puedes esperar excelentes estándares tanto en calidad del auto como en servicio al cliente cuando tratas con concesionarios confiables.
¡Claro que sí! El concesionario Rolls Auto en Filadelfia acepta vehículos como parte de pago, lo que puede ayudarte a reducir el costo de tu próxima compra. Cuando entregas tu vehículo, evaluaremos su valor basado en las condiciones del mercado y aplicaremos esa cantidad hacia tu compra. Para hacer tu compra más accesible, solicita financiamiento para un auto usado y explora términos que se ajusten a tu presupuesto. Además, puedes programar una prueba de manejo para experimentar de primera mano el vehículo antes de tomar una decisión final. Entregar tu auto es una manera conveniente de actualizarte a un modelo más nuevo mientras maximizas tu presupuesto en vehículos usados de calidad.
