HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS

Top Safety Picks 2007


2011 winners | 2010 winners | 2009 winners | 2008 winners | 2007 winners | 2006 winners

Criteria: The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The first requirement for a vehicle to become a Top Safety Pick is to earn good ratings in all three Institute tests. A new requirement for 2007 is that the winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control. This addition is based on Institute research indicating that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers.

However, don't compare ratings across vehicle size groups because size and weight influence occupant protection in serious crashes. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford more protection than smaller, lighter ones. Top Safety Picks are the best vehicle choices for safety within size categories, but this doesn't mean a small car that's a Top Safety Pick affords more protection than a bigger car that doesn't earn the award.

Note: Top Safety Picks 2007 are 2007 models, unless otherwise noted.

Large cars

Audi A6
Ford Taurus 2008 models with optional electronic stability control
Mercury Sable 2008 models with optional electronic stability control
Volvo S80

Midsize cars

Audi A4
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy with optional electronic stability control

Midsize convertibles

Saab 9-3
Volvo C70

Minivans

Hyundai Entourage
Kia Sedona

Midsize SUVs

Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Ford Edge
Ford Taurus X 2008 models
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes M class
Subaru B9 Tribeca
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs

Honda CR-V
Subaru Forester with optional electronic stability control

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1005 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22201 USA | tel 703/247-1500 | fax 703/247-1588