Top Safety Picks 2010
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, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. To earn Top Safety Pick for 2010 a vehicle must have good ratings in all four Institute tests. In addition, the winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control. This requirement 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 2010 are 2010 models, unless otherwise noted. Large carsBuick LaCrosse Midsize carsAudi A3 Small carsHonda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control MinicarsFord Fiesta sedan and hatchback 2011 models built after 7/10 MinivansToyota Sienna 2011 models Midsize SUVsAudi Q5 Small SUVsHonda Element |
