These Popular Cars Have Some of the Worst Safety Ratings Around
Safety isn’t the most fun part of car shopping, but it’s the one that can literally save your life. Some cars may look good on the road, but crash test poorly. Keep reading as we look at 10 rides that are the opposite of reassuring.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is the lowest-rated sub-compact. Small, cheap, and sadly, not very safe, the Mirage ranks low in crash protection and stability. Its flimsy build and lack of safety tech make it feel like a tin can on wheels, not a shield in a crash.
Fiat 500L
The 500L has European quirkiness and charm, but those fade quickly when you see the safety ratings. For compacts, the 500L is rated the least safe. Its poor crash results and limited driver assist features make it not ideal for anyone whose safety is a priority. Is it cute? Definitely. But in a crash, cute is not going to protect you.
Lincoln MKS
Big and plush, the MKS feels like a safe haven until you check the safety data. Below-average crash scores and outdated driver aids make it the mid-sized luxury vehicle with the worst safety ratings. It’s the kind of car that looks like a fortress but protects like a garden shed.
Dodge Journey
With “family SUV” in its name, you’d expect safety to be a selling point. Unfortunately, the Journey’s poor crash test scores and lack of modern safety features make it a questionable choice for hauling loved ones.
Chrysler 200
This mid-sized sedan looks sleek enough to be a reliable commuter, but its crash test performance tells a different story. Poor visibility and subpar side impact results knock it down the safety scale. It’s all style and no survival skills.
Chrysler Town & Country
Minivans are supposed to be rolling fortresses for families, but the Town & Country misses the mark. Weak crash scores and no active safety tech make it feel old school. Comfort is there, but crash confidence is not.
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Luxury badges don’t mean bulletproof safety. The CLA 250 has style and performance, but its narrow body and mediocre crash protection make it one of the compact luxury vehicles with the lowest safety ratings. It’s a reminder that some “entry-level luxury” models skimp in places you can’t afford to compromise.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport is an adventure vehicle, but not entirely an adventure-safe vehicle. It has rugged looks and an off-road capable nature; however, it fails in key crash tests. For a car that’s all about exploring, you would hope for more peace of mind when the ground gets rough or another car decides to come your way.
Cadillac Escalade
Big does not mean safe. The Escalade's high center of gravity and poor crash ratings mean that it is not as safe as other large luxury SUVs. It may be big, but when it comes to crash protection, the numbers don’t add up.
Mitsubishi I-MiEV
With light weight and minimal crash protection, the i-MiEV earned last place in the safety category for green vehicles. The vehicle is excellent for minimizing emissions, but in an accident, you'll wish that quiet motor had a little more meat behind it.
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier is rugged, but it has an old design and poor crash test scores. There are no advanced safety features, and the Frontier's handling is average at best, which gives it an antiquated feeling. Drivers who value safety typically avoid this vehicle.
