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7 of the Safest (and Affordable) Cars For Families
By Josephine Nesbit,
1 day ago
Valerii Apetroaiei / Getty Images
Affordability and safety are the top concerns when purchasing a family vehicle. But that’s not always easy to find. Some cars may look great and meet all of your requirements, but that doesn’t mean they’re the safest.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are essential sources for researching the safest cars for families. The NHSTA has a five-star safety rating program, and the IIHS gives the Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards to vehicles based on their performance during crash testing and other evaluations.
To help, we compiled a list of the safest (and most affordable) family cars using data from the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ designations in 2024. Prices are for 2024 base models using Consumer Reports (CR) data. Also check out which affordable car brands that rarely need repairs .
The IIHS gave the 2024 Mazda CX-30 the highest rating of “G” or “Good” in all crash tests and a G+ for ease of use on the vehicle’s latch system for child seats. Fuel economy is about 27 mpg overall, and the CX-30 benefits from responsive handling. CR noted that the interior rear seat is compact, and small side windows could hurt outward visibility.
The Kia Telluride also received a score of Good in all crash tests. The three-row, midsized SUV seats up to eight people, and CR called it one of the best in the category. The interior is very roomy and quiet. The second-row seating can also slide or fold with only the touch of a button. Overall, fuel economy is 21 mpg, which isn’t necessarily great, but it’s still one of the safest family cars in 2024.
Honda HR-V
Base MSRP: $24,600
The Honda HR-V has a score of Good for crashworthiness, but it received an A, or “acceptable,” for headlights and latch system ease of use. It has a roomy interior and a 27 mpg overall fuel economy, but CR found that the 158-hp, 2.0-liter engine was underpowered. However, the cabin has plenty of headroom and visibility over the hood is very good.
Hyundai Tucson
Base MSRP: $27,500
According to the IIHS, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson scored Good on crashworthiness, but its “front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0” system earned an M for marginal. Besides that, the headlights and latch ease of use were deemed Acceptable. The vehicle is quiet and responsive. The back seat is also roomy and there’s plenty of cargo space. The Tucson has a respectable overall fuel economy of 26 mpg, but its hybrid version has an impressive 35 mpg overall.
Honda Accord
Base MSRP: $27,897
The midsize Honda Accord earned a score of Good in most tests and an A for the “front crash prevention: pedestrian” system. This is one of the best midsize sedans in terms of affordability and safety. The interior is roomy and user-friendly. Its fuel economy is 32 mpg overall, which is difficult to beat.
Hyundai Kona
Base MSRP: $24,250
The IIHS gave the Hyundai Kona a G rating for crashworthiness, its front crash prevention system and seat belt reminders. Latch ease of use and headlights received were Acceptable. This model was redesigned, and CR noted that it feels more “mature and substantial” than the original model. This model is also larger and has more room for passengers and cargo. Overall fuel economy is 26 mpg.
Mazda CX-90
Base MSRP: $37, 845
The Mazda CX-90 is the priciest on our list, but it’s more affordable than other vehicles with three-row seating. It also received a score of Good on most IIHS tests, and CR pointed out that the second row is room and the third row is best suited for kids. Overall fuel economy is 24 mpg, according to CR.
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