When car shoppers come to our dealership they ask, “Are small cars safe?” The short answer we give is yes! Smaller vehicles are often preferred by drivers who want better fuel efficiency and a more maneuverable ride. But many people worry that they’re not as safe as larger, heavier models.
Here are the facts about car safety you should know:
Bigger Cars Are Safer Than Smaller Ones
Despite their smaller size, small cars can still be just as safe as larger ones if they have the right safety features installed. However, because of their lightweight and small size, small cars are more susceptible to rollovers during accidents. Bigger, modern cars are safer in frontal crashes thanks to their bigger crumple zones and longer hoods.
Older (Bigger) Cars are Not Safer Than Newer (Smaller) Cars
A big car that was built 10 years ago may lack features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. In contrast, today’s small cars are packed with the latest safety tech such as forward collision warning systems, backup cameras, and blind spot detection. For this reason, modern small cars are a safer option.
Crash Test Score Don’t Compare Across Size Classes
It’s important to note that all car size classes are not created equal. In other words, the results of a small car crash test may not be directly comparable to a larger vehicle of the same class. Therefore, don’t take crash test scores at face value—always do your own research before purchasing any vehicle.
All Vehicles Have Benefitted From Safety Advances
Over the years, many of these safety features have trickled down from luxury brands to affordable models. For example, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) first crash-tested minivans and SUVs in the 1990s and then evaluated passenger cars beginning in 1995. As a result, small cars now include similar technologies as larger vehicles. According to 2015 IIHS data, death per million registered vehicles, smaller cars had the lowest death rate of any category at 57%.
Why Buy a Small Car?
If you’re looking to downsize and buy a smaller and more compact car, there are several reasons why these vehicles may be a good choice for you. Smaller cars are often cheaper, more fuel efficient, and easier to maneuver in busy cities. Additionally, some smaller cars are just as safe or even safer than larger vehicles when it comes to crash test results.
Need Help Buying a Small Car? York Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Will Help!
If you’re interested in buying a small car, but aren’t sure where to start, reach out to York Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. We’ll offer test drives and comparison tools to help you learn more about the different models available and the options at your disposal. Contact us today to learn more.
Connect with us
