4 Car Brands With the Most Reliable Safety Features That Won’t Break the Bank

MSRP:$23,550
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As J.D. Power noted, all Mazda3 cars offer good bang for the buck, and the Mazda3 hatchback is "Easy on the eyes and pleasing to drive." Eight inches shorter than the sedan, the hatchback offers a clean design with nearly 50% more cargo capacity. Mazda has a broad line of seven hatchback trims over a base price range of $23,550 to $36,365, depending on what performance and cosmetic upgrades you choose.

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There are numerous factors that weigh heavily into buying a car, but none more so than safety and cost. That being said, no one wants to sacrifice protecting their loved ones to save a few extra dollars, nor be hoodwinked into buying upgrades that they cannot afford.

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Luckily, there are car brands out there that consistently offer some of the best safety protection without high markups.

GOBankingRates connected with several automotive experts to find out the best car brands with the most reliable safety features that won’t break the bank.

Mazda

Mazda’s commitment to safety is evident in its cutting-edge i-ACTIVSENSE suite, a comprehensive package of advanced safety technologies, according to Joyce Gutierrez, an automotive expert for 4WheelOnline.

“This innovative system is designed to enhance driver awareness and mitigate potential hazards on the road,” she said. “Available on most Mazda models, i-ACTIVSENSE incorporates various features that work in tandem to provide a safer driving experience.”

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The main safety features Mazda offers are particularly valuable in urban environments and busy parking lots. Features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which detects approaching vehicles when reversing, are all key components of the i-ACTIVSENSE suite. Other notable i-ACTIVSENSE features Gutierrez highlighted, dependent on model, include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.

“The Mazda3 and CX-5 models stand out for their exceptional safety credentials, offering these advanced technologies at competitive prices,” Gutierrez said. “This makes high-level safety features accessible to a broader range of consumers, demonstrating Mazda’s dedication to prioritizing safety across its vehicle lineup.

“Mazda reinforces its position as a leader in automotive safety innovation by continuously refining and expanding this safety suite.”

Honda

Honda has established itself as a leader in automotive safety, offering advanced features without significantly increasing vehicle costs, Gutierrez said.

“The Honda Sensing package, a cornerstone of the brand’s commitment to safety, is now standard equipment on most new Honda models,” Gutierrez said. “This comprehensive suite of driver-assistive technologies includes several key features designed to enhance driver awareness and help prevent accidents.

“At the heart of the Honda Sensing package are two standout systems: collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation. The collision mitigation braking system uses radar and camera technology to detect potential frontal collisions, alerting the driver and automatically applying brake pressure if necessary.

“On the other hand, road departure mitigation helps keep the vehicle on the road by providing steering assistance and braking when it detects unintentional lane departure.”

“Popular models like the Honda Civic and CR-V exemplify the brand’s approach to accessible safety,” added Gutierrez. “These affordable vehicles come with the Honda Sensing package, offering buyers peace of mind without breaking the bank.”

Hyundai

“Hyundai SmartSense Technology has revolutionized the automotive safety landscape, bringing advanced driver assistance systems to a wider range of vehicles,” Gutierrez said. “This innovative suite of safety features is now available on more affordable models like the Elantra and Kona, making cutting-edge safety accessible to a broader audience.

“One of the fundamental elements of SmartSense is its forward collision-avoidance assist feature. This system uses sensors and cameras to detect potential frontal collisions with vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists. When a potential collision is detected, the system alerts the driver and can automatically apply the brakes if necessary, potentially preventing accidents or reducing their severity.”

The driver attention warning system is another essential component to Hyundai’s remarkable safety features.

“This technology monitors the driver’s steering patterns and other inputs to detect signs of fatigue or distraction,” Gutierrez said. “If the system detects that the driver’s attention may be compromised, it issues visual and audible warnings, encouraging the driver to take a break or refocus on the road.

“By incorporating these advanced safety features into their more budget-friendly models, Hyundai is demonstrating a commitment to democratizing safety technology,” Gutierrez added. “This approach enhances the value proposition of their vehicles and contributes to overall road safety by making these critical features available to a larger segment of drivers.”

Subaru

“Subaru EyeSight is an advanced driver-assist technology that enhances safety and convenience for Subaru drivers,” Gutierrez said.

That’s because this innovative system implements cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor the road ahead while providing intelligent features at the same time.

“One of the key components of EyeSight is the Pre-Collision Braking System, which can detect potential frontal collisions and apply the brakes to reduce impact or avoid the collision altogether,” Gutierrez explained, noting how the Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead by automatically adjusting speed.

“Lane Departure and Sway Warning alerts drivers if they unintentionally drift from their lane, while Lane Keep Assist gently steers the vehicle back into the correct position,” Gutierrez described. “The system also includes Lead Vehicle Start Alert, which notifies the driver when traffic ahead has started moving.”

Gutierrez mentioned how the EyeSight’s features extend to everyday driving situations with Pre-Collision Throttle Management, which can reduce engine power if an obstacle is detected in front of the vehicle when accelerating.

“Time and time again, Subaru ranks high on the list for safest vehicles,” agreed Ben Michael, director of auto at Michael & Associates. “They have been this way for a while, and I often recommend the brand because of their consistent reliability in terms of safety.”

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Car Brands With the Most Reliable Safety Features That Won’t Break the Bank