If you’re looking for a car to keep you and your family safe, you’re in the right place! We’ve compiled a list of Canada’s safest cars for 2023. Safety is a crucial factor when choosing a car, and today’s cars come with advanced features to protect you in case of accidents. Let’s take a closer look at the top picks and how safety is assessed.
Why People mostly Use Cars in Canada ?
It’s important to note that while cars are a common mode of transportation in Canada, there is a growing awareness of environmental concerns, and efforts are being made to promote more sustainable transportation options, such as public transit, cycling, and electric vehicles, particularly in urban areas to reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
People in Canada use cars for various reasons, similar to people in many other countries. Some of the primary reasons for using and buying used cars in Canada include:
Geographical Size:
Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area, and its vast expanse makes it challenging to rely solely on public transportation, especially in remote or less densely populated areas. Cars provide a convenient means of transportation to access remote locations.
Limited Public Transportation:
While major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have well-developed public transportation systems, many smaller towns and rural areas have limited or no public transit options. In these areas, cars are often the only practical way to get around.
Harsh Climate:
Canada experiences harsh winters with heavy snowfall in many regions. Cars provide essential mobility during winter months when public transportation services may be disrupted or less reliable.
Commuting:
Many Canadians use cars for daily commuting to work, especially in suburban or rural areas where distances between home and work can be significant. Cars offer flexibility in terms of timing and routes for commuting.
Convenience:
Cars provide the convenience of door-to-door transportation and allow people to transport groceries, belongings, and family members with ease. They offer flexibility in terms of travel schedules and destinations, which may not be as readily available with public transit.
Recreational Activities:
Canada’s natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, such as camping, hiking, fishing, and skiing, often require the use of a car to reach remote parks and wilderness areas.
Lack of Alternative Options:
In some areas of Canada, alternatives like biking, walking, or ridesharing services may not be practical due to long distances, limited infrastructure, or adverse weather conditions.
Job Requirements:
Certain jobs, such as those in construction, agriculture, or remote resource extraction industries, may require employees to have access to a vehicle for transportation to job sites.
Personal Preferences: Some people simply prefer the convenience, privacy, and autonomy that comes with owning and using a personal vehicle.
How Car Safety Is Evaluated:
In Canada, we rely on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) based in the U.S. to test and rate vehicle safety. The IIHS conducts various tests to evaluate a car’s crashworthiness, including frontal and side crash tests. They also assess features like automatic emergency braking and headlights. The IIHS rates cars as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor in most tests.
Criteria for Top Safety Picks:
The highest safety rating is called “Top Safety Pick+.” For a car to earn this title in 2023, it needs to excel in several areas:
1. Good ratings in specific crash tests.
2. Advanced or superior ratings in vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention.
3. Acceptable or good ratings for headlights.
The Safest Small Cars in Canada:
- 2023 Honda Civic:
– Achieved Top Safety Pick status.
– Received good ratings in all crash tests.
– Superior front-crash prevention rating in daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian testing.
– Good nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian collision avoidance.
– “Good”-rated standard LED headlights.
2. 2023 Mazda Mazda3:
– Earned Top Safety Pick designation.
– Got Good ratings in all crash tests.
– Superior ratings for standard automatic emergency braking system in vehicle-to-pedestrian day and night tests.
3. 2023 Toyota Corolla:
– Named IIHS Top Safety Pick.
– Good crash test scores except in updated side and moderate-overlap tests.
– Good-rated standard LED projector headlights.
4. 2023 Acura Integra:
– Achieved Top Safety Pick+ status.
– Earned Good crash test scores across the board.
– Superior vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention day and night.
– Acceptable standard LED projector headlights.
The Safest Midsize Cars in Canada:
5. 2023 Honda Accord:
– Earned Top Safety Pick+ ratings.
– Good crash test scores.
– Superior ratings in daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian collision avoidance tests.
– Advanced rating in nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian collision avoidance.
– Good standard LED reflector headlights with automatic high beams.
6. 2023 Hyundai Sonata:
– Received Top Safety Pick rating.
– Good crash tests (except updated side tests).
– Superior and Advanced vehicle-to-pedestrian crash-avoidance ratings.
– Good-rated optional LED projector headlights.
7. 2023 Subaru Legacy:
– Rated as one of Canada’s safest midsize vehicles.
– Top Safety Pick designation.
– Good ratings in all original crash tests.
– Superior-rated vehicle-to-pedestrian tests day and night.
– Good-rated standard curve-adaptive LED projector headlights with automatic high beams.
8. 2023 Subaru Outback:
– Designated as one of the safest cars in Canada.
– Top Safety Pick+.
– Good ratings in all crash tests.
– Good-rated standard LED headlights.
– Superior ratings in both automatic emergency braking tests.
9. 2023 Toyota Camry:
– Achieved Top Safety Pick+.
– Good ratings in all crash tests.
– Superior ratings in both tests of standard automatic emergency braking (day and night).
– Acceptable non-curve-adaptive LED projectors on the XSE trims.
The Safest Midsize Luxury Cars in Canada:
10. 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan:
– The lone Top Safety Pick+ winner in the midsize luxury class.
– Good ratings in all crash tests.
– Good-rated standard LED projector headlights.
– Superior-rated optional Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function.
11. 2023 Lexus ES 350:
– Earned Top Safety Pick.
– Good ratings in all crash tests (except the updated side-impact test).
– Good-rated standard LED projector with high-beam assist.
– Advanced and Superior day and night vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention systems.
The Safest Large Luxury Car in Canada:
12. 2023 Genesis G90:
– The safest of the large luxury models.
– Good ratings in all crash and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests.
– Acceptable rating for standard LED projector headlights with high-beam assist.
Conclusion:
These cars are reliable for getting around and prioritize your safety. Whether you’re looking for a small, midsize, or luxury car, these top picks have earned their titles for a reason. When you’re out shopping for a car, consider options like Empire Auto Group to ensure you’re making a safe choice for you and your loved ones.
