University survey reveals safest cars
Monash University survey finds used cars are getting safer as more modern and better-equipped models enter the second-hand market.
The latest Monash University Used Car Safety Ratings survey reports a significant improvement in vehicle safety, with the average risk of death or serious injury for drivers in model released in 2022 reduced by 36% compared with those manufactured in 2002.
Based on data from the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), the 2024 ratings analysed 9.4 million vehicles involved in police-reported crashes and 2.6 million injured road users in Australia and New Zealand from 1987 to 2022.
The survey reported a significant improvement in vehicle safety over the past 20 years, with all 16 of the 'Safer Pick' vehicles made from 2004 onwards, and 91 per cent produced after 2008.
A statement from the MUARC said this reflects the advantages of newer vehicles in terms of safety features, design quality, and compliance with updated regulation.
Additionally, Electronic Stability Control has become widely available in vehicles since then.
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The survey found that medium, and small SUVs have more models rated five-stars for Overall Safety compared to small and medium cars, partly reflecting that most of these vehicles are newer.
However, small SUVs and light cars had the worst occupant protection, largely due to their lighter weight and sometimes poor specification for safety equipment.
Commercial utes and people movers performed relatively poorly in occupant protection, despite being heavier.
The report found these vehicles pose a high risk of injury to other road users, making crash avoidance technologies such as lane keep assist and autonomous braking vital.
In total, 534 vehicle models were rated out of five-stars for Overall Safety which reflects combined performance across Driver Safety, Other Road User Safety and Crash Avoidance, with one-star being the worst for safety and five-stars indicating the best rated vehicles for relative safety performance.
A total of 110 vehicles were allocated a 5-star rating, with 54 vehicles receiving a 'Safer Pick' rating after scoring five-stars for both Overall Safety and Driver Safety; and having a four- or five-star Other Road User Safety and Crash Avoidance.
The 16 Safer Pick vehicles that received five stars in every category are (in alphabetical order):
- Audi A4/S4/RS4/All Road (MY 2008-2015)
- Honda Civic (MY 2016-2021)
- Honda Odyssey (MY 2013-2021)
- Hyundai Tucson (MY 2015-2020)
- Mazda 3/Axela (MY 2013-2019)
- Mazda 6/Atenza (MY 2012-2022)
- Mazda CX-5 (MY 2017-2022)
- Mercedes Benz CLA-Class C117/X117 (MY 2013-2019)
- Mercedes Benz E-Class W212/C207/A207 (MY 2009-2016)
- Mercedes Benz GLA-Class X156 (MY 2014-2019)
- Mitsubishi Outlander (MY 2012-2021)
- Subaru Impreza/XV (MY 2016-2022)
- Toyota Camry (MY 2017-2022)
- Toyota Corolla (MY 2018-2022)
- Volkswagen Tiguan (MY 2016-2022)
- Volkswagen Touareg (MY 2011-2019)
For budget-conscious motorists, the ratings reveal that nearly all 'Safer Pick' vehicles are available second-hand for under $25,000, with over half priced at $10,000 or less.
This highlights the availability of safe options across various price ranges, particularly for young drivers.
With roughly three times more used cars sold in Australia each year than new, the university’s recently updated Used Car Safety Rating guide is a valuable tool to help consumers prioritise safety and make better informed purchases.
The 2024 Used Car Safety Ratings for Australia can be found here.
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