We all try to drive safely and avoid accidents. Unfortunately not all collisions can be avoided, ICBC reported an average of 41,000 crashes per year on Vancouver Island alone. Luckily, vehicles are safer than ever which means that the vehicle you choose could not only help you remain unharmed if an accident occurs- it can help you avoid accidents as well. So how can you select a vehicle with safety in mind?
Safety ratings are heavily advertised by manufacturers on new vehicles, but it can be hard to navigate what vehicle will keep you and your loved ones safe when you’re shopping for something pre-owned. We looked at the safety ratings of vehicles between 2018 and 2020 to help you save money on depreciation and feel safe and secure in your purchase.
Keep in mind that the size of your vehicle will impact its overall safety, a large SUV will keep you safer in a collision than a small car, even with the same rating. Check out our picks for the best Used SUVs available in Canada.
We did the research to find the safest used cars in each class to choose a budget friendly, and a high end option- read on to see what we found.
Compact Cars
Budget Option:
2018, 2019 and 2020 Hyundai Accent 4 Door Sedan

In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Hyundai Accent excelled in small overlap collisions on the drivers side, moderate front overlap collisions, side collisions, roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective, while small overlaps on the passenger side got an acceptable rating.
For Crash Avoidance and Mitigation, they found the optional crash prevention feature superior, and the optional LED headlights acceptable.
Average price in Canada: $21,400
Luxury Option:
2019 Mini Cooper 3 door Hatchback

In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Mini Cooper excelled in small overlap collisions on the passenger and drivers side, moderate front overlap collisions, side collisions, roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective.
For Crash Avoidance and Mitigation, they found the optional crash prevention feature advanced, and the optional LED headlights acceptable.
Average price in Canada: $27,330
Small Car:
Budget Option:
2018, 2019, 2020 Hyundai Elantra 4-Door Sedan

In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Hyundai Elantra excelled in small overlap collisions on the drivers side, moderate front overlap collisions, side collisions, roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective, while small overlaps on the passenger side got an acceptable rating.
For Crash Avoidance and Mitigation, they found the optional crash prevention feature superior, and the optional LED headlights good.
Average Price in Canada: $22,428
Luxury Option:
2018, 2019 and 2020 Subaru Impreza 4 door Sedan
In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Subaru Impreza excelled in small overlap collisions on the driver and passengers side, moderate front overlap collisions, side collisions, roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective.
For Crash Avoidance and Mitigation, they found the optional pedestrian and vehicle to vehicle crash prevention features superior, and the optional LED headlights good. Additionally the seat belt and child restraint ratings were rated as Good.
Average Price in Canada: $35,201
Midsize Car:
Budget Option:
2019 and 2020 Nissan Altima 4 Door Sedan

In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Nissan Altima excelled in small overlap collisions on the driver and passengers side, moderate front overlap collisions, side collisions, they also found that the roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective.
For Crash Avoidance and Mitigation, they found the standard vehicle to vehicle crash prevention feature superior, the optional vehicle to pedestrian front crash prevention advanced, and the optional LED headlights good. Additionally the seat belt and child restraint ratings were rated as Good.
Average Price in Canada: $32,600
Luxury Option:
2018, 2019, and 2020 Audi A4 4 Door Sedan

In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Audi A4 excelled in small overlap collisions on the driver and passengers side, moderate front overlap collisions, side collisions, they also found that the roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective.
For Crash Avoidance and Mitigation, they found the standard vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to pedestrian crash prevention features superior, the optional vehicle to vehicle front crash prevention superior, and the optional LED headlights good, with other options acceptable or marginal. Additionally the seat belt and child restraint ratings were rated as good.
Average Price in Canada: $41,590
Large Cars:
Budget Option:
2020 Kia Stinger 4 Door Sedan

In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Kia Stinger excelled in small overlap collisions on the driver and passengers side, moderate front overlap collisions, side collisions, they also found that the roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective.
For Crash Avoidance and Mitigation, they found the optional vehicle to vehicle crash prevention feature superior, and the optional vehicle to pedestrian front crash prevention advanced, and the optional LED headlights good, with other options acceptable or marginal. Additionally the seat belt and child restraint ratings were rated as marginal.
Average Price in Canada: $42,724
Luxury Option:
2018 and 2019 BMW 5 Series 4 Door Sedan

In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the BMW 5 Series excelled in small overlap collisions on the driver and passengers side, moderate front overlap collisions, side collisions, they also found that the roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective.
For Crash Avoidance and Mitigation, they found the optional vehicle to vehicle crash prevention feature superior, and the optional vehicle to pedestrian front crash prevention advanced, and the optional LED headlights good, with other options marginal. Additionally the seat belt and child restraint ratings were rated as acceptable.
Average Price in Canada: $65,900
Electric Cars
Budget Option:
2019 and 2020 Chevrolet Bolt 5 Door Hatchback

In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Chevrolet Bolt excelled in small overlap collisions on the drivers side, moderate front overlap collisions, side collisions, roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective, while small overlaps on the passenger side got an acceptable rating.
For Crash Avoidance and Mitigation, they found the optional crash prevention feature superior, and the standard LED headlights acceptable.
Average price in Canada: $41,997
Luxury Option:
2018, 2019 and 2020 Tesla Model 3 4 Door Sedan

In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Tesla Model 3 excelled in small overlap collisions on the driver and passengers side, moderate front overlap collisions, side collisions, they also found that the roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective.
For Crash Avoidance and Mitigation, they found the standard vehicle to vehicle crash prevention feature superior, and the standard vehicle to pedestrian front crash prevention advanced, and the standard headlights good. Additionally the seat belt and child restraint ratings were rated as acceptable.
Average Price in Canada: $71,800
Start Driving a Safer Vehicle Today
At VIDrives, we have a wide selection of safe vehicles from which to choose. Plus, all of our vehicles have been through a 210-point inspection and reconditioning process to ensure they’re in top-notch condition.
You can shop securely 100% online for your next pre-owned vehicle and complete your purchase online too. We’ll secure your financing for your purchase, then deliver it straight to your door. We’ll even take your current vehicle as a trade-in and pick it up.
So get Pre-Approved Today