The 7 safest cars to buy right now, according to Consumer Reports
With more than 40,000 people dying each year in the U.S. from car crashes, safety should be your top priority when choosing a car.
That's why Consumer Reports set out to find the safest new cars currently on the market. The publication tested the cars themselves and combined its findings with government and industry data to choose the safest vehicles.
'The safest cars don't just protect passengers in a crash. They may avoid a crash in the first place,' said Emily Thomas, who manages CR's Auto Test Center.
CR considers a car's ability to avoid a crash, protect people inside from harm, and keep others on the road safe as the most important factors to consider.
'It's time to rethink a lot of conventional wisdom about automotive safety,' Jake Fisher, who helps run CR's auto testing, said. 'Vehicle design and technology have evolved in recent years, and the old rules no longer apply. Just because a car is bigger doesn't mean it's safer.'
Continue reading to see which cars made the list and why:
For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
The 10 most reliable car brands in 2025 according to Consumer Reports
Fast facts: The top six most reliable auto brands are all Japanese. No American car brands made the top 10 in terms of reliability. Only two non-Japanese brands made the top 10. Both are German. Aside from a house, a car is probably the most expensive - and important - product an average consumer owns. Most working people rely on their cars almost daily, and when they break down or require maintenance, costly repairs can dig deep into savings that could otherwise be invested or saved for emergencies. Choosing which vehicle to buy is one of the most high-stakes purchasing decisions a person can make, especially if they're living paycheck-to-paycheck, which, according to BankRate, over a third of Americans are. Unexpected maintenance and repair costs can easily burn through savings, and missed time at work can lead to loss of crucial income. That's why, beyond all other characteristics, reliability is the most important factor when choosing a vehicle. The more reliable a car is, the less likely it is to break down (with proper maintenance), even as it ages. Some car brands have reputations for longer-lasting vehicles and fewer breakdowns, and whether you're shopping new or used, buying a car from an automaker known for reliability is always a smart move when it comes to the ongoing costs associated with vehicle ownership. While there are a number of authorities in automotive research and journalism - including household names like Car and Driver, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds - Consumer Reports may be the source with the most comprehensive data when it comes to reliability. Consumer Reports is a non-profit organization that has been advocating for American shoppers and testing vehicles (and other products) for almost a century. Funded by grants and member donations, the org is well known for its unbiased research and reporting. In fact, it purchases all of the products it tests anonymously and at full price to avoid any conflicts of interest or preferential treatment from automakers. Related: The cheapest new car of 2025: Everything you need to know In addition to testing vehicles at its private Connecticut driving course and auto testing facility, Consumer Reports also surveys its millions of members annually about their own cars, gathering data on each model year after year. Members report any problems they had with their vehicles, along with the necessary repairs and how much they cost. By collating this data for each model (and model-year) over time, CR is able to evaluate the average short and long term reliability of each model - and car brand at large. The organization then assigns each model (and automaker) an average reliability score on a scale of 100. Related: Consumer Reports: The product-testing nonprofit explained For its 2025 reliability rankings, Consumer Reports evaluated hundreds of thousands of car owner reports about vehicles with model years ranging from 2000 to 2025. Its survey asks about 20 different potential "problem areas," including key components like engines, brakes, and transmissions. Here are the 10 most reliable automakers - according to Consumer Reports' member data - as of 2025. Hyundai 10. Hyundai Hyundai is a Japanese automaker known for making relatively affordable alternatives to popular American and Japanese cars and providing competitive warranties on new vehicles. The brand's most popular model is the Hyundai Tucson: 2025 base price: $28,705Combined MPG: 26 Kia 9. Kia Kia is a Japanese brand whose vehicles are known for their safety features and competitive pricing. Interestingly, Hyundai has a 33.8% ownership stake in Kia. The brand's most popular model is the Kia Sportage: 2025 base price: $27,390Combined MPG: 25 BMW 8. BMW BMW is a German automaker whose cars are known for their quality engineering, timeless design, and luxury features. This reputation comes at a cost, however. BMW cars tend to be significantly more expensive than comparable models made by other automakers. The brand's most popular model is the BMW 3 Series: 2025 base price: $45,950Combined MPG: 29 Audi 7. Audi Audi, another German automaker, also stands out as a luxury car brand. Recently, Audi has built a reputation for its high-end sports models, its line of electric vehicles, and its high-performance all-wheel drive system. The brand's most popular model is the Audi Q5: 2025 base price: $45,400Combined MPG: 24 Mazda 6. Mazda Mazda is a Japanese automaker whose vehicles are known for their sporty aesthetics and responsive handling. The brand's most popular model is the Mazda CX-5: 2025 base price: $28,770Combined MPG: 24 Related: The best 2025 cars under $25k based on Consumer Reports data Acura 5. Acura Acura is the luxury imprint of Japanese automaker Honda; as such, many Acura vehicles have parts in common with Honda vehicles. Acura's cars are known for their luxury interiors and advanced safety features. The brand's most popular model is the Acura MDX: 2025 base price: $51,200Combined MPG: 20 Honda 4. Honda Honda is a Japanese automaker that, along with its industry peer Toyota, has long been known for its vehicles' reliability and longevity. In its manufacturing practices, Honda prioritizes fuel efficiency and sensible engineering over luxury. The brand's most popular model is the Honda Civic: 2025 base price: $24,250Combined MPG: 33 Toyota 3. Toyota Toyota, like Honda, is a Japanese automaker whose vehicles have built a longstanding reputation for reliability and are known to last well over 300k miles with proper maintenance. As such, Toyota vehicles tend to hold their value well in the resale market. The brand's most popular model is the Toyota Camry: 2025 base price: $28,700Combined MPG: 48 Lexus 2. Lexus Lexus is Toyota's luxury brand, and as such, many Lexus vehicles can use Toyota parts, which can help owners save on maintenance and repairs. Like Toyotas, Lexuses are known for their longevity, reliability, and resale value. The brand's most popular model is the Lexus RX: 2025 base price: $49,125Combined MPG: 24 Subaru 1. Subaru Subaru, another Japanese automaker, took first place in Consumer Reports' reliability rankings this year, surpassing Toyota and Lexus, one of which usually snags the top spot. Subaru is known for its diverse array of compact but capable outdoor-oriented vehicles, which typically come with standard all-wheel drive. The brand's most popular model is the Subaru Forester: 2025 base price: $29,995Combined MPG: 29 Related: These 5 brands make the best used cars, according to Consumer Reports The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Associated Press
EL CAR WASH ACQUIRES JOHNNY CLEAN CAR WASH
The Company Now Operates 80 Stores and Doubled Its Footprint in the Last Twelve Months MIAMI, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- El Car Wash continues its Florida expansion with the acquisition of Johnny Clean Car Wash, adding five new stores to its portfolio and advancing its dominant position within its core Florida markets. Existing Johnny Clean members will be integrated into El Car Wash's leading store network and now have access to all facilities going forward. The newly acquired stores are located at the following addresses: When paired with its development pipeline and previously announced acquisition of both Zips' Orlando area stores and Wash City, El Car Wash now has 25 locations open in Central Florida with many additional openings in the months ahead. Over the last twelve months the company has now added 40 new locations as it both continues to densify its core geographies and expand its reach. 'John Shullman is an industry legend who has built and grown high-performing stores operated by an incredibly talented team that fit perfectly with our geographic focus and quality-orientation' said Geoffrey Karas, Co-Founder & CEO of El Car Wash. 'We're thrilled to welcome the Johnny Clean customers and team members to El Car Wash while achieving another milestone as we strive to build the leading car wash brand in every market that we serve.' The newly acquired locations will be rebranded and enhanced with El Car Wash's signature offerings. To celebrate, the company will introduce exclusive, limited-time promotions for new members and host grand opening events at select sites. For the latest updates, including new store openings and special promotions, follow us on Instagram (@elcarwash) or visit About El Car Wash El Car Wash is Florida's favorite express car wash with more than 400,000 members. The company has 80 locations across Florida and Michigan with 15 more slated to open this year. We provide the highest quality service with a focus on unmatched customer experience and convenience. We're a community-driven brand powered by inclusivity, opportunity, and a deep sense of hometown pride. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We proudly support local charities, create job opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, and invest in the communities we serve. Driven by innovation, El Car Wash is taking the #AlwaysDriveClean movement to new heights with state-of-the-art technology, unlimited wash memberships, and engaging brand activations and partnerships. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that we not only deliver a superior wash but also make a positive impact on the environment. Join the movement, support local, and experience the El Car Wash difference; we're on a mission to brighten your day. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE El Car Wash
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
Test-Driving The 2025 Nissan Armada
The first Armada hit dealerships when George W. was President and Facebook had just launched, not to rub its age in. It's still the poster child for when people talk about dinosaur-sized SUVs in a positive or negative way. Featuring an unmistakably rugged design, the first-ever Armada PRO-4X — the most capable in model ... More history — tackles the toughest terrains with effortless capability. But fan or foe, the handsome, redesigned 2025 Arvada does what it does very well, and if your aim is a sublime, smooth ride, this is it. It's also gotten one of the most radical and smart-looking overhauls it's ever had this year. Visually, the 2025 Armada is more modern and squared-off than before, and the result is a plush-looking big guy, 'big' meaning 209.6 inches long and over 83 inches wide, with all the presence you can imagine. Curb weight ranges from about 5,677 to just under 5,900 pounds, depending on trim and options. It features new LED lighting, a tall, upright grille, and more sculpted sheet metal by the acre. 2025 Nissan Armada Pro-X Cockpit The interior gets a massive ramp-up with the redesign. Go for the top trims and you'll get quilted leather seats, contrast stitching, massaging front seats and a panoramic sunroof. Second-row captain's chairs are optional and will drop seating from eight to seven, but even the third row can fit (not-large) adults on short trips. The fit and finish are much improved over prior models, with soft-touch surfaces throughout. 2025 Nissan Armada Techwise, Nissan's leveled up with front and center twin 14.3-inch displays - one for the digital gauge cluster and one for infotainment. Google Built-In is included, bringing you native Maps, Assistant and Play Store functionality. There's also a rich-sounding Klipsch 12-speaker premium audio system as well as a wireless phone charger and multiple USB-C ports scattered throughout the cabin. A built-in dash cam, trailer brake controller and up to seven drive modes are available. 2025 Nissan Armada Under the hood, that new V6 delivers strong numbers but don't expect a hybrid or electric version just yet. Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway in 2WD models, but it's a slight improvement over the previous V8's figures and real-world drivers are reporting closer to 17–18 mpg combined. Available trims are the SV, SL, Platinum, PRO-4X and my tester, the Platinum Reserve. Check them all out here. Nissan On the road, the Armada pulls like a freight train and it takes some getting used to, but even a small or short person can handle it just fine. Acceleration is sweetly effortless and merging onto the highway feels more like a sport sedan than a lumbering SUV. Brakes are strong as well as easy to modulate - you don't need a heavy foot. 2025 Nissan Armada Handling is still truck-like but body roll is controlled and steering is light, making it ideal for long-distance or cross-country cruising. Ride comfort is excellent. It's a pleasure to drive and can feel like a nice sanctuary during inclement weather or when you've had it up to here with people and just want a lovely drive with a great sound system. Nissan includes Safety Shield 360 as standard, bringing automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and more. It has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, making it one of the safest choices in its class. The new infotainment system can lag occasionally. Also, while the Armada is huge inside, its cargo space behind the third row still trails some rivals. Conclusion: For fans of heavy, mighty-mighty vehicles, it really doesn't get much better.
