15 Safe Small Cars

3. Dodge Dart

Dart Draws Cheers for Abundant Airbag Protection

No one can ever criticize the 2016 Dodge Dart for lack of airbag collision protection. This model comes fully equipped with no less than ten standard-size airbags, including frontal and rear curtain bags and knee guard bags for both driver and front-seat passenger. In required government testing, the Dart won a five-star rating for both frontal and lateral crashes. Claiming four-star status in the rollover category, this car finished with a grand overall rating of five full brightly shining ones. The IIHS rates the 2016 Dart as a leading vehicle in all areas of safety. Since this model is available in two quite different drivetrains, the buyer ultimately decides on the rate of acceleration and degree of control desired. With the 2.0-liter engine, torque equals 148 lbs. per foot, while the 1.4-liter turbo provides 184 lbs. per foot over a broader RPM band. However, a good thing to keep in mind when shopping for a new compact car this season is that while the 1.4-liter engine wins out for faster pickup speed, the 2.0-liter offers the best traction now in existence industry-wide for small autos.