15 Safe Small Cars

5. Hyundai Elantra

Four-Door Elantra Scores High on IIHS Tests for Road Safety

There are no current ratings for the two-door Hyundai Elantra. However, the four-door model gains high quality scores on government-sponsored testing for safety levels. Across all test areas, this car finishes with an enviable five-star rating, with the score of four for rollover and front testing. Achieving the status of top-tier overall safety from the IIHS, the only major category in which it falls somewhat short is the small overlap frontal challenge. The Elantra’s rating for this test category is acceptable. This car offers excellent airbag protection against impact with front, front side and side curtain bags all standard equipment. Knee airbags for the driver are also provided as a regular feature as well as a blind area mirror for right-car-side visibility from the driver’s seat. Steering in the 2016 Elantra has a more natural feel for smoother driving on road trips.