When it comes to the health and well-being of you, your family, and those you care about, there’s absolutely no substitute for safety. Undoubtedly, there’s a certain measure of confidence and assurance you receive in knowing that the vehicle you’re riding in has been crafted with safety at the forefront of the manufacturer’s mind. This is why we’ve compiled our list of the top five certified pre-owned sedans for safety.
2013 Kia Optima
When it comes to safety, it’s hard to beat to the 2013 Kia Optima. Not only has the Optima earned a top five-star rating for overall safety in government crash tests, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the vehicle an “Acceptable” rating (second highest) in its small-overlap frontal-offset crash test.
- Manufactured with a “European flair,” the Optima’s interior is quite inviting. Equipped with a spacious cabin and no shortage of “soft-touch materials,” the Optima doesn’t skimp on comfort and legroom.
- With 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space (big enough to fit as many as 3 bags of golf clubs), the Optima is average amongst competitors in its class for cargo area.
- Per Edmunds: “The 2013 Kia Optima is one of our top picks for a midsize sedan. With evocative styling, strong engine choices and a long list of features, it’s easy to see why.”
2014 Chevrolet Malibu
Much like our other representatives in this buying guide, the Malibu is a standout when it comes to ensuring the safety of its passengers. Not only did the Malibu earn five out of five stars for overall crash protection, but the IIHS also awarded the Malibu its highest possible rating of “Good” in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side impact, roof strength and rear-impact tests. However, it did only earn a “Marginal” rating in the newer small-overlap frontal-offset tests.
- With a cabin area that borders on “entry-level” luxury from a design perspective, Malibu is an appealing option for those who seek the feel of a luxury car at a discount. Though comfortable, the Malibu doesn’t offer as much shoulder, hip and legroom when compared to other competitors in the class.
- Built with 16.3 cubic feet of trunk space, the Malibu is among the most accommodating vehicles in its class when it comes to cargo room.
- Per Edmunds: “The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu competes in a class overflowing with talent. Although it doesn’t stand out as an all-star pick for a midsize family sedan, the Malibu’s credentials are solid.”
2013 Chevrolet Volt
The Volt comes with excellent crash test scores, scoring an overall rating of five stars (the highest possible) in government crash tests, as well as earning the IIHS’ highest rating of “Good” in moderate-overlap frontal offset, side-impact, and roof strength tests. In Edmunds break testing, the Volt also came to a stop in a rather respectable 124 feet.
- For those less concerned about fuel economy and more interested in horsepower, the Chevy Volt is a fine choice, as it’s primarily powered by an electric motor that churns out 149 horsepower allowing it to accelerate to just over nine seconds when punched from 0 to 60. (Nearly a full second faster than the Prius.)
- With more under the hood when measured against a competitor such as the Prius, the Volt is considerably less economical by comparison, offering 35 mpg city and 40 mpg hwy.
- Per Edmunds: “The 2013 Chevy Volt provides the best all-electric range of any plug-in hybrid, plus gasoline-fueled peace of mind that all-electric competitors can’t match. But it’s pricey for what you get.”
2012 Hyundai Sonata
Along with earning a five-star rating for overall crash protection in government crash tests and a top rating of “Good” in IIHS testing, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata also posted above average numbers in Edmunds brake testing, coming to a stop from 60 mph in 120 feet.
- The interior design of the Sonata appropriately complements its sleek exterior. Knobs, switches and controls are manipulated with a greater sense of feel and precision, and the high-resolution touchscreen adds clarity and vibrancy to what is already a very driver-friendly system for operating and viewing climate control, navigation, audio, and phone functions.
- When it comes to all-around offerings, few stack up to the Sonata for the price. In Edmunds performance testing, the 2.4-liter GLS Sonata accelerated from 0 to 60 in 7.9 seconds – a full second quicker than the class average — while the 2.0-liter turbo trim made the same run in a class average 6.7 second. The impressive numbers are in addition to strong EPA estimates that peg the Sonata at 28 mpg combined (24 mpg city/35 mpg highway).
- Per Kelley Blue Book: “From its stunning sculpted exterior, to its modern and feature-filled interior, to a suite of powerful yet fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata hits every target with pin-point accuracy.”
2014 Buick LaCrosse
Compared to other large sedans in its segment, the 2014 Buick LaCrosse is a standout amongst its peers. Not only did it earn a five-star government crash test rating along with top marks for safety by the IIHS, but the LaCrosse also smoked its competition in Edmunds brake testing, coming to a stop from 60 mph in a scant 115 feet. In terms of features, optional safety features include blind spot monitoring, lane change alerts, and a forward collision warning system.
- Whether you take home the LaCrosse’s mild-hybrid powertrain or strong V6 engine, the vehicle’s driving dynamics are of superior quality. The LaCrosse is both easy to steer and offers a very comfortable and quiet ride. The only real knock with the LaCrosse’s driving impressions is rearward visibility, though the car’s rearview camera and various safety features help in this regard.
- Though it is a large sedan, the LaCrosse’s trunk space is a bit on the small side. In fact, with only 13.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, it holds less than some compact sedans.
- Per Kelley Blue Book: “There are many edge-of-luxury sedans that offer decent performance with impressive efficiency at a competitive price, but if you are pleasantly surprised to find those qualities from a traditional American brand, the Buick LaCrosse belongs on your short list.”
