Comparing safety features (like lane departure and backup cameras) from different cars

[Anonymous]

We have a Subaru with eyesight. It has a nice backup camera, beeps when someone is behind you, automatic breaking, lane assistance, and cruise control. Is there anyway to compare this to what other manufactures offer as standard safety features? And how can you tell which models have these features standard? We are looking for a car for a new driver so some of these safety features will be very useful. We are looking for a sedan or small/mid sized SUV or Wagon, hopefully under $30k.

[Anonymous]

Subaru gets you the most safety features for the lowest price of any auto maker. It’s not even a competition, Subaru blows away everyone else.

Volvo has similar safety features but at a much higher price point, as Volvo has positioned itself as a luxury auto brand. Toyota can get you similar features, but it usually means upgrading to the top trim level on any given model and then you’re paying more than Subaru.

You’re not going to beat Subaru on safety tech at the $30K price point. No one else comes close, except maybe Kia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Subaru gets you the most safety features for the lowest price of any auto maker. It’s not even a competition, Subaru blows away everyone else.

I'm sure you love your Subaru, but the features that the OP describes are now standard equipment on the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and many other entry level vehicles. Subaru isn't blowing anyone away with their features or value.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Subaru gets you the most safety features for the lowest price of any auto maker. It’s not even a competition, Subaru blows away everyone else.

I'm sure you love your Subaru, but the features that the OP describes are now standard equipment on the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and many other entry level vehicles. Subaru isn't blowing anyone away with their features or value.

Not that poster, but Subaru’s technology was better than others a few years ago when I was in the market. Not all front crash protection technology is the same, for example.

IIHS has good safety articles. It’s worth checking there fornuodated information.

[Anonymous]

Backup cameras are (as of, I believe, last year) required to be standard in new cars sold in the US. I'd probably start with Consumer Reports in terms of comparing features. Maybe CarMax if you are looking for used. Or, you can do what we did last time we replaced my wife's SUV and go to a bunch of dealers and have each of them shit mouth their competitors' products and then buy the one that you like best. In our case, it ended up being Infiniti, because it had good safety features and cooled seats.

Don't underestimate cooled seats!

[Anonymous]

Some additional thoughts:

Backup Cameras -- love these, look for one that can show multiple angles. My DW can now parallel park competently and has reduced the amount of times that "the pole moved and scraped the fender".

Obstruction warning sound -- OK, but somewhat redundant of a good back up camera -- I like the feature that gives you a sense (in our case based on graphics on the camera display) how far you are from the object.

Wheel path -- our back up camera also shows the path the car will take based on the wheel. Very useful for tight spots.

Adaptive Cruise -- not sure how we lived without this for long trips. And, I'm a manual transmission guy generally who doesn't like fancy technology.

Lane departure -- annoying as all hell. Wish it could be selectively deactivated.