10 Cars with Electronic Stability Control

2016 BMW i3 ・ Photo by BMW

Anyone who’s shopped for a new car lately has likely noticed a growing emphasis on safety. The cynical among us might say that perhaps safety shouldn’t be used as a marketing tactic, but it’s easy to see why it’s an appealing strategy, and it helps increase awareness and understanding of the latest life-saving technology.   Electronic stability control is a feature that’s gaining in popularity, even though it’s been available for a while, mostly on upscale and sport-oriented models. Also known as dynamic stability control, electronic stability control uses the car’s computer to monitor the traction (or contact with the road) at all four wheels. The electronic stability control system tends to kick in only when the car’s in an extreme oversteering or understeering situation, but it’s been proven useful enough that it’s an option on more cars than ever. Let’s take a look at 10 new cars that offer electronic stability control systems.

1) 2016 Audi Allroad

The 2016 Audi allroad is a rugged wagon that’s based on the Audi A4, but offers much more aggressive aesthetics with a personality to match. The Allroad features good ground clearance that literally raises it above its A4 predecessor, and offers 51 cubic feet of cargo space within its roomy and comfortable confines for plenty of gear storage. This wagon comes powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is good for 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, matched to quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The quattro system makes it especially well suited for all-season commuting, but it’s far from the Allroad’s only safety feature. This family oriented vehicle offers electronic stability control, traction control, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a rearview camera, all of which help the 2016 Allroad compete in the upscale station wagon segment.

Photo by Audi

2) 2016 BMW i3

The 2016 BMW i3 is a small luxury car that runs entirely on electricity, and a couple years after its release, it’s still mostly unchallenged in that market. The 2016 BMW i3 is expected to be available by December of 2015, and with a bunch of changes rumored for the 2017 model, chances are the 2016 model will be mostly the same as the previous year. Of course, we’re mainly concerned with the electronic stability control feature, which is available on the 2015 model and should carry over. Safety is of particular importance in such a small car, and the i3 also offers front and rear parking sensors, parallel park assist, and traction control. The BMW i3’s electric drivetrain makes 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, which are impressive figures for an electric car, and it also provides up to 100 miles from a charge.

3) 2016 Buick Encore

The 2016 Buick Encore is a small sport utility vehicle with seating for five, and is gaining recognition for its affordable entry price. The base 2016 Encore features a 138-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The new-for-2016 Encore Sport Touring trim also gets a 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, but this unit is new and produces 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Both versions of the 2016 Buick Encore are available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Encore offers plenty of standard equipment, including a rearview camera. The 2016 Encore offers electronic stability control as an option, along with blind spot monitoring, traction control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross traffic alert. The 2015 version of the Buick Encore scored very well on government crash tests, and those ratings are expected to carry over when 2016 testing is complete.

4) 2016 Toyota Camry

The 2016 Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that is one of the brand’s best-selling vehicles as well as one of the leaders in its segment. As always, the 2016 Camry offers comfortable, although not glamorous, seating for five passengers, and a decent driving experience courtesy of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The four-cylinder engine provides 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, and the V-6 increases output to 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The Camry is front-wheel drive and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. As a mainstay in the family car market, the 2016 Camry makes lots of safety equipment available. Electronic stability control is on the list, joined by traction control, brake assist, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and a pre-collision warning system.

5) 2016 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback, a five-passenger wagon, is one of the longest-running models in the brand’s lineup. The 2016 version of the Outback is a great example of the characteristics that have made the model popular. It’s attractive yet it’s simple, well-equipped but modest, and powerful without being aggressive. The 2016 Subaru Outback comes powered by a choice of a 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 256-horsepower, 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine. Both models come standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. For 2016, Subaru updated the Outback with several new safety and comfort features, as well as an updated suspension system and power steering system. Electronic stability control is joined by a long list of features including traction control, a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, pre-collision warning and lane keep assist.

6) 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid is an affordable midsize sedan that offers seating for five passengers, and the accommodations are comfortable and competitive for the midsize class. The Fusion Hybrid is based on the popular gasoline version of the Fusion. It comes powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that combines with an electric motor for a total of 188 horsepower. Power is managed by a continuously variable transmission. 

Fuel economy ratings for the Fusion Hybrid check in at 44 mpg city, and 41 mpg highway. The 2015 model year Fusion Hybrid scored well on the government crash tests. Electronic stability control is, of course, offered on the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid, and is joined by features such as a rearview camera, traction control, brake assist, forward collision warning with an automatic braking system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and radar cruise control.

7) 2016 Cadillac CTS

The 2016 Cadillac CTS is a luxury sedan that seats five and comes with a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 engines. The base model CTS has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes use of a turbocharger to produce 272 horsepower, with a six-speed automatic transmission managing the power. Buyers can step up to a 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 321 horsepower and comes with an eight-speed automatic, although the optional all-wheel drive necessitates a six-speed automatic gearbox. Not surprising for a luxury car, the 2016 CTS boasts a solid menu of equipment. The Cadillac CTS has an extensive list of standard and optional safety features that includes electronic stability control, traction control, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, a rearview camera, parking assist, lane-keep assist, and a head-up display.

Photo by Cadillac

8) 2016 Ford F-150

Pickup trucks aren’t designed for families, and the extensive family demographic is where, understandably, auto manufacturers focus most of their safety-related marketing efforts. However, the 2016 Ford F-160 was fully redesigned just last year, and in addition to its new lightweight aluminum body, Ford decided to make some other changes as well. The 2016 F-150 offers a choice of four drivetrains, all of which are mated to six-speed automatic gearboxes. The aluminum body is more durable than it sounds, since the body panels are attached to a steel frame using a procedure similar to one that used to produce Land Rovers. To complement the modern design, Ford updated the F-150’s features menu. An electronic stability control system makes an appearance on the equipment list, joined by traction control, a rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control.

9) 2016 Subaru WRX

The 2016 Subaru WRX is still riding high from a recent redesign, and this compact sedan is far more refined than ever before, especially when it comes to daily driving. The 2016 WRX features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a choice of either a six-speed manual or a and continuously variable automatic transmission. Power checks in at 268 horses and 258 lb-ft of torque, but those who are hungry for more power can check out the WRX STI, which has 305 ponies on offer. In addition to the WRX’s well documented performance chops, this Subaru follows the rest of its brand’s approach when it comes to safety. Standard all-wheel drive keeps all four corners planted, and other standard equipment includes Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a rearview camera. Electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning are optional safety features, all new for this model year.

Photo by Subaru

10) 2016 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is an affordable compact car that offers wagon-esque functionality at an attractive entry level price. Despite its funky, unique styling, the Soul actually attempts to attract a mainstream audience that’s interested in practical characteristics such as versatility and safety. The nice interior pairs with a generous cargo area to make the small Soul functional. The 2016 Soul offers two four-cylinder engine options, a 1.6-liter that makes 130 horsepower and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 164 horsepower. The base Soul comes with a six-speed manual, with an optional six-speed automatic. The 2.0-liter engine comes with the automatic gearbox. The 2016 Soul features plenty of standard equipment, such as satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity. Most of its high-tech safety features are optional, such as the electronic stability control system, traction control, forward collision warning, a rearview camera, and lane departure warning.

Photo by Kia