5 Fuel-Efficient IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2011
Vehicle safety is often a top concern among car shoppers (particularly parents). Of course, so is long-term affordability and average gas mileage. For 2011, there are a number of fuel-efficient cars and SUVs that achieve high scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Review a few of the "Top Safety Picks" for the year (as chosen by the IIHS) that also boast stellar fuel efficiency.
2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a mid-size sedan that manages to output 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway (39 mpg combined). These figures make it one of the most efficient vehicles for the year. Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, rear parking sensors, traction control and stability control. The Fusion Hybrid also comes standard with Ford's MyKey technology - a unique feature that allows parents to set a maximum mph speed and audio volume for teenage drivers.
Learn more about the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid.
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Shoppers who need a vehicle with seating for seven will likely find the Highlander a fuel-efficient and comfortable option. With an estimated 28-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway, no other mid-size SUV can match the fuel savings of the Highlander. The list of standard safety features for the Toyota SUV are lengthy, and include anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, front side airbags, hill-start assist and active front head restraints. The vehicle also comes standard with three-row side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag - features that are typically not available on competing models.
Learn more about the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
While many vehicles in the small car category skimp on safety features, such is not the case for the 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid. All models come complete with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, stability control and traction control. As a result, the vehicle scores very well on crash tests performed by both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Fuel figures for the Civic Hybrid come in at 40 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.
Learn more about the 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid.
2011 Kia Forte
The Kia Forte is another small car that makes passenger safety a priority. Standard equipment includes anti-lock disc brakes, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, stability control, traction control, active front head restraints and tire pressure monitoring system. Front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags also come standard. A base price below $14,000 helps make the Kia Forte one of the most affordable options for those in the market for a safe car. Maximum fuel ratings are listed at 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway (30 mpg combined).
Learn more about the 2011 Kia Forte.
2011 Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf models outfitted with a diesel engine deliver an impressive 30-mpg in the city and 42-mpg on the highway. Safety features available on all models include anti-lock disc brakes, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags and stability control. Rear side airbags are available as an option on four-door models. Among the compact vehicle class, the VW Golf typically earns praise for delivering sporty styling and better-than-average interior refinement. Base price for the vehicle comes in at $17,965.
Learn more about the 2011 Volkswagen Golf.