What Are the Safest Hybrid Cars for 2010?

In general, hybrid cars and SUVs have proven to be exceptionally reliable and safe. Each year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) performs crash tests on new vehicle models. Based on these tests, the organization then selects Top Safety Picks for the vehicles they believe are the safest. Several 2010 hybrid cars have already been awarded a Top Safety Pick award by the IIHS. These vehicles include:

2010 Honda Insight - When equipped with optional electronic stability control (ESC), the 2010 Honda Insight earned a highest-possible "Good" rating in all crash test categories performed by the IIHS. Standard safety features are extensive, and include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, front and side airbags and daytime running lights.

The Honda Insight is also available with vehicle stability assist (VSA), which improves control during cornering and acceleration. Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) gives the Insight a protective shell that is specially designed to disperse energy away from passengers. Throw in a combined fuel efficiency of 41 mpg and a base price below $20,000, and the 2010 Honda Insight is your budget leader for safety in the hybrid vehicle segment.

---

2010 Toyota Prius - The world's most popular hybrid car is also one of the safest. Earning a "Good" rating in all but one of the IIHS frontal crash test categories (the car is nicked with an "Average" rating for head and neck injury measures), the 2010 Toyota Prius comes with a wide range of safety features. Front, side and rear head airbags are all available. Unlike the Honda Insight, ESC comes standard. Traction control and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes are also available.

Base price for the Toyota Prius is $21,000. With a healthy dose of convenience features and an unbeatable combined fuel efficiency of 50 mpg, the Toyota Prius remains an all-around great hybrid car.

---

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Ford continues to give the Toyota Prius a run for its money with the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. With more interior room than both the Prius and the Insight, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid earns an overall evaluation of "Good" in both frontal and side offset crash tests. Electronic stability control comes standard for 2010, as does seven airbags (including driver knee airbag) and a LATCH system that makes it easier to install child safety seats.

If you're looking for a safe mid-size hybrid car, it's hard to beat the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Base MSRP comes in around $20,000 and combined gas mileage is 39 mpg.

---

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid - In terms of safety, Ford hits another home run with the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. The 2010 model finally brings electronic stability control to Ford's popular hybrid SUV. Other standard features include front and side airbags, traction control and anti-lock brakes. Bonus safety features include a rearview camera and AdvanceTrac with roll stability control.

While potential for rollovers is always higher on SUV models, the Ford Escape remains one of the safest hybrid SUVs for 2010. Entry price for ownership comes in just below $30,000. Combined fuel efficiency is estimated at 32 mpg.

---

2010 Lexus RX 450h - In the luxury hybrid market, the 2010 Lexus RX 450h is a top pick for safety hounds. The IIHS awards "Good" ratings across the board for all 2010 Lexus RX models equipped with side air bags. Front, side, side curtain and knee protection airbags all come standard on the 2010 RX 450h. Traction control and daytime running lights are also standard. Directly adaptive headlights and parking assist are two of the SUV's unique optional features.

You'll pay a little more for the luxury of owning a Lexus hybrid SUV – around $42,000 – but if you're in the market for a luxury SUV, the 450h is a great choice. Combined fuel efficiency comes in at 30 mpg.

Other Safe Hybrid Cars for 2010

The IIHS has yet to finish testing the 2010 crop of vehicles. However, a handful of 2009 Top Safety Picks are expected to return with stellar crash test ratings for the new model year. These include:

2010 Honda Civic Hybrid: standard safety features include ACE body structure, anti-lock brakes, front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags and VSA. ESC is optional, and a necessary component for the 2009 Honda Civic's Top Safety Pick status.

2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid: essentially a clone of the Ford Escape Hybrid, expect similar safety ratings on this slightly more upscale Ford hybrid SUV.

2010 Mazda Tribute Hybrid: another rebadged version of the Ford Escape Hybrid, the nearly identical 2009 Tribute received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS (note: the Tribute Hybrid is only available in California).

2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: standard features include front and side curtain airbags, traction control, antiskid system and anti-lock brakes. One of the safest mid-size SUVs on the road.