11 safest cars for starting parents

Stepping onto parenthood can be a fulfilling moment, though it can be packed with new responsibilities. As legal guardians, your vehicle of choice should also be strong in terms of safety in order to ensure the security of your little one. There are actually a lot of safe vehicles available in the market, in fact, we’ve come up with a list of 11 models that boast generous safety equipment and stellar safety ratings. 

Do note that not all vehicles listed below have scores with the ASEAN NCAP. While some tests were conducted based on the standards of other regions. There are certain models that are a part of the list given outstanding safety equipment. Moreover, some Philippine-spec models may also be specced differently from international units. 

It’s a certified favorite of many Filipinos. When it comes to 7-seaters, the Toyota Innova is by far one of the go-to options for buyers, especially those who have families. As tested by the ASEAN NCAP, the Innova was able to achieve a 5-star rating for both adult and child occupant safety.

As for standard features, all variants of this MPV come with airbags (driver, passenger, knee), ABS with EBD, brake assist, stability control, hill-start assist, and ISOFIX tethers with anchors. Higher variants add a reversing camera along with parking sensors and an immobilizer. Exclusive on the range-topping V variant is side and curtain airbags.

The Chery Tiggo 2 is the smallest vehicle being offered by the Chinese manufacturer. If you’re on a tight budget and want a subcompact crossover, then this is probably where you should start. We can’t find any safety rating of the Tiggo 2, but it is worth the recognition given its generous safety equipment. 

It gets dual-front airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, emergency brake assist, brake override system, brake assist system, hill-descent control, hill-hold control, traction control, emergency signal system, and of course, the ISOFIX tethers for your little one. Compared to the other models in its class, the safety spec sheet is quite long. Traction control and emergency signal are standout features on this subcompact. 

Not only strong in terms of looks, cabin space, and performance, the Ford Everest also impresses when it comes to safety. Based on its ASEAN NCAP rating, the midsize SUV got 4 stars for child occupant safety while adult occupant safety got 5 stars. 

As for the standard equipment, all trims of the Everest come with 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, stability control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX anchor points, a burglar alarm system, and a reverse camera. Front and rear parking sensors and the blindspot monitoring system is reserved for Titanium variants, while pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, auto high beam control, terrain management system, hill-descent control, and tire pressure monitoring system are exclusive on the top-of-the-line 4x4 trim.

Geely continues to rise in the local automotive landscape given its wondrous sales figures. Aside from the best-selling Coolray, many Filipinos are also loving the Geely Okavango given its powerful yet thrifty hybrid powertrain, spacious cabin, and a generous amount of convenience features. This MPV also stands strong when it comes to safety. No ratings were provided just yet, though its variant range does come with outstanding safety equipment.

Standard safety and security features of the Okavango include ABS with EBD, dual-front airbags, rear parking sensors, hill descent control, hill start assist, immobilizer, tire pressure monitor, stability control, and ISOFIX tethers. Opting for the Urban and Urban Plus trims will add side and curtain airbags along with a 360-degree camera, while the range-topping variant features Geely’s ADB Matrix LED headlights. 

The Isuzu mu-X is well-known for its tried and tested Blue Power diesel engines that both deliver good performance and fuel efficiency. Aside from that, the 7-seater also has a good amount of safety goodies to protect the driver and its passengers. The outgoing model got 4 stars during its ASEAN NCAP testing, with its statistics unavailable as of now. 

In terms of safety and security features, the Isuzu mu-X comes standard with dual-front airbags, ISOFIX tethers, a brake override system, and child-proof rear door locks. On the other hand, ABS, EBD, brake assist, and other features are available on higher variants.

Mazda does have a distinct DNA which rewards its owners with a fun-to-drive experience. The Mazda CX-5 happens to be the compact offering in its model range, aside from its drool-worthy exterior and premium interior, the compact crossover also has a lot to offer when it comes to safety. As for its safety rating, the CX-5 got 5 stars as tested by the Euro NCAP.

As for its equipment, standard across the Mazda CX-5 range are 6-airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, child lock protection, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Higher trims come with a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, as well as other i-ACTIVSENSE driver-assist features.

The Maxus G50 is the brand’s entry to the compact MPV segment which directly competes with the ever-popular Toyota Innova. While no safety ratings are available, it is still worth noting that the G50 comes with a sizeable amount of safety equipment. The following include dual-front airbags, EBD, stability control, hill-start assist, tire pressure monitoring system, an immobilizer, and ISOFIX child-seat anchors. Opting for higher variants will add a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and additional side airbags for the front.

Mitsubishi has had great success with the Xpander, with it becoming one of the most popular MPVs among local consumers. Aside from its strong practicality points, the Mitsubishi Xpander also boasts in terms of safety. In terms of ASEAN NCAP ratings, the Xpander got 4 stars for child occupant safety and 5 stars for adult occupant safety.

Standard safety and security features include dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat tethers with anchors, and emergency stop signal. 

The Nissan Terra is known for its superb ride comfort all thanks to its rear multi-link coil spring suspension. Notably, the brand has also been considerate when it comes to safety, in fact, VL variants benefit from a suite of intelligent mobility features including an Around View Monitor (AVM), a smart rearview mirror, blind-spot monitoring system, Moving Object Detection (MOD), and lane departure warning. Standard across the range are 6-airbags and other basic safety equipment like ABS, EBD, brake assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

It also did well during its ASEAN NCAP testing, with the Terra able to achieve 5 stars for both adult and child occupant safety. This makes the Terra one of the safest midsize SUVs in the market today.

Another 5-seater on the list is the Kia Sportage Like the rest of the brand’s model range, the Seltos proudly sports a clean yet distinctive European exterior styling. Aside from convenience features, the Sportage is also good in terms of safety. 

Standard equipment includes driver’s airbags, ABS, ISOFIX child seat anchors, 3-point seatbelts for both front and rear occupants, immobilizer, and child lock. Opt for the range-topping GT and it’ll come with stability control, hill-descent control, hill-start assist, along with the addition of front side and curtain airbags. As for its Euro NCAP crash test, the Kia Sportage was able to get an impressive 5-star rating.

Last but not least is the Suzuki Ertiga which competes with the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Rush. In terms of standard safety and security features, this subcompact MPV comes with dual-front airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors with tethers, a child lock, and an immobilizer. 

Other safety equipment on higher variants include a security alarm, a reversing camera, and rear parking sensors. Lastly, the Ertiga was able to get a 4-star ASEAN NCAP rating. 

So are you considering any of the following vehicles we’ve mentioned above? If yes, then, don’t hesitate to click on the ‘Get Quote’ button—it’s absolutely free. You could even request to test drive the cars so you would know what you’ll like about them, first hand.