Are advanced safety systems worth it in top-of-the-line cars?

Cars are becoming more expensive these days, and a big part of that cost comes from the advanced technology packed into them. Modern vehicles now have a lot of computer systems, not just for the engine or entertainment but also for safety features. These advanced systems—like cameras, sensors, and radar—add to the overall price of a car. Some people may argue that you can drive just fine without them, but others believe these systems can be life-saving, making them "must-haves."

Interestingly, you don’t need to buy premium cars to get these advanced safety features. Many of the more affordable cars now offer these technologies in their top-of-the-line models. Advanced safety features are showing up in cars that won’t break the bank. So even though these systems can still add to the price, they’re becoming more accessible to a wider range of buyers. 

While top-of-the-line models now come with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning, the question stays: are these features really worth the extra cost? We’ve seen car buyers and reviewers express disappointment when these options aren't available in a car's highest trim level. After all, these features add convenience and a sense of security. But with prices going up, is the additional cost justified? Is it still worth spending extra for the top-tier versions?

At first glance, some driving purists might argue that driving aids aren’t needed and can even be seen as distractions. But for the average driver, having these safety features provides an extra layer of security, especially when you lose concentration on the road. While some of these features might seem like unnecessary add-ons at first, it’s often only after experiencing them in real-life situations that their true value becomes clear. 

Take, for example, the Hyundai IONIQ 5, the long range variants get advanced safety features like the Driver Attention Warning system, which monitors the driver’s behavior and alerts them when it detects signs of fatigue or distraction. For those who spend long hours on the road, feeling exhausted and overworked, this gentle nudge can help avoid accidents that might occur due to inattention, not that we're wishing for it to happen.

The IONIQ 5 also offers Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which can automatically apply the brakes to avoid a crash when the system detects an impending collision. There is also Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), which prevents the vehicle from unintentionally drifting out of its lane. When human attention fails, we can all agree that these advanced safety features found in the long-range variants are far from being gimmicks. Clearly, cars are becoming smarter, and even newer brands like GAC are beginning to introduce advanced safety technologies across their lineup.

The main reason car companies add advanced safety features is to help keep drivers and passengers safe. Take Ford as an example. The carmaker's Ford Territory Titanium X model features a range of safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, which adjusts your speed in traffic, and Forward Collision Warning combined with Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, which alerts you and applies the brakes if there’s a risk of a crash.

The idea behind these systems is to act as a second pair of eyes. Humans are prone to distractions, fatigue, and simply not seeing everything on the road. These technologies help by filling in the gaps where our attention might slip. For example, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid help prevent you from accidentally drifting out of your lane, while Auto High Beam automatically adjusts your headlights, so you don’t blind oncoming traffic. The Collision Mitigation System also works to reduce the severity of an accident if a collision is unavoidable.

Even if it’s easy to think these systems are just an extra cost, they are added to compensate for human imperfections, making the road safer for everyone. In the end, we have to admit that they offer real protection. So, while paying more upfront may seem like a big jump, it could be worth it for the added safety and peace of mind.

You will have to pay through the nose in order to get a car with an advanced safety system. On average, most brands will charge close or up to six figures going from the mid-trim to the top trim.  There was a time when the “safest” cars in the lineup were the most expensive ones. If you wanted a car with a five-star safety rating from the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), it was usually the top-spec model that had all the necessary safety features for such a high rating. While mid-tier models might get tested, those top safety scores are generally assigned to models with full safety suites.

The Mitsubishi Triton, for example, especially in its higher models like the GLS and Athlete. These versions come with advanced safety features such as blind spot monitoring, which helps spot vehicles you can’t see, and forward collision mitigation, which helps avoid or reduce accidents. The Athlete model even adds extra protection with side and curtain airbags, parking sensors, and a lane departure warning system that alerts you if you’re veering out of your lane. With these features, the Triton gets strong safety reviews, and even NCAP would likely rate it highly, well, they already did. The Mitsubishi Triton earned a 5/5 star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP, proving that these advanced safety features really help keep drivers and passengers safe.

We understand the frustration of choosing between variants, though. You don’t want to skip important safety features, but you also don’t want to overpay for extras you might not use. Luckily, some brands are now making advanced safety features more available in mid-tier models. 

For example, the Nissan Navara includes forward collision warning, and the Chevrolet Trax also offers safety features, such as forward collision alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and auto high beams, even in its lower models. It’s good to see that more carmakers, like Chevrolet, are starting to make these advanced safety systems standard across different versions of their cars. More people can enjoy safer driving without having to buy the most expensive model.

Even with advanced safety systems, some cars don’t always get the best feedback. Owners and reviewers mention that the constant chimes and alerts can be annoying, and sometimes these systems feel too sensitive or don’t work as expected. It’s important to remember that not all safety systems are flawless, and some brands handle them better than others. This is why reading reviews or booking a test drive is helpful to understand how well these features work.

The value of safety systems depends on their performance and ease of use. Remember,  the best features won’t matter if they don’t work when needed, so doing your homework before making a decision will save you a lot. Besides, some brands are starting to offer these safety features across various trims, making them more accessible, so you don’t always need the top-tier model to benefit from them.

Bottomline? While safety comes at a cost, if the systems work well, they can provide added protection and make your driving experience safer and more convenient. Thus, it's worth it.

And while we’re not wishing for accidents to happen, if you ask us if you need a car with an advanced safety system? Well, you might not think you do—until you really do. That said, browse the latest, and safest, brand new cars all at the tip of your fingers, here on AutoDeal.com.ph. All you need to do is hit “Get Quote,” and dealers near you will send you an official quote in a matter of minutes. Yup, it’s that easy.