When choosing a new car, most people would take into consideration the safety rating of that particular vehicle. Knowing that the car you drive is as safe as possible for the occupants and other road users / pedestrians offers a great deal of comfort for many. So how do you know how safe a rental is?
Whilst choosing your own car is likely to take more than a few minutes, renting a car today is quick and simple and within only a few clicks or taps of the screen, Rhino can confirm your rental. The reality is that most car rentals are chosen on price from the available options that satisfy your requirements and not safety.
With that in mind, here are Rhino we’ve picked our safest rental cars from our most popular makes and models available throughout the US to help you make an informed decision on your next rental.
What are the Safest Rental Cars in the US? - Our Top 5
Safest Economy Rental Cars
The Chevrolet Sonic is the safest rental car in the Economy class, some way ahead of its stable mate the very popular Chevrolet Spark. Unsurprisingly due to the size, economy class vehicles fare the worst in crash tests and we would recommend them for rentals where short / lower speed journeys are planned. Ideal for popping around town at slow speed, but not recommended if you plan lots of highway / high speed.
Safest Compact / Intermediate Rental Cars
The Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Cruze share top spot here with and all would make a very safe rental car for the average family / rental. The Dodge Avenger sits at the bottom of the pile with a below par score for the sector.
Safest Full Size Rental Cars
A very safe category with all scoring 19/20 overall and only the Chevrolet Impala not managing a 5* overall score. Ironically, the Chevrolet Impala is one of the most popular cars in the USA as was ranked number 1 for the most affordable large car in the US and is a very popular fleet model, however you’d be wise to look to other models from a safety perspective.
Safest Premium / Luxury Rental Cars
Cadillac top the list with both of the models, the CTS and ATS both achieving a full house of 5 star scores. Either would make a great choice for anyone looking to rent at the premium end of the market. Unsurprisingly, the Nissam Maxima and Chrysler 300, both cheaper models prop up the table and score 4 overall.
Safest Cabriolet Rentals
Both options perform very well, however the Ford Mustang gains a full house of 5* ratings and is our cabriolet of choice for those looking to travel in style.
Safest MPV / People Carriers Rentals
The Kia Sedona, a relatively new model to the US market tops the list and would make an ideal 7 seat option for families and groups needing extra space. The ever popular Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country disappoint in the sector.
Safest SUV Rentals
A very popular sector for US rental cars and the competition in the safety stakes is high. All fare well, but the stand out performers from Ford with the Edge and Explorer. The very popular Ford Escape however only gets a 4*. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Hyandai Santa Fe also get a 5* rating, however Chevrolet don’t fare so well with both the Tahoe and Equinox only making 4*.
CAR MAKE / MODEL
OVERALL
FRONT
SIDE
ROLLOVER
TOTAL
Chrysler Town & Country
17
*Safety Rating of current model year taken from nhtsa.gov, where current model year rating not available, previous model year used.
Renting a car outside of the USA? We’ve got you covered;