Small cars and subcompact SUVs are increasing in popularity, mostly due to people focusing more attention on efficiency and price. There was a time not too long ago when people considered smaller vehicles unsafe, and budget cars didn’t offer the advanced technology found in larger, more expensive vehicles.
Many automakers now offer features like automatic braking on less expensive models. Small cars are the least expensive option if automatic braking is your number one priority, but a few compact and subcompact SUVs offer automatic braking with prices comparable to small cars.
This slideshow features new vehicles with the optional technology. The following models boast top-notch safety scores, while keeping more money in your wallet. Read on to learn about the cheapest cars and SUVs with automatic braking.
The CX-5 earned the best possible ratings from the IIHS for all five crash tests, a 4-start overall rating from the NHTSA, and a safety score of 9.3 out of 10. It is the only compact SUV featured in this slideshow because it is the least expensive compact SUV offering automatic braking.
Both upper trims can be outfitted with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and automatic braking. A CX-5 Touring equipped with the necessary packages starts at $28,720.
The Renegade, ranked No. 2 in subcompact SUVs, earned top ratings from the IIHS in all front, side, and roof strength testing. Also, the NHTSA awarded the SUV five stars and it earned a U.S. News safety score of 9.3 out of 10. The Renegade was a finalist for U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 Best Subcompact SUV for Families award.
Latitude trims and higher allow for the optional advanced group, which includes active safety features like forward collision warning with full speed active braking, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross traffic alert. The Renegade Latitude with the added safety features starts at $25,810.
The Crosstrek, ranked No. 7 in subcompact SUVs, receives the IIHS Top Safety Pick +, a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, and a U.S. News safety score of 9.3 out of 10.
Subaru’s EyeSight system with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision braking are not available on the base trim. A 2.0i Premium trim with EyeSight, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert, starts at $24,390.
The Elantra, a highly ranked compact car, is an IIHS Top Safety Pick + and earns a U.S. News & World Report safety score of 9.0 out of 10. Only the Limited trim can be equipped with Hyundai’s safety package, which includes automatic braking. With the necessary Tech and Ultimate packages, the price can rise to $17,250.
The Ultimate package includes an electronic blind spot warning system with rear cross traffic alert and lane change assist, a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and adaptive headlights.
Our No. 1 subcompact SUV, the Mazda CX-3 earned a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a safety score of 9.4 out of 10.
The iActiveSense package, including Smart City Brake Support System with forward collision warning and the most advanced safety features, is only available on the top Grand Touring trim. With that package the CX-3’s starting price jumps to $26,160.
The IIHS named the Impreza a Top Safety Pick + and the NHTSA granted it five stars. It also earned a U.S. News safety score of 9.6 out of 10. To get automatic braking, you need to upgrade to the EyeSight driver assist system.
For $24,700 you can get an Impreza equipped with EyeSight, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning.
The Mazda3 is No. 1 in our compact cars rankings and earns a safety score of 9.7 out of 10. It receives the highest critics’ rating in the class, earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA, and was named a Top Safety Pick + by the IIHS.
Many driver assistance features are available, including Mazda’s Smarty City Brake Support System. At low speeds, the brakes function automatically if an obstacle is detected. Also available in the i-ACTIVSENSE safety package is Smart Brake Support, which covers speeds over 10 mph. Other features include forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.
For 2016, Smart City Brake is an option in the Touring trim, while the Grand Touring trim offers the i-ACTIVSENSE package with Smart Brake. Mazda makes Smart City Brake standard on touring models for 2017. Touring models start around $22,500, but the Grand Touring with the necessary packages and i-ACTIVSENSE costs just under $28,000.
The Fiat comes in five trims with a myriad of confusing package options. The top two trims allow for the addition of the packages necessary to select the most advanced safety features, including Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking. The Lounge trim with the Collection 6 Package starts at $29,980.
The Civic, tied with the Mazda3 for No. 1 in compact cars, has repeatedly been a top contender for safety, and the 2016 model ups the ante. It is the only car in its class that achieved the highest possible scores from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. It also earned a perfect U.S. News safety score.
The Honda Sensing suite is available on all sedan trims and includes collision mitigation with automatic braking. For as little as $20,440, you can get a base LX sedan with the suite. It also includes forward collision warning, road departure warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Not sure which to buy? Browse our new car rankings to find more information. When you are ready, check out our Best Price Program to save money on your purchase.
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High-Tech Safety Features on a Tight Budget
Small cars and subcompact SUVs are increasing in popularity, mostly due to people focusing more attention on efficiency and price. There was a time not too long ago when people considered smaller vehicles unsafe, and budget cars didn’t offer the advanced technology found in larger, more expensive vehicles.
Many automakers now offer features like automatic braking on less expensive models. Small cars are the least expensive option if automatic braking is your number one priority, but a few compact and subcompact SUVs offer automatic braking with prices comparable to small cars.
This slideshow features new vehicles with the optional technology. The following models boast top-notch safety scores, while keeping more money in your wallet. Read on to learn about the cheapest cars and SUVs with automatic braking.