### Mazda’s Rise to the Top: A Closer Look at the Safety Verdict Assessment
Consumer Reports has long been a benchmark for automotive safety, and its latest safety verdict assessment is no exception. In a bold move, the publication has ranked brands as a whole, rather than just individual vehicles. And the winner takes all: Mazda has emerged as the top-performing brand, leaving Land Rover at the bottom of the list.
But what sets Mazda apart from the rest? To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at the safety features that make up the publication’s safety verdict scores. These scores are based on a combination of factors, including crash test results, predictable handling and braking, and user interface controls that minimize distractions.
For the Basic tier, vehicles must meet all of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s federal motor vehicle safety standards. However, to move into the Better tier, vehicles must have an average-or-higher score in CR’s braking, emergency handling, and routine handling tests, as well as a passing score on the rollaway prevention test.
Automatic emergency braking (AEB) that can detect pedestrians must be standard across all trim levels, and a curb weight above 2500 pounds is required. Front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive (standard or optional) is also required for the Better tier, as CR says these are required for effective handling in ice, snow, and rain.
Good or Acceptable ratings in the IIHS small-overlap front crash test and evaluation of front crash prevention technology must be earned, as well as an Acceptable rating in the IIHS side-crash test.
To be considered for the Best tier, all of the requirements for the Better tier must be met, plus the following: the vehicle can’t have the lowest usability rating in CR’s tests, the logic being that confusing controls can distract drivers; all trims must have standard highway-speed AEB, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW); and the vehicles must have a Good rating in the IIHS side-crash test and at least an Acceptable rating in IIHS’ moderate-overlap front crash test.
Rounding out the top five were Genesis at number two, followed by Acura, Lincoln, and Hyundai. Just above Land Rover at the bottom, meanwhile, are Jeep, Mitsubishi, Tesla, and Rivian.
The full ranking list is below.
### Full Ranking List:
1. Mazda
2. Genesis
3. Acura
4. Lincoln
5. Hyundai
6. Honda
7. Nissan
8. Audi
9. Subaru
10. Kia
11. Buick
12. Volvo
13. Volkswagen
14. Toyota
15. Lexus
16. Mercedes-Benz
17. BMW
18. Cadillac
19. Chevrolet
20. Ford
21. GMC
22. Chrysler
23. Mini
24. Porsche
25. Rivian
26. Tesla
27. Mitsubishi
28. Jeep
29. Land Rover
### Conclusion
Consumer Reports’ safety verdict assessment is a valuable tool for car buyers, providing a comprehensive picture of each brand’s commitment to safety. Mazda’s top spot is a testament to the brand’s dedication to creating vehicles that prioritize the well-being of drivers and passengers.
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