Choosing a safe vehicle is paramount for drivers and passengers alike. When you compare cars, understanding safety ratings is crucial. These ratings, often presented as star ratings, are designed to give consumers an overall assessment of vehicle safety. But what do these ratings really mean, and how should you use them when you compare cars?
The Overall Vehicle Score is calculated using a complex formula that considers the probabilities of injury in different types of crashes. This score incorporates data from frontal and side crash tests, as well as rollover resistance assessments. These individual test results are weighted based on the real-world frequency and severity of each crash type, creating a comprehensive safety evaluation. The result is then compared to the average injury risk across all vehicles, determining if a particular car poses a higher or lower risk than the norm.
Here’s a breakdown of what the star ratings signify when you compare cars based on safety:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Significantly lower injury risk than average. When you Cars Compare and see this rating, it indicates top-tier safety performance.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Lower injury risk than average to average. A very good rating suggesting above-average safety when you cars compare.
- ⭐⭐⭐: Average to slightly higher than average injury risk. This rating suggests an average level of safety when you cars compare vehicles.
- ⭐⭐: Higher than average injury risk. Indicates a lower level of safety compared to the average vehicle when you cars compare.
- ⭐: Much higher injury risk than average. This is the lowest safety rating, signaling a considerably higher risk compared to most vehicles when you cars compare.
It’s vital to understand the limitations when you cars compare using Overall Vehicle Scores. Direct comparisons are only meaningful between vehicles within the same class and with similar weights. Specifically, you can only compare vehicles whose weights are within 250 pounds of each other.
For example, when you cars compare:
- Comparing the safety rating of a 4,500-pound SUV to a 3,000-pound sedan is not valid. They are in different vehicle classes and exceed the weight difference limit.
- Comparing a 3,600-pound pickup truck to a 3,400-pound minivan is also not appropriate, even though they meet the weight criteria, as they belong to different vehicle classes.
- However, comparing a 3,400-pound passenger car to a 3,650-pound passenger car is perfectly acceptable. They are in the same class and within the 250-pound weight range, making it a relevant cars compare scenario.
In conclusion, when you cars compare for safety, the Overall Vehicle Score is a valuable tool. However, always consider the vehicle class and weight to ensure you are making accurate and meaningful comparisons. Using these ratings correctly will help you make informed decisions and prioritize safety when choosing your next vehicle.
