Given the significant global inflation and the corresponding rise in essential goods prices, my wife and I have concluded that we need to purchase a car that is economically viable without compromising on safety. The automotive market is saturated with various manufacturers, and as a family of five, it is imperative for us to find a vehicle that ensures both safety and comfort for all members.
While a Porsche 911 remains my aspirational choice, practicality dictates a postponement of this dream, for now. Historically, our family has been loyal to American car brands, a tradition upheld by my father, uncles, and cousins.
Therefore, I embarked on an extensive search to identify the top 10 safest and most budget-friendly cars in 2024, based on reputable sources such as Yahoo Finance and Kelley Blue Book (KBB).
Compact Cars
2024 Toyota Prius Prime
With a starting MSRP of $27,950, the Prius exemplifies forward-thinking design coupled with an inspiring drive. This competitively priced vehicle boasts exceptional fuel economy, state-of-the-art technology, and unrivaled hybrid reliability, establishing itself as a compelling choice. Notably, even the base LE model is equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which includes advanced features capable of detecting pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles, as highlighted by Kelley Blue Book (KBB).
2024 Mazda 3
Available in both sedan and hatchback configurations, starting at $24,170, Mazda 3 model has garnered IIHS Top Safety Pick+ accolades for both body styles.
Renowned as one of the finest and most budget-friendly vehicles in the market, the 3 boasts a sleek design complemented by an array of standard safety features. These include lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, driver-attention monitoring, and forward-collision alert.
Acura Integra 2024
A premium sports hatchback with a starting price of $31,800. Powered by a 200-HP* VTEC® Turbo engine and featuring sporty paddle shifters, it offers an exhilarating blend of power and control. The available 6-speed manual transmission, enhanced by a sophisticated Rev-Match Control system, takes driving excitement to new heights.
The new Integra Type S amplifies this thrill with a remarkable 320-HP and 310 lb-ft of torque. As the most powerful Integra ever, it introduces the Sport+ drive mode, delivering a performance that is palpable, visible, and audible.
The revived Integra has earned NHTSA 5-star safety ratings across the board for 2023, and the 2024 iteration is recognized as a IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) acclaims the Integra as “a luxury hatchback excelling in a landscape dominated by SUVs.”
Midsize Cars
2024 Toyota Camry
With a starting MSRP of $26,420, the Toyota Camry delivers a performance that is both stylish and impressive. As Kelley Blue Book (KBB) observed, “Few sedans in history have achieved the success and positive reputation of the Toyota Camry,” underscoring the company’s relentless commitment to enhancing its consistently exceptional reliability.
The Camry is equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+, 10 airbags, and high-beam assist, ensuring a secure driving experience. Standard features also include LED headlights, LED taillights, and daytime running lights, exemplifying Toyota’s dedication to advanced safety and design.
2024 Honda Accord
Starting MSRP is $27,895. Additionally, a 204-horsepower hybrid powertrain option is available. Recognized as Kelley Blue Book’s Best Midsize Car of 2023, the 2024 model also leads its class in safety according to IIHS. It is recommended to upgrade to the $29,610 EX grade, which includes a package with rear cross traffic alert (RCTA) and blind spot monitoring (BSM). Nevertheless, the base model offers a comprehensive suite of safety features to meet any driver’s requirements.
Small SUVs
2024 Honda HR-V
Final at a base MSRP of $24,600, the Honda HR-V, redesigned for the 2023 model year, emerges as a leading contender among the safest compact SUVs available. Enhancements in safety are noteworthy. According to HotCars.com:
“The HR-V is equipped with Honda’s comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, which include a lane-keeping feature, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automated emergency braking.”
2024 Hyundai Kona
Starting at a base MSRP of $24,250, the 2024 Hyundai Kona has been thoughtfully redesigned. This subcompact crossover now features a fully electric powertrain, enhancing its appeal in the modern market. Additionally, the latest edition comes standard with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot warning (BSW), and rear cross-traffic warning (RCTW).
2024 Mazda CX-30
Starting at a base MSRP of $24,995, the refined CX-50 stands as a premier subcompact SUV, acclaimed for its affordability and advanced features. However, the CX-30, maintaining equally stringent safety standards, presents a more economical option at approximately $5,000 less. The base model of the CX-30 is impressively outfitted with 10 airbags and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including smart brake assist, a driver attention alert, and lane departure warning.
SUVs
2024 Hyundai Palisade
Starting at an MSRP of $36,650, the Hyundai Palisade stands as the brand’s most expansive SUV. This elegant family vehicle boasts a wealth of standard safety and driver assistance features, including automatic high-beams, front and rear automatic emergency braking, intersection collision mitigation, side cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, ensuring a secure and smooth driving experience.
2024 Kia Telluride
With a starting MSRP of $36,190, the 2024 Kia Telluride offers ten different trims, presenting a premium SUV experience at an accessible price point. Although Car and Driver noted room for improvement in driver engagement, the vehicle still earned spots on the prestigious 2024 10 Best Trucks and SUVs list as well as the 2024 Editors’ Choice list.
Our Primary Decision
Reflecting on our family’s deliberation over the car purchase, we ultimately narrowed our choices to the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Upon a thorough evaluation of their features, I found that they share identical overall scores. However, the Telluride gains a slight advantage due to its lower price point. It offers the same value as the Palisade but at a reduced cost. Additionally, the 2024 Kia Telluride boasts a superior reliability score and a marginally larger cargo capacity, hence a better reliability rating, tipping the scales in its favor.
Both vehicles are constructed on the same platform, ensuring spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped interiors with commendable driving experiences. Their exterior dimensions are nearly identical.
Conversely, the Palisade excels in safety and fuel efficiency. Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal preference—particularly, which model’s interior and exterior styling resonates more with you. Among these safe and budget-friendly options, my wife prefers the Hyundai Palisade, drawn to its front exterior design.
As for me, I only continue to aspire for my dream car. In the end, I defer to my wife’s choice, adhering to the adage, “Happy Wife, Happy Life.”
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