There’s no such thing as a “typical” drive in New Jersey. One day you’re inching along behind a salt truck on Route 80, the next you’re dodging scooters in Hoboken or tackling backroads in Sussex County during a surprise snow squall. In a state where your daily route might include jughandles, toll booths, and more than a few unexpected detours, your vehicle’s safety features aren’t just nice to have — they’re doing the heavy lifting.
New Jersey drivers know the terrain (and the traffic) can change without warning. That’s why having the right vehicle matters. The good news? Today’s top vehicles come packed with smart tech that can help you stay alert, steady, and out of trouble (looking at you, distracted driver in the left lane — yet again).
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the cars, SUVs, and trucks that offer the best safety features for life in the Garden State. From advanced driver assistance systems that help with lane changes on the Parkway to all-wheel drive setups built for winter mornings in Montclair, these vehicles are ready for whatever Jersey throws at them. Spoiler alert: It’s usually more than you bargained for.
Let’s jump in!
What Safety Features Matter Most for NJ Drivers?
Cutting-edge safety features are the best co-pilot you can have when dodging potholes and navigating Shore traffic on a summer Friday. Here’s what to look for when safety is your top priority — and especially when half the drivers around you think turn signals are just a suggestion.
1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Driving in New Jersey means you need eyes in the front, back, and maybe even the side of your head. Thankfully, today’s vehicles come packed with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that do exactly that. Features like lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control act like a second set of instincts, helping you spot trouble before it finds you.
On busy stretches of the Turnpike or during those bumper-to-bumper battles on Route 3, ADAS can ease the stress by keeping you centered, maintaining a safe distance, and even giving you a heads-up when someone’s sneaking into your blind spot. Plus, less fatigue behind the wheel means you’re sharper when that inevitable last-second merge comes out of nowhere.
In a state where “aggressive driving” is practically a pastime, ADAS is the gift that every Jersey driver deserves. That’s especially true when your morning commute feels more like a full-contact sport than a scenic drive.
2. Crash-Test Ratings and Structural Safety
You wouldn’t buy a beach house without checking the flood zone, right? The same goes for picking a car — crash-test ratings are your blueprint for safety. Agencies like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) put vehicles through the wringer to see how they hold up in real-world crashes, from frontal impacts to rollovers. If a car can survive those tests, it’s ready for anything the Turnpike has in store.
A vehicle that earns top marks in these tests is more than a shining star in the showroom — it’s built to protect you and your passengers when it matters most. Because let’s be honest: Leather seats are great, but structural integrity is the real luxury. That’s peace of mind, whether you’re cruising Route 206 or navigating slick roads in Morristown after a Nor’easter.
The bottom line: Good ratings mean strong bones. And when it comes to New Jersey roads, you’ll want a vehicle that’s more tank than tin can.
3. All-Wheel Drive and Winter Safety
If you’ve spent even one winter in New Jersey, you know it’s not the snowstorms that get you — it’s the sneaky black ice hiding on backroads and highway ramps. (It’s always the stuff you don’t see coming that sends you sideways.) That’s where all-wheel drive (AWD) and traction control step in to save the day. AWD automatically distributes power where it’s needed most, helping you stay planted when the roads get slick, slushy, or downright treacherous. Think of it as four-legged traction in a two-ton sled.
From climbing icy hills in West Milford to making a safe stop at a busy Hackettstown intersection, AWD and traction control are your ticket to staying upright and moving forward. (Because sliding into the Dunkin' parking lot is only funny if you don’t take out a sign.) Around here, “winter driving skills” really just mean having the right tools for the job — and AWD is at the top of the list. (Trust us: bravery alone won’t keep you out of a snowbank.)
The Best Compact Cars with Top Safety Features
You don’t need a giant SUV to feel safe on New Jersey’s roads. Today’s compact cars pack a serious punch when it comes to advanced safety tech and crash protection — without sacrificing fuel efficiency or easy parking. (If you’ve ever tried parallel parking in Hoboken, you know every inch counts.)
Let’s check out a few compact options that prove big safety can come in small packages. Because sometimes the smartest move on the road is rolling up in a car that’s nimble, smart, and tougher than it looks.
Hyundai Elantra: Compact Size, Big Safety
The Hyundai Elantra punches way above its weight class when it comes to safety. It’s the featherweight fighter that leaves traffic chaos swinging at air. This sharp-looking sedan comes packed with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, making it a perfect for Nielsen Editorial’s list of vehicles with the best safety features for NJ drivers. Whether you’re weaving through traffic in Jersey City or merging onto a packed Route 80, the Elantra’s smart tech helps you stay alert and protected at every turn.
Beyond its high-tech safety features, the Elantra is a smooth operator, offering easy handling, great fuel economy, and just enough space to make both your morning commute and your weekend getaways feel enjoyable. The Elantra offers the agility of a go-kart with the grown-up perks you actually need. In short, it’s a compact car built for big New Jersey lifestyles.
Ready to see why the Elantra stands out? Spoiler alert: It’s even better when you’re behind the wheel. Visit Nielsen’s Hyundai dealership in NJ and take one for a spin.
Mitsubishi Mirage: Affordable Safety for Jersey Drivers
The Mitsubishi Mirage proves that safety doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. This subcompact hatchback is affordable and packed with features designed to keep you secure on New Jersey’s diverse roads, whether you’re dodging double-parked cars in Hoboken or winding your way to Cape May.
Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection keeps an eye on the road ahead and can automatically brake to help you avoid (or at least soften) the impact of a potential collision. And Active Stability Control monitors the vehicle’s movement and tweaks power and braking at the wheels as needed, helping you stay in command even when Garden State weather tries to throw you a curveball. (Because Mother Nature doesn’t call ahead to cancel.) No wonder why we included it on Nielsen Editorial’s list of vehicles with the best safety features for NJ drivers.
You’ll also find a seven-airbag system (including front, side, curtain, and even a driver’s knee airbag), so you’re fully covered from every angle. Parking downtown? The standard rearview camera has your back. Literally. And Hill Start Assist keeps you steady when you’re taking off on one of New Jersey’s many hilly streets — no awkward rollbacks into the car behind you. Your bumper and your pride will thank you.
The Mirage even boasts a solid 4-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, showing that it can take a hit and keep you protected. (Not that you plan on testing that theory, but still — nice to know.)
For New Jersey drivers who want a smart, affordable ride without sacrificing peace of mind, the Mitsubishi Mirage is a compelling choice. Visit Nielsen’s Mitsubishi dealership in NJ to experience the Mirage firsthand — and to discover just how affordable world-class safety can be.
The Safest Midsize and Full-Size Sedans for NJ Drivers
Need more room than a compact, but not ready to make the jump to an SUV? Hey, not everyone wants to feel like they’re piloting a tank through a Dunkin’ drive-thru. That’s where midsize and full-size sedans fill the sweet spot: spacious interiors, smooth rides, and serious safety tech without the bulk. They’re the Goldilocks of the car world — not too small, not too massive, just right.
If you’re driving all over Jersey, these sedans have your back (and your blind spot). Because in New Jersey, if you’re not checking your six, someone else will be.
Kia K5: Safety Meets Style in a Midsize Marvel
The Kia K5 isn’t just a head-turner on Route 46 — it’s a fortress on wheels built for New Jersey’s unpredictable roads. It looks good standing still, but it’s even better dodging potholes at 65 miles per hour.
With standard features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, the K5 ensures you’re armed and ready for the Garden State’s bustling highways, weaving traffic, and weather mood swings, making it a perfect addition to Nielsen Editorial’s list of vehicles with the best safety features for NJ drivers. Its available all-wheel drive system adds another layer of confidence, whether you’re navigating snowy streets in Morristown or cruising down the Shore with a Wawa coffee in the cupholder. (Because nothing ruins a beach trip faster than losing traction on the way there.)
The K5 has earned top marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA, proving it’s not just another pretty face in the safety world — it’s the real deal when it comes to protecting drivers and passengers. For those seeking a midsize sedan that doesn’t compromise on safety or style, the Kia K5 stands tall in a crowded field.
Explore the Kia K5 at Nielsen’s Kia dealership in NJ — and see why it’s a smart move for savvy Jersey drivers.
Nissan Altima: Legendary Safety for Jersey Roads
Looking for a sedan that takes the edge off your Parkway commute? The Nissan Altima delivers with ProPILOT Assist — a semi-autonomous driving system that combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering to help you stay in your lane and keep a safe following distance, even in stop-and-go traffic.
The Altima also offers available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, automatically shifting power between the front and rear wheels for better grip when the weather turns ugly. That means more confidence whether you’re navigating a rainy curve in North Bergen or climbing a snowy hill in Sparta. As you know, “winter mix” isn’t a forecast in New Jersey — it’s a threat. Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 comes standard, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and more — because surprises on NJ roads are about as common as diner signs. The Altima was a ni-brainer when putting together Nielsen Editorial’s list of vehicles with the best safety features for NJ drivers.
For New Jersey drivers who want a sleek, efficient sedan that works as hard as they do, the Altima checks every box — and then some. Discover the Altima at Nielsen’s Nissan dealership in NJ so you can see what a smarter, safer drive feels like.
Best SUVs for Safety in New Jersey
SUVs are hard to beat when you need a vehicle that handles traffic, weather, and weekend road trips with ease. They offer the perfect mix of space, security, and all-weather capability for families, commuters, and solo adventurers alike. Whether you’re hauling beach chairs to Belmar or battling black ice in Bridgewater, you need a vehicle that can roll with the punches.
Let’s take a look at some of the safest SUVs ready to tackle Garden State life.
Ford Explorer: The Right SUV When Things Get Unpredictable
The Ford Explorer has long been a go-to option for New Jersey drivers who need a vehicle that can handle life’s daily curveballs. Around here, the only thing predictable about the traffic is that it’ll be unpredictable, which is why Ford’s Co-Pilot360™ is such an asset. This full suite of driver-assist features includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross-Traffic Alert, and a Lane-Keeping System. These systems work overtime to boost your awareness and keep you one step ahead — whether you’re merging into Turnpike madness or navigating Saturday parking wars at the Mall at Short Hills.
For those tackling New Jersey’s diverse terrains and unpredictable weather, the Explorer’s available Intelligent 4-Wheel Drive system brings the backup you didn’t know you needed. It automatically adapts to road conditions, keeping you steady during snowy winters, rainy mornings, or that unexpected sheet of black ice on your local shortcut. (Because in Jersey, every shortcut has a plot twist.) The optional 360-Degree Camera also gives you a bird’s-eye view, making tight parking feel a lot less like a high-stakes game of bumper cars.
Recognized for its commitment to safety, the Explorer has earned top ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS. With its tough build, smart tech, and can-do attitude, the Explorer was practically made for Garden State life,securing it a spot on Nielsen Editorial’s list of vehicles with the best safety features for NJ drivers.
Find an Explorer at Nielsen’s Ford dealership in NJ — and see why it’s the ultimate sidekick for whatever New Jersey throws your way.
Chevrolet Traverse: The Safe and Spacious Choice for NJ Families
The Chevrolet Traverse knows how to tote all the things — kids, sports gear, groceries, and the occasional inflatable pool you definitely didn’t plan on buying at Costco. (Hey, it happens.) This midsize SUV also boasts an impressive array of standard and available safety features designed to boost driver awareness and keep everyone protected, even when the Parkway feels like the running of the bulls.
First and foremost, the Traverse includes Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, using radar sensors to help you dodge the surprise speed demons lurking just outside your mirror’s view. Rear Cross Traffic Alert also has your back, warning you about cars and even that rogue shopping cart barreling toward you in the Target parking lot.
Chevy didn’t stop there. The Traverse ups the game with Blind Zone Steering Assist, offering gentle nudges to steer you clear of trouble, and a Safety Alert Seat that taps you on the backside when it senses a threat. Additional smart technologies, like Rear Pedestrian Alert, Side Bicyclist Alert, and Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, help protect against life’s endless list of “didn’t see that coming” moments. The Traverse is a perfect addition to Nielsen Editorial’s list of vehicles with the best safety features for NJ drivers!
Check out the Traverse at Nielsen’s Chevrolet dealership in NJ — and find out why this SUV is like having a personal bodyguard (only with way more cupholders).
The Top-Rated Trucks with Safety Features
Today’s trucks aren’t just about brute strength. They’re basically rolling command centers with more safety tech than a spaceship. Whether you’re squeezing through tight city streets or hauling a trailer down the interstate (with two lanes mysteriously merging into one), having the right safety features turns chaos into calm.
“Expect the unexpected” isn’t just advice in New Jersey — it’s a survival mantra. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some top-rated trucks that bring the brawn, the brains, and the backup you want and need when the road decides to throw a little attitude your way.
Ford F-150: Safety Through the Seasons
The Ford F-150 isn’t just the hardest-working truck in America — it’s basically the employee of the month every month. (And unlike your coworker Steve, it doesn’t call out sick when the weather looks dicey.)
Built for everything from weekday work sites to weekend Shore runs, the F-150 comes stacked with Ford Co-Pilot360® driver-assist tech, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane-Keeping System, and Blind Spot Information with Cross-Traffic Alert. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering makes long Parkway drives a whole lot less miserable, while the available BlueCruise system offers hands-free highway driving on prequalified sections — perfect for those long, hypnotic stretches where even the Wawa signs start to blur.
Even with all this futuristic tech, the F-150 keeps its rugged DNA front and center. With a high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body and beastly towing power, it’s built to haul gear, tow trailers, and muscle through snowy Sussex County mornings like it’s just another Tuesday. (Because here, “winter weather advisory” is basically code for “bring it on.”)
Whether you’re in construction, landscaping, or you just like having bragging rights at every red light, the F-150 delivers the perfect combo of muscle and mind. Meet the Ford F-150 at Nielsen’s Ford dealership in NJ to find out why it’s the unofficial mayor of every job site and tailgate across the Garden State, and why we chose it for Nielsen Editorial’s list of vehicles with the best safety features for NJ drivers!
RAM 1500: Get Muscle & Peace of Mind
The RAM 1500 offers an arsenal of safety tech for surviving on New Jersey’s roads. Built for drivers who demand both muscle and peace of mind, the RAM 1500 delivers features like Blind Spot Detection, Forward Collision Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go — because nothing tests your patience (or your reflexes) quite like a rainy Friday night on Route 1.
The RAM 1500’s optional Hands-Free Active Driving Assist system even offers semi-autonomous cruising, helping you stay in your lane and maintain safe distances. It’s perfect for those congested Newark commutes or weekend Shore trips where “bumper-to-bumper” feels like an understatement. And perfect for Nielsen Editorial’s list of vehicles with the best safety features for NJ drivers!
Crash-tested and street-approved, the RAM 1500 Crew Cab earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and scored “Good” ratings across multiple IIHS crash tests, including side-impact evaluations. Cross Path Detection, Drowsy Driver Detection, and Traffic Sign Recognition are just a few more ways this truck keeps an eye out when your attention span decides it’s clocking out early. (Hey, even coffee has its limits.)
Whether you’re battling snowy passes in the Poconos or tackling city traffic, the Ram 1500’s safety tech has your back. Check out the Ram 1500 at Nielsen’s Ram dealership in New Jersey — and find out how this truck is built to have your back when Jersey driving gets real.
Find a Safer Ride (and Actually Have Fun Doing It)
Choosing a safe vehicle is one of the smartest moves you can make. But let’s be honest: Shouldn’t shopping for it be a little fun, too? (Because if you can dodge jughandles and pop quizzes from your GPS, you deserve a smooth car-buying experience.)
Nielsen Auto Group believes finding your next car, truck, or SUV shouldn’t feel like a chore. The process is easy, transparent, and actually enjoyable — no mystery fees, no pressure, no “let me talk to my manager” theater. Just a better way to get you behind the wheel of a vehicle that’s a perfect fit for you, your family, and your New Jersey lifestyle. (Because some days it’s soccer practice ... and some days it’s snowpocalypse on Route 80.)
With dealership locations across New Jersey, you’re never far from a team that’s ready to help you drive off feeling safer, smarter, and completely confident. Ready to find a ride that has your back through traffic jams, black ice, and everything in between?
Stop by a New Jersey Nielsen dealership near you to find a perfectly safe vehicle!
Helpful Links when Searching for Vehicles with the Best Safety Features for NJ Drivers
New Hyundai Elantra for Sale in NJ
- Franklin Sussex Hyundai: New Hyundai Elantra Inventory
Used Hyundai Elantra for Sale in NJ
- Franklin Sussex Hyundai: Used Hyundai Elantra Inventory
New Mitsubishi Mirage for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen Mitsubishi: New Mitsubishi Mirage Inventory
Used Mitsubishi Mirage for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen Mitsubishi: Used Mitsubishi Mirage Inventory
New Kia K5 for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen Kia: New Kia K5 Inventory
Used Kia K5 for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen Kia: Used Kia K5 Inventory
New Nissan Altima for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen Nissan: New Nissan Altima Inventory
- Nielsen Nissan of Denville: New Nissan Altima Inventory
Used Nissan Altima for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen Nissan: Used Nissan Altima Inventory
New Ford Explorer for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen Ford: New Ford Explorer Inventory
- Nielsen Ford of Morristown: New Ford Explorer Inventory
Used Ford Explorer for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen Ford: Used Ford Explorer Inventory
- Nielsen Ford of Morristown: Used Ford Explorer Inventory
New Chevrolet Traverse for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen Chevrolet: New Chevrolet Traverse Inventory
Used Chevrolet Traverse for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen Chevrolet: Used Chevrolet Traverse Inventory
New Ford F-150 for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen Ford: New Ford F-150 Inventory
- Nielsen Ford of Morristown: New Ford F-150 Inventory
Used Ford F-150 for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen Ford: Used Ford F-150 Inventory
- Nielsen Ford of Morristown: Used Ford F-150 Inventory
Ram 1500 for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen CDJR of Morristown: New RAM 1500 Inventory
- Nielsen CDJR East Hanover: New RAM 1500 Inventory
- Dover Dodge: New RAM 1500 Inventory
- Franklin Sussex Auto Mall: New RAM 1500 Inventory
Used RAM 1500 for Sale in NJ
- Nielsen CDJR of Morristown: Used RAM 1500 Inventory
- Nielsen CDJR East Hanover: Used RAM 1500 Inventory
- Dover Dodge: Used RAM 1500 Inventory
- Franklin Sussex Auto Mall: Used RAM 1500 Inventory
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