[2024] Top 5 Safest Compact Cars

This time, we’ll be presenting a ranking of the safest compact cars on sale in Japan as of 2024 ( Reiwa 6 ). The data was compiled based on the “Automobile Assessment” published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims’ Aid (NASVA). We’ll be presenting the rankings, including models that have received the “Five Star Award,” the highest rating for safety performance.

Top 5 safest compact cars

The current models of minicars that will be released as of 2024 are ranked in order of NASVA’s overall ranking of automobile safety performance. The Impreza received the highest score in the 2020 automobile safety performance ranking , earning the highest score and a five-star award. This is evidenced by the high performance of EyeSight. Incidentally, it is the top score among all models.

Ranking	Car name	Car name	Overall car safety performance score
1st place	Subaru	Impreza	193.53 points / 197 points
2nd place	Nissan	Note Note Aura	176.73 points / 190 points
3rd place	Honda	fit	174.40 points / 190 points
4th place	Toyota	Aqua	173.79 points / 190 points
5th place	Toyota	Yaris	173.41 points / 190 points

1st place: Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza received the highest rating, the Five Star Award, in the third round of the 2023 Automotive Safety Performance Report. It received an overall rating of 193.53 points (out of 197), achieving a score of 98%.

Subaru Impreza exterior

The exterior of the sixth-generation Impreza maintains the same concept. It uses the next-generation platform, SUBARU GLOBAL PLATFORM (SGP) . It fully adopts Subaru’s new design philosophy, “DYNAMIC × SOLID,” and adopts the new design concept “BOLDER,” which boldly highlights the value of each vehicle, while also significantly improving the quality of both the interior and exterior.

Subaru Impreza interior

The interior is designed to be user-friendly and casual, allowing drivers to spend their time driving and other activities in a natural manner. It features an 11.6-inch multi-information display, a common interface for the latest SUBARU models, that supports STARLINK and wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Subaru Impreza equipped with next-generation EyeSight

In addition to the new generation EyeSight, it also employs a wide-angle monocular camera, achieving high safety performance. The next-generation EyeSight has evolved, with the stereo camera replaced by a wide-angle camera from Sweden’s Vionir (resolution improved from 1.2 megapixels to 2.3 megapixels, with a horizontal field of view nearly twice as wide), and in addition to the conventional rear-side radar and rear ultrasonic sensor, millimeter-wave radar is now installed on both sides of the front of the vehicle. The wider camera field of view is due to the camera cover being attached tightly to the windshield, moving the mounting position forward. Improved image recognition and control software enable recognition over a wider and farther range. The electric brake booster (a device that increases braking force) is now electrically operated, and pre-crash braking improves responsiveness to sudden cyclists and other vehicles, improving EyeSight’s response.

Subaru Impreza specs

Specifications	Impreza	Impreza
full length	4,475mm	4,475mm
Overall width	1,780mm	1,780mm
Overall height	1,415mm to 1,450mm	1,415mm to 1,450mm
Wheelbase ​	2,670mm	2,670mm
engine	2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC direct injection engine “FB20 type”	2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC direct injection engine “FB20 type” + motor assist “e-BOXER”
Maximum power	113kW (154ps) / 6,000rpm	107kW (145ps) / 6,000rpm
Maximum torque	196Nm (20.0kgm) / 4,000rpm	188Nm (19.2kgm) / 4,000rpm
Motor maximum output	–	10kW (13.6ps)
Motor Max Torque	–	65Nm (6.6kgm)
transmission	CVT (Lineartronic)	CVT (Lineartronic)
Drive system	2WD/AWD	2WD/AWD
battery	–	Lithium-ion battery (4.8Ah)
WLTC mode fuel economy	14.0km/L	16.6km/L

2nd place: Nissan Note/Note Aura

On October 27, 2021, Nissan announced the results of an evaluation of the safety performance of its new Note and Note Aura vehicles, revealing that they had received the highest rating of the Five-Star Award .

The Nissan Note won the 42nd Japan Car of the Year Award for 2021-2022 . Nissan announced that it sold a combined 113,390 Note and Note Aura units in Japan in fiscal year 2022 (April 2022-March 2023) (based on vehicle registration information and data published by the Japan Light Motor Vehicle Association), making it the top-selling electric vehicle (including hybrids) .

Nissan Note exterior

Nissan will undergo a minor change to the new Note , which will be released in late January 2024. The exterior design will be revised, with a new radiator grille and the “Digital V-Motion” technology used on Nissan’s Serena , Roox , Dayz , and Sakura. It will incorporate a V-shaped grille and aggressive headlights. LED headlights will be standard equipment on all grades, improving visibility when driving at night.

Nissan Note interior

The interior features a Mizuhiki motif on the instrument panel, and random stripes on the seats create an atmosphere that harmonizes with the exterior. The glove box on the passenger side has been expanded in capacity. By dividing the storage space into two levels, it is possible to neatly store bulky items such as instruction manuals and tissue boxes, improving convenience.

The intelligent key is equipped with an ” approach unlock function ” that automatically unlocks the car when you approach it, and an ” exit auto-lock function ” that automatically locks the car when you leave it after getting out .

Nissan Note safety features

The ProPilot driving assistance technology is equipped with a NaviLink function, a first for Nissan. It also comes equipped with advanced safety technologies such as the 360° Safety Support system.

Nissan Note specs

Specifications	Note X	Note X FOUR
full length	4,045mm	4,045mm
Overall width	1,695mm	1,695mm
Overall height	1,505mm	1,505mm
Wheelbase	2,580mm	2,580mm
engine	In-line 3-cylinder 1.2L engine “HR12DE” type + motor “EM47” type	In-line 3-cylinder 1.2L engine “HR12DE” type + motor “EM47” type + motor “EM48” type
Maximum power	60kW (82PS) / 6,000rpm	60kW (82PS) / 6,000rpm
Maximum torque	103Nm (10.5kgm) / 4,800rpm	103Nm (10.5kgm) / 4,800rpm
Motor maximum output	85kW (116PS) / 2,900-10,341rpm	85kW (116PS) / 2,900-10,341rpm
Motor Max Torque	280Nm (28.6kgfm) / 0-2,900rpm	280Nm (28.6kgfm) / 0-2,900rpm
Rear motor maximum output	–	50kW (68PS) / 4,775-10,024rpm
Rear motor maximum torque	–	100Nm (10.2kgm) / 0-4,775rpm
transmission	Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)	Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
battery	Lithium-ion battery (1.57 kWh)	Lithium-ion battery (1.57 kWh)
Minimum turning radius	4.9m	4.9m
Passenger capacity	5 people	5 people
Drive system	2WD (FF)	4WD
WLTC mode fuel economy	28.4km/L to 29.5km/L	23.8km/L

3rd place: Honda Fit

The new fourth-generation Fit keeps the same concept as the previous model, but has been extended in length, making the interior more spacious and improving usability. It is not as long as the new Freed , but its overall length is 3,995mm. There are five different types: “BASIC,” “HOME,” “LUXE,” “CROSSTAR,” and “RS.” NESS is a sports type, and comes from the word “fitness.” HOME evokes the image of a comfortable home.

Honda Fit exterior

Like the new Freed , the new CROSSTAR is the only grade with a ground clearance that is 5mm to 25mm higher than other grades, a total length of 4,090mm, and a total width of 1,725mm, making it a 3-number size crossover-style exterior design . The CROSSTAR features a specially designed front grille, front and rear bumpers, and aluminum wheels. The door outer handles and door mirrors are painted silver, and the side sill garnish has been changed to black. Exclusive roof rails have also been added.

Honda Fit interior

The interior panels feature a horizontal, straight-line design, improving visibility by making the wipers less visible from inside the car. When you actually sit in the car, you’ll understand that the wipers and other components are positioned so they don’t get in the way of your field of vision, giving the impression of improved visibility. The front seats in the interior feature a new generation ” body stabilizing seat ” that was newly developed with an eye toward installation in high-end sedans. The seat structure provides a soft, comfortable seat that reduces fatigue even during long drives, and is equipped with an ” auto brake hold ” function that keeps the car stopped even when you take your foot off the brake pedal, and is released when you step on the accelerator, making it useful in traffic jams and other situations .

Honda Fit safety features

The evolved safety driving support system “Honda SENSING” is now standard equipment on all types. A front wide-view camera has been newly adopted, and by combining it with a total of eight sonar sensors installed at the front and rear of the vehicle, “Near Collision Mitigation Braking” has been added for the first time on a Honda, and is now standard equipment on all vehicles. In addition to the existing functions, Traffic Jam Assist (a jam-packed driving support function) and sudden acceleration suppression function are now newly set as standard. Blind Spot Information and Reverse Exit Support have also been newly added and are available on a type-specific basis.

Honda Fit specs

Specifications	fit	Fit e:HEV
full length	3,990mm (4,090mm)	3,990mm (4,090mm)
Overall width	1,695mm (1,725mm)	1,695mm (1,725mm)
Overall height	1,515 to 1,565 mm (1,545 mm)	1,515 to 1,565 mm (1,545 mm)
Wheelbase	2,530mm	2,530mm
engine	1.5L i-VTEC engine	1.5L i-VTEC engine + new i-MMD (e:HEV)
Maximum power	96kW (131PS)/ 6,600rpm	72kW (98PS) / 5,600-6,400rpm
Maximum torque	155Nm (15.8kgfm)/ 4,600rpm	127Nm (13.0kgfm) / 4,500-5,000rpm
Motor maximum output	–	80kW (109PS) / 3,500-8,000rpm
Motor Max Torque	–	253Nm (25.8kgfm) / 0-3,000rpm
transmission	CVT	Electric continuously variable transmission
Drive system	2WD (FF) / 4WD	2WD (FF) / 4WD
Passenger capacity	5 people	5 people
WLTC mode fuel economy	20.2km/L (2WD) 18.2km/L (4WD)	29.4km/L (2WD) 24.0km/L (4WD)

4th place: Toyota Aqua

The Aqua is a popular Japanese car model that was officially announced and released on December 26, 2011. Approximately 10 years after its release, it underwent a full model change and was released on July 19, 2021.

Toyota Aqua exterior

The new car features a high-quality, simple, and classless design based on the concept of “Harmo-tech” (advanced technology that stimulates the intellect and senses and is close to people). While the body size remains the same, the wheelbase has been extended by 50mm compared to the previous model, resulting in a total length of 4,050mm, a total width of 1,695mm, and a total height of 1,485mm (2WD) or 1,505mm (4WD), with a wheelbase of 2,600mm. It is based on the “TNGA” architecture used in the new Prius, which went on sale on December 9, 2015. The newly developed ” GA-B platform ” based on TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) allows for a larger interior space than the previous model. The newly developed platform achieves excellent aerodynamic performance, a lower center of gravity, and increased body rigidity, marking a significant improvement over the previous model. It also features the second-generation “Toyota Safety Sense.”

Toyota Aqua interior

It comes standard with a 7-inch or 10.5-inch display audio and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes standard with a DCM in-car communication device.

Toyota Aqua engine specifications

The new Aqua is sold exclusively as a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid system uses a new generation inline 3-cylinder 1.5L direct-injection Dynamic Force Engine M15A with a new, downsized THS II . This system can be adopted without any problems in terms of overall mass. By improving the engine’s thermal efficiency and the transmission’s transmission efficiency, the entire powertrain system (engine and transmission) improves fuel economy by approximately 25% and power performance by more than 15%. It is equipped with a bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery, which dramatically improves fuel economy. An E-Four (4WD) model is also newly available . A newly developed double-wishbone rear suspension specifically for 4WD achieves an excellent fuel economy of 35.8km/L in WLTC mode.

Toyota Aqua Toyota Safety Sense Main Features

The new car will feature the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense , an advanced preventative safety technology . The second-generation next-generation Toyota Safety Sense, which was installed in the new Alphard/Vellfire, which will go on sale on January 8, 2018, will be standard on all vehicles. It uses laser radar and cameras to ensure excellent recognition performance and reliability, and also comes packaged with collision avoidance support PCS, LDA, and AHB. It ensures collision avoidance support/damage mitigation performance that is compatible even at high speeds. As mentioned above, Toyota Safety Sense’s pre-crash braking system assists in collision avoidance when the relative speed with a pedestrian is within approximately 30 km/h, and in the case of a vehicle, it operates over a wide speed range from 10 km/h to the vehicle’s maximum speed.

Toyota Aqua specs

Specifications	Aqua
full length	4,050mm
Overall width	1,695mm
Overall height	1,485mm (2WD) 1,505mm (4WD)
Wheelbase ​	2,600mm
type	hybrid
engine	Inline 3 1.5L + motor M15A-FXE type
Maximum power	67kW (91ps) / 5500rpm
Maximum torque	120Nm (12.2kgfm) / 3800-4800rpm
Motor maximum output	Front: 59kW (80ps) Rear: 3.9kW (5.3ps)
Motor Max Torque	Front: 141Nm (14.4kgm) Rear: 52Nm (5.3kgm)
WLCT mode fuel economy	35.8-34.6km/L (2WD) 30.1-30.0km/L (4WD)
Drive system	2WD/4WD
Passenger capacity	5 people
Minimum turning radius	4.8m to 5.1m
transmission	Electric continuously variable transmission

5. Toyota Yaris

Toyota has completely redesigned the fourth-generation Vitz and at the same time renamed it the new Yaris, which will be announced in Japan on December 20, 2019, and released on February 10, 2020. The gasoline 4WD model will be released in April 2020.

Toyota Yaris exterior

The previous Vitz is a globally popular car model that was officially announced and launched on December 22, 2010. It is undergoing a full model change exactly nine years after its release . Toyota applied for the name “YARIS” with the Japanese Patent Office on April 16, 2018 , and with this full model change, the name will be changed from Vitz to the same as it is used overseas. This will result in the discontinuation of the Vitz brand, and the car will be reborn as the globally unified brand “YARIS . ” This shows the importance of Toyota’s compact cars in the coming aging society .

Toyota Yaris interior

The new car employs the newly developed GA-B platform based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) , resulting in a larger interior space than the previous model. The newly developed platform achieves excellent aerodynamic performance and results in a 50kg (development target) weight reduction, a 15mm lower center of gravity, and a 30% or greater increase in body rigidity, making it a significant improvement over the previous model. It achieves a weight of just 940kg to 1090kg, dropping it below 1000kg. Despite being a 5-number size car with a length of 3940mm, width of 1695mm, height of 1500mm, and wheelbase of 2550mm, it boasts a spacious interior and is expected to feature more luxurious specifications than the previous model. It also achieves fuel economy of 36.0km/L in WLTC mode, making it the world’s best in its class.

Display audio is standard and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are adopted. DCM in-car communication device is also standard. Furthermore, the dedicated communication device DCM is standard on all vehicles, and the T-Connect service is provided free of charge for three years. The luggage compartment size is 1,000mm wide, 630mm long (when five people are riding), and 692mm to 830mm high. All vehicles have a 60/40 split folding rear seat. An AC100V 1500W “accessory outlet” can be added to the hybrid model (optional 44,000 yen).

Main features of Toyota Safety Sense for the Toyota Yaris

The car is equipped with the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense , an advanced preventive safety technology . The second-generation next-generation Toyota Safety Sense is standard on all vehicles. It uses laser radar and cameras to ensure excellent recognition performance and reliability, and also comes packaged with collision avoidance support PCS, LDA, and AHB. It ensures collision avoidance support/damage mitigation performance that is compatible even at high speeds. As mentioned above, Toyota Safety Sense’s pre-crash braking system assists in collision avoidance when the relative speed with a pedestrian is within approximately 30 km/h, and in the case of a vehicle, it operates over a wide speed range from 10 km/h to the maximum speed.

Toyota Yaris specs

Specifications	New Yaris Hybrid	New Yaris gasoline vehicle
full length	3,940mm	3,940mm
Overall width	1,695mm	1,695mm
Overall height	1,500mm (2WD) 1,515mm (4WD)	1,500mm (2WD) 1,515mm (4WD)
Wheelbase ​	2,550mm	2,550mm
engine	Inline 3 1.5L + motor M15A-FXE type	In-line 3-cylinder 1.5L engine M15A-FKS type
Maximum power	67kW (91ps) / 5500rpm	88kW (120ps) / 6600rpm
Maximum torque	120Nm (12.2kgfm) / 3800-4800rpm	145Nm (14.8kgfm) / 4800-5200rpm
Motor maximum output	Front: 59kW (80ps) Rear: 3.9kW (5.3ps)	–
Motor Max Torque	Front: 141Nm (14.4kgm) Rear: 52Nm (5.3kgm)	–
WLCT mode fuel economy	36.0-35.4km/L (2WD) 30.2km/L (4WD)	21.4-21.6km/L 19.2km/L
Drive system	2WD/4WD (E-Four)	2WD/4WD
Passenger capacity	5 people	5 people
Minimum turning radius	4.8m to 5.1m	4.8m to 5.1m
transmission	Electric continuously variable transmission	Direct Shift- CVT 6-speed MT

summary

Drivers want to be careful and prevent accidents, but humans can be distracted at times, so it’s good to have a car to help them. Even if you’re careful, there’s still a chance you could collide with an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian, so collision safety features are also necessary to protect yourself. We hope this information will be helpful when purchasing a car.