Cars with the easiest safety features to activate and deactivate, according to their owners
Car changing is a big deal
Some cars make it simpler than others to switch safety features on and off. We reveal which models score highest for ease of use in the latest Driver Power survey.
Modern cars are packed with safety technology, from automatic emergency braking to lane-keeping assist. But how easy are these features to switch on and off when you want to use them? And which cars leave their owners most impressed with how straightforward their safety systems are to operate?
The latest Driver Power survey gathered feedback from more than 100,000 UK motorists, asking owners to rate their cars across a range of areas. One question focused specifically on how easy safety features were to activate and deactivate.
Here are the 10 highest-ranking cars in this category, along with our thoughts on the technology and safety features each one offers.
- Tesla Model 3
- Vauxhall Grandland
- Ford Kuga
- Audi A4
- Tesla Model Y
- BMW 2 Series
- Renault Clio
- Vauxhall Corsa
- Vauxhall Frontera
- Volvo XC40
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1. Tesla Model 3
Taking the top spot is the Tesla Model 3, which also claimed the overall crown in the Driver Power survey.
This electric saloon has a huge 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen display that’s slick and easy to navigate, and you get useful safety features such as blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist. However, relying heavily on the touchscreen can be distracting, and the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto may disappoint some drivers.
Driver Power respondents, however, praised the car’s “technology and simplicity”, with one describing its “security features” as brilliant and adding: “I feel safe and well cared for by my car.” Others highlighted its “great technology” and connectivity.
2. Vauxhall Grandland
Claiming silver is the spacious and comfortable Vauxhall Grandland. This SUV has a modern infotainment system, clear digital displays, and many useful driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking. However, we think the touchscreen can be a little slow, and some of the displays lack the quality and sophistication of alternatives.
That said, owners highlighted its “great safety features”, with one noting how the car “does all the work” when following traffic. Other comments mentioned its “driver safety applications” and “lots of driver aids”, while one driver said they felt “very safe” behind the wheel.
3. Ford Kuga
Rounding out the podium is the Ford Kuga. This family SUV offers a range of safety features, including lane departure warning, lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking with pre-collision assist. And while its 13-inch touchscreen provides access to various settings, we find Ford’s software a little tricky to navigate.
However, some owners beg to differ when it comes to the car’s technology and ease of use. One described it as “safe” with “high spec technology”, adding there was “nothing I don’t like”.
4. Audi A4
Just out of the top three is the Audi A4. This premium saloon offers useful technology, including a 10.0-inch infotainment system, smartphone connectivity and Virtual Cockpit. It also has good safety features, such as parking sensors and Audi’s active safety and driver assistance system Pre-Sense City. However, some advanced safety features are only available as optional extras or on higher-spec models.
Driver Power respondents appreciated the Audi A4’s technology, though, with one owner commenting that they “like the technology in the car”.
5. Tesla Model Y
Up next is the Tesla Model Y. This electric SUV offers impressive in-car technology, with a 15.4-inch touchscreen that’s easy to use and many safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring. That said, just like the Model 3, it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while its reliance on the touchscreen for most controls may prove distracting.
Owner feedback highlighted the Model Y’s technology and gadgets, with comments including “the in-car tech is second to none – very simple to use,” and “I like the tech, the drive, the gadgets.” Others simply stated they liked its “cost to run and technology”.
6. BMW 2 Series
The BMW 2 Series was also rated highly in this particular category. This premium coupe comes with a user-friendly infotainment, featuring a responsive touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep you connected. Standard features include parking sensors and cruise control. However, its four-star Euro NCAP rating is disappointing, with weaknesses in detecting pedestrians and cyclists. Some safety features, such as lane keeping assist, are also optional.
Driver Power respondents were positive about the 2 Series’ technology and safety equipment, describing the safety features as “useful”. They also praised the “technology package” and called it “excellent”.
7. Renault Clio
The Renault Clio offers plenty of safety tech, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating and standard features including lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition and emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. However, its infotainment system is slow to respond, while more advanced features such as blind spot monitoring are reserved for higher trims.
Feedback from owners also reflect the Clio’s appeal, with respondents appreciating its modern technology and safety equipment. One owner said they like its “safety features, smoothness and fuel economy” while another “liked the up-to-date tech”.
8. Vauxhall Corsa
Driver Power respondents also rated the Vauxhall Corsa highly. This little hatchback comes with a good range of standard safety features, including lane-keeping assistance, fatigue alerts, collision warnings and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims add parking cameras and adaptive cruise control. However, its four-star Euro NCAP rating is worth noting, and some advanced features are only available on more expensive models.
Owners spoke positively about the Corsa’s safety equipment, with one mentioning it’s got “lots of safety features”, while others liked the “rear parking camera”, “lane assist” and “speed limiter warnings”. Parking sensors and automatic lights also received positive mentions.
9. Vauxhall Frontera
From one Vauxhall to another, the Frontera is also on this list. This SUV comes well-equipped, with a reversing camera, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking and front collision warning. However, its infotainment system is fairly basic, and adaptive cruise control is missing.
Driver Power respondents commented positively on the technology, with one saying they “like the regenerative braking system and its driving assistance capabilities”.
10.Volvo XC40
Rounding off our list is the Volvo XC40. This practical and handsome SUV has plenty of reassuring safety tech, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, emergency steering assistance and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping support. However, its infotainment system can be fiddly and distracting to use, while large rear pillars create blind spots when reversing.
Owners rated the XC40’s safety and technology highly, praising its “gadgets and comfort”, “good visibility”, “well-made” quality and its “safety and reliability”.
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