The Safest Cars for Downsizing

If you're wondering how to choose a smaller vehicle without sacrificing safety -- and without going totally bite-sized -- read through our list of the safest cars for downsizing.

These are our 10 best suggestions, listed in alphabetical order, for getting better fuel economy than large sports utility vehicles, but still having the comfort of high safety ratings and low rollover risk.

IIHS frontal crash rating: Good
IIHS side crash rating: Good
NHTSA frontal crash rating: N/A
NHTSA side crash rating: N/A
SCORE: 67*
Curb weight: 3,263 pounds

See how to safely downsize with Audi A3

IIHS frontal crash rating: Good
IIHS side crash rating: Good
NHTSA frontal crash rating: 4 stars
NHTSA side crash rating: 4 stars
SCORE: 63*
Curb weight: 3,351 pounds

See how to safely downsize with the BMW 3 Series Sedan

IIHS frontal crash rating: Good
IIHS side crash rating: N/A
NHTSA frontal crash rating: 5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating: 5 stars
SCORE: 72*
Curb weight: 3,053 pounds

See how to safely downsize with the Subaru Impreza

IIHS frontal crash rating: Good
IIHS side crash rating: Acceptable
NHTSA frontal crash rating: 4 stars
NHTSA side crash rating: 5 stars
SCORE: 65*
Curb weight: 3,220 pounds

See how to safely downsize with the Volvo S40

IIHS frontal crash rating: Good
IIHS side crash rating: Good
NHTSA frontal crash rating: 4 stars
NHTSA side crash rating: 5 stars
SCORE: 78*
Curb weight: 3,230/3,072 pounds

See how to safely downsize with the Volkswagen Jetta/Rabbit

Read the full story and view the slideshow at ForbesAutos.com:
- Safe Vehicles for Downsizing- In Pictures: Safe Vehicles for Downsizing
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