Mazda Named Safest Car Brand: What It Means for Drivers in Val-d’Or

If you are shopping for a safe vehicle in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, there is major news you need to know. Mazda has officially been named the safest new-car brand according to the latest Consumer Reports Safety Verdict, confirming what many drivers already believed about the brand’s engineering philosophy.

At Val-d’Or Mazda, this recognition reinforces why more local drivers choose Mazda when safety is their top priority.

Consumer Reports Names Mazda the Safest New-Car Brand

In 2026, Consumer Reports introduced a new comprehensive safety evaluation called the Safety Verdict, analyzing how well vehicles help prevent crashes and protect occupants during collisions. Mazda finished #1 overall, ahead of several luxury brands.

This evaluation goes beyond traditional crash testing and looks at:

• Crashworthiness performance

• Crash-avoidance technology

• Emergency handling and braking

• Driver-assistance systems offered as standard

• Ease of use of interior controls (to reduce driver distraction)

Mazda stood out for delivering strong protection while keeping controls intuitive and driver-focused — a key part of its human-centric design philosophy.

Consumer Reports itself described Mazda as the top-performing brand in its new Safety Verdict program, which sets a new benchmark for evaluating real-world vehicle safety.

Recognized in Canada and Highlighted by Automotive Media

Canadian automotive media, including Le Guide de l’Auto, highlighted Mazda’s achievement, noting the brand finished ahead of other premium brands such as Genesis and Acura.

This reinforces Mazda’s growing reputation in Canada as a manufacturer focused on real-world safety performance — not just marketing claims.

Mazda and IIHS: Consistently Earning Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+

Another major contributor to Mazda’s safety reputation is its performance in testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Many Mazda models regularly earn Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+, which are among the toughest safety awards in North America.

To earn these awards, vehicles must excel in tests such as:

• Small overlap front crash tests

• Side impact protection

• Roof strength testing

• Head restraint protection

• Headlight performance

• Automatic emergency braking performance

For example, the Mazda CX-50 achieved Top Safety Pick+, earning top ratings in nearly every crash and safety-technology category.

Mazda’s engineering philosophy specifically targets high IIHS scores and real-world crash prevention through predictable vehicle dynamics and driver-focused controls.

Why Mazda Safety Engineering Is Different

Mazda focuses on helping drivers avoid accidents first, not just survive them.

Key design priorities include:

Human-Centric Engineering

Mazda designs steering, braking, and handling to feel natural and predictable, helping drivers maintain control in emergency situations.

Standard Safety Technology

Many advanced driver-assistance systems come standard across Mazda lineups, improving overall safety scores across the brand.

Balanced Technology Integration

Instead of overwhelming drivers with complicated controls, Mazda prioritizes intuitive layouts that reduce distraction risk.

What This Means for Drivers in Val-d’Or, Quebec

Driving conditions in Northern Quebec can be challenging:

• Long highway commutes

• Winter driving conditions

• Wildlife encounters

• Remote travel between towns

Choosing a brand recognized as the safest by Consumer Reports means:

✅ Strong crash protection
✅ Excellent collision-avoidance technology
✅ Predictable handling in emergency situations
✅ Confidence in winter and long-distance driving

At Val-d’Or Mazda, safety is not just a rating — it is something customers experience daily behind the wheel.

Discover Mazda Safety at Val-d’Or Mazda

Whether you are considering a Mazda CX-5, CX-50, CX-90, or Mazda3, you are choosing a vehicle from the brand officially ranked as the safest new-car brand by Consumer Reports.

If safety is a priority for you and your family, visiting Val-d’Or Mazda is the best way to experience Mazda engineering firsthand.