The safest cars under $35,000, according to Consumer Reports

Safety remains one of the top priorities for car buyers, and for good reason. Every year, around 40,000 people die and hundreds of thousands more are injured in crashes on U.S. roads.

While those numbers are staggering, modern cars are better than ever at protecting their occupants. (Although when it comes to especially tall vehicles, the same cannot be said for pedestrians.)

And luckily, safety doesn't have to come at too high a price. Consumer Reports compiled a list of the safest new cars it recommends that you can purchase for below $35,000. While most of the listed vehicles are sedans, there are a few SUVs and hatchbacks that made the cut.

“Safety shouldn’t be a luxury,” said Emily A. Thomas, the associate director of auto safety at Consumer Reports. “We think every automaker should offer the same level of safety regardless of price point, whether that be to help you avoid a crash or protect you during a crash.”

Continue reading to see which cars made the list.

Credit: Mazda

Priced from $24,550 to $37,890, Mazda3 gets 30 MPG overall (20 city / 44 highway) and ranks #3 of 21 small sedans/hatchbacks.

Credit: Mazda

Priced from $25,975 to $37,900, the CX-30 gets 27 MPG overall (18 city / 37 highway) and ranks #5 of 16 subcompact SUVs.

Credit: Hyundai

Priced from $29,450 to $40,925, the Tucson gas version gets 26 MPG overall (18 city / 35 highway) and ranks #8 of 33 compact SUVs. The hybrid, priced from $32,450 to $42,075, gets 35 MPG overall (29 city / 40 highway) and ranks #6 of 33 compact SUVs.

Credit: Hyundai

Priced from $25,500 to $34,150, the Kona gets 26 MPG overall (18 city / 36 highway) and ranks #11 of 16 subcompact SUVs.

Credit: Hyundai

Priced from $27,450 to $36,050, the standard Sonata gets 30 MPG overall (19 city / 44 highway) and ranks #6 of 10 midsized cars. The hybrid, priced from $29,200 to $38,250, gets 44 MPG overall (36 city / 51 highway) and ranks #9 of 10 midsized cars.

Credit: Honda $HMC

Priced from $29,395 to $33,595, the Civic hybrid gets 44 MPG overall (39 city / 48 highway) and ranks #1 of 21 small sedans/hatchbacks. The Civic Si, priced at $31,495, gets 32 MPG overall (21 city / 44 highway) and ranks #6 of 21 sports cars (4/5-seat).

Credit: Honda $HMC

Priced from $33,795 to $39,495, the Accord gets 40 MPG overall (34 city / 45 highway) and ranks #3 of 10 midsized cars.

Credit: Toyota $TM

Priced from $29,100 to $37,025, the Camry gets 48 MPG overall (40 city / 54 highway) and ranks #1 of 10 midsized cars.

Screenshot: https://www.toyota.com/prius/

Priced from $28,550 to $36,965, the Prius gets 51 MPG overall (40 city / 59 highway) and ranks #4 of 21 small sedans/hatchbacks.

Credit: Acura

Priced from $33,400 to $53,400, the Integra gets 31 MPG overall (21 city / 42 highway) and ranks #5 of 16 luxury small cars.

Credit: Nissan

Priced from $29,090 to $38,990, the Rogue gets 25 MPG overall (17 city / 34 highway) and ranks #14 of 33 compact SUVs.