Comparing apples with apples, eg. small cars, I think it's pretty good. I got rid of my GTI when my baby showed up, because a hatchback has no crush space between the rear bumper and the rear seats. For medium sized cars these days, I'd look at the 2 door Accord, Altima or older Solara. The absence of the rear doors, means the kids can't accidentally open anything, plus the door gets replaced with steel which helps in side impacts. All have substantial trunk (crush) space in the rear as well. The 8 is not unsafe for kids in the back, but there are safer choices. (I guess my fanboi license is gonna be revoked ... )