The EX35 may have missed the mark on storage space and rear legroom; however, it earns extra points for its safety features.

The 2011 EX35 has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To receive this safety award, a car must receive the top score of Good in frontal-offset, side-impact, rear and rollover crash tests as well as have an electronic stability system. The EX35 received four out of five stars in rollover crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It has standard rear-wheel drive, active front head restraints, an electronic stability system with traction control and six airbags, including side curtains for both rows. Optional safety features include all-wheel drive and a backup camera.

The optional Technology Package ($2,700) includes adaptive cruise control, a blind spot warning system, lane departure and lane prevention warning systems, and Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning, which alerts the driver of stopping traffic and brakes appropriately. While the multitude of warning beeps and lights can be annoying at first, it made me more aware driver — kind of like when Grandma's in the car.

Also worth noting is the optional Around View Monitor, a set of cameras mounted on all sides of the car that gives a bird's-eye view of your surroundings on the navigation screen. This feature makes parallel parking a breeze.

The EX35 has two sets of easy-to-use lower Latch anchors in the second row's outboard seats. The seat belt buckles are on stable bases, making it easier for older children in booster seats to buckle up independently.