What is considered the safest car?

When it comes to vehicle safety, the safest cars on the road are those that provide the highest levels of protection for drivers and passengers in the event of a collision. These vehicles are designed with advanced safety features and technologies that help minimize the risk of injury or fatality in an accident.

Factors Determining the Safest Cars

Several key factors are considered when determining the safest cars on the market. These include:

• Crash Test Ratings: Vehicles are subjected to rigorous crash tests by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to assess their ability to protect occupants in various accident scenarios.


• Safety Features: The presence and effectiveness of safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are crucial in determining a car's safety rating.


• Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger, heavier vehicles generally offer more protection in a collision compared to smaller, lighter vehicles.


• Structural Integrity: The design and construction of a vehicle's body and frame play a significant role in its ability to withstand the forces of an impact and protect its occupants.

By considering these factors, experts can identify the safest cars on the market and provide consumers with valuable information to make informed purchasing decisions.

The Safest Cars of 2025

Based on the latest safety ratings and assessments, some of the safest cars on the road in 2025 include:

• Tesla Model S Plaid: This all-electric luxury sedan has earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety features, including multiple airbags, autonomous emergency braking, and a reinforced battery pack that helps protect occupants in a collision.


• Volvo XC90: The Volvo XC90 SUV is renowned for its exceptional safety performance, with a strong, rigid body structure and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, such as lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring.li>
  
• Toyota Camry: The Toyota Camry, a popular midsize sedan, has consistently earned high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety features and robust construction.


• Honda Odyssey: The Honda Odyssey minivan is a family-friendly vehicle that prioritizes safety, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a reinforced body structure to protect occupants.li>
  

These are just a few examples of the safest cars on the road in 2025, but the list is constantly evolving as automakers continue to innovate and improve the safety of their vehicles.

What car has a 5 star safety rating?

Some examples of 5-star safety cars include the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5, 2025 Volvo XC90, and Mazda CX-50, which have all received 5-star ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Tesla Model S and many models from brands like Genesis, BMW, and Volkswagen also have 5-star ratings. Safety ratings can vary by model year, so it is important to check the specific vehicle you are considering.
 
Examples of 5-star safety cars

• 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5: Received a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. 
• 2025 Volvo XC90: Earned a 5-star overall rating and 5-star ratings for frontal and side crashes from NHTSA. 
• Mazda CX-50: Awarded a 5-star safety rating by NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. 
• Tesla Model S: Holds a 5-star rating for overall safety and frontal and side crashes. 
• Hyundai Elantra: The 2024 model has a 5-star rating. 
• Kia Telluride: The 2025 model is listed as having a 5-star safety rating. 
• Toyota Camry: The 2025 model has a 5-star rating. 

Important considerations

• Check the specific model and year: A car's safety rating can change from one model year to the next, so always verify the rating for the specific vehicle you are considering. 
• Look at multiple ratings: Different organizations test for safety, such as the NHTSA and IIHS. A vehicle with a good rating from one organization may also have good ratings from others. 
• Consider other safety features: Look beyond the crash test ratings and consider other safety features like electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and advanced driver-assist technologies. 

What is the non-safest car?

The least safe cars vary by study, but lists often feature models like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Hyundai Venue, and performance cars such as the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911, based on fatal accident rates per mile or per vehicle year. Other studies highlight cars with poor crash test ratings, such as the Tata Nano (which scored zero stars) or older models like the Fiat Punto and Jeep Renegade which had low ratings in safety tests.
 
Based on fatal accident rates 

• Mitsubishi Mirage: Both the sedan and hatchback versions frequently appear on lists with the highest driver death rates per million registered vehicle years. 
• Hyundai Venue: A subcompact crossover SUV with a high fatal crash rate, often cited as being significantly higher than the average vehicle. 
• Chevrolet Corvette & Porsche 911: These performance cars have high fatal accident rates, potentially due to a combination of driver behavior and high speeds. 
• Other models: Other cars that frequently appear on these lists include the Dodge Challenger, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Forte, according to the IIHS-HLDI and MarketWatch. 

Based on crash test ratings

• Tata Nano: An entry-level version of this car scored a zero-star rating in crash tests, with both adult and child occupant protection deemed unstable, notes India Today. 
• Fiat Punto: This car received a zero-star Euro NCAP rating due to a lack of modern safety features and had its production discontinued, reports The Week. 
• Jeep Renegade: Received a three-star rating in Euro NCAP tests, with criticism for providing marginal neck and chest protection in certain impacts, according to this YouTube video. 

Factors to consider

• Vehicle type: Small cars can be physically vulnerable in collisions, while high-performance cars may attract drivers who push safety limits. 
• Driver behavior: Studies often suggest driver behavior, such as speeding or distracted driving, plays a significant role in crashes and fatalities, especially in vehicles like performance cars or larger SUVs. 
• Safety features: Cars with a higher number of advanced safety features, like automatic emergency braking, tend to have lower driver death rates. 

What car is least likely to be in an accident?

No single car is guaranteed to be accident-free, as driver behavior and road conditions are major factors. However, cars with the lowest accident rates include the Volvo XC90, Tesla Model 3, and Audi Q7. You can also look for vehicles with high safety ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or those that come equipped with advanced driver-assist features. 
Cars with low accident rates

• Volvo XC90: Has a very low accident rate.
• Tesla Model 3: Also frequently listed for its low accident rate.
• Audi Q7: Ranks among the safest with a low accident rate.
• Subaru Outback: Has a very low accident rate.
• Honda CR-V: Appears on lists of safest cars. 

Other ways to increase safety

• Look for high safety ratings: Check for the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, as found in models like the 2021 Honda Insight and Genesis G80. 
• Consider driver-assist features: Features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring can help prevent accidents. 
• Choose a lighter car color: Visibility is a factor in accidents, and studies show white, silver, and yellow cars have lower crash rates because they are easier to see than darker colors like black. 
• Be mindful of vehicle type: While larger vehicles can offer more protection, some studies show certain smaller vehicles, like the Subaru Outback and Tesla Model 3, have very low accident and death rates. 

What is the #1 safest car?

There is no single #1 safest car, as ratings vary by testing organization and model year. However, the Volvo XC90 is frequently highlighted for its safety features and strong performance in crash tests, and several 2025 models from brands like Subaru, Kia, Hyundai, and Tesla also achieve top ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It's important to check the latest safety ratings for specific model years from the IIHS and NHTSA to find the safest vehicle for your needs. 
Top contenders for safest cars

• Volvo XC90: Consistently praised for safety, the luxury SUV has earned top marks in crash tests and features advanced safety technology like Pilot Assist and City Safety. 
• Subaru Outback: A midsize crossover that combines off-road capability with strong safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. 
• Tesla Model 3: Earned high scores in crash tests and is noted for its autonomous emergency braking and other driver assistance systems. 
• Hyundai Ioniq 5: An electric vehicle that has received a top safety score of 10 out of 10 from U.S. News & World Report. 
• Subaru Forester: Frequently cited as a top choice for safety, with IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards for various model years. 
• Kia EV6: Another electric SUV that has received a top safety score of 10 out of 10 from U.S. News & World Report. 

How to find the safest car for you

• Check the latest ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA for specific model years, as features and ratings change annually. 
• Look for vehicles that have earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, which is their highest honor. 
• Consider a vehicle's accident rate per 100,0