What is the number 1 safest car brand?
There is no official single “number 1” safest car brand, since safety ranking depends on individual models and testing data. Still, several brands consistently perform well in independent crash tests and safety evaluations, notably Volvo, Subaru, Toyota (and its luxury Lexus division), and Audi.
How safety ratings are determined
Independent testing regimes
Safety assessments come from multiple organizations that test different aspects of a vehicle’s protection. The most influential bodies include IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) in the United States, Euro NCAP in Europe, and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) in the U.S. Each evaluates crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and standard safety features, publishing model-level results that influence brand reputations over time.
Before evaluating brands, it helps to understand what the ratings mean. IIHS, for example, uses categories like Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor for crash tests, and Best/Top Safety Pick+ designations for models that meet stringent criteria. Euro NCAP provides star ratings plus detailed safety equipment assessments, while NHTSA assigns overall five-star ratings and category results. These metrics collectively shape perceptions of brand safety.
Brand trajectories in recent years
Below are brands that have shown strong safety performance across many of their models in recent years. The list reflects generally favorable outcomes across IIHS, Euro NCAP, and NHTSA evaluations, rather than a single definitive ranking.
- Volvo
- Subaru
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Audi
Volvo’s long-standing emphasis on crashworthiness and pedestrian protection, Subaru’s widespread EyeSight driver-assistance technology, Toyota’s broad safety feature availability across trims, Lexus’s strong luxury-safety balance, and Audi’s advanced safety systems are repeatedly cited as reasons these brands stand out in safety discussions. Exact rankings can shift year by year based on model introductions and new test results.
What to consider when evaluating the safety of a brand
When assessing which brand is safest for you, consider how safety is implemented across its lineup, not just on a single model.
- Standard vs. optional safety tech: Look for features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring across most trims.
- Model-level crash-test results: Since safety can vary by model, review IIHS/NHTSA/Euro NCAP scores for the specific vehicle you’re considering.
- Structural design and materials: Brands that emphasize robust crash structures and advanced active safety systems often translate to better real-world protection.
- Consistency across the lineup: A brand that rolls out strong safety features across many models tends to offer better overall safety options for buyers.
While no brand can guarantee absolute safety in every scenario, a careful comparison of model results and feature availability can help steer you toward the safest option for your needs. Always consult the latest test results for the exact model year you’re considering, as updates and new models frequently alter the safety landscape.
Additional considerations and evolving safety tech
Safety technology continues to evolve rapidly, with advances such as improved automatic braking, enhanced steering support, advanced rear-seat airbag designs, and more sophisticated driver monitoring systems. The brands listed above have historically invested heavily in these areas, but consumer safety also depends on timely recalls, dealer availability of updated software, and how effectively features are enabled in production models.
Summary
There is no universally acknowledged “number 1 safest car brand.” Safety leadership is model-specific and depends on the latest test results and feature availability. Brands that consistently rank highly in independent testing include Volvo, Subaru, Toyota, Lexus, and Audi. To identify the safest option for you, review the most recent IIHS, Euro NCAP, and NHTSA results for the exact models you’re considering, and prioritize vehicles with broad, standard safety features across trims.
Summary of takeaways
The safest choice depends on the model and the testing year. Use independent crash-test data as the primary guide, and favor brands with strong, widely available safety features across their lineup. For many buyers, Volvo, Subaru, Toyota/Lexus, and Audi represent leading options in contemporary safety evaluations.
Which car brand has the lowest fatality rate?
2017-2021 Cars With The Lowest Driver Death Rate
| Rank | Model | Driver Deaths per Million Registered Vehicle Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (tie) | Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan | 0 |
| 1 (tie) | Nissan Pathfinder | 0 |
| 5 (tie) | Audi Q5 | 2 |
| 5 (tie) | Toyota C-HR | 2 |
Which cars have 5 star safety ratings?
Model Year 2024 Vehicle Models Selected for 5-Star Safety Ratings Testing
| Make | Model | Body Style |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru | Impreza | SW |
| Toyota | Grand Highlander | SUV |
| Toyota | Tacoma | PU/EC |
| Toyota | Tundra | PU/CC |
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
Which car brand is the safest to buy?
2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ Winners
- Small Cars. Acura Integra (TSP)
- Midsized Cars. Honda Accord (TSP+)
- Midsized Luxury Car. Audi A5 (TSP+)
- Large Luxury Car. Genesis G90 (TSP)
- Small SUVs. BMW X3 (TSP+), built after April 2025.
- Midsized SUVs. Chevrolet Traverse (TSP)
- Midsized Luxury SUVs.
- Large SUVs.
