What is the safest truck in a crash test?
There isn’t a single universally “safest” truck. Crash-test safety is highly dependent on the exact model year and trim. In recent years, several pickup trucks have earned top safety honors from major testers, but the designation can change with new designs and updated tests. For the most reliable answer, consult the latest ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for the specific year and configuration you’re considering.
This article explains how crash-test ratings work, what factors determine a truck’s safety score, and how to identify the safest options based on official results. It also points readers to where to find the most current data for model-year comparisons.
How crash-test ratings are determined
Crash-test ratings come from two primary sources in the United States: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). IIHS focuses on crashworthiness (how well the vehicle protects occupants in various crash scenarios), crash avoidance technologies, and headlight performance. NHTSA assigns a five-star overall safety rating based on a vehicle’s performance across a suite of crash tests, including frontal, side, rollover, and compatibility assessments.
What IIHS examines
IIHS tests include small overlap front crashes, moderate overlap front crashes, side impacts, roof strength, and seats/head restraints. They also rate the effectiveness of available front crash prevention systems and headlights. Vehicles can earn IIHS “Good” ratings across these categories and “Top Safety Pick” or “Top Safety Pick+” status if they meet high thresholds in front crash prevention and other criteria.
What NHTSA examines
NHTSA’s five-star ratings combine results from front, side, rollover, and overall performance. Higher stars indicate better protection for occupants. Like IIHS, NHTSA ratings can vary by model year and trim, especially as automakers add or update safety tech and structural designs.
What counts as the safest in a crash
In practice, the safest truck is typically one that earns a Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA for the specific model year and trim you’re considering. These rankings reflect a combination of crashworthiness, front crash prevention, and, in IIHS terms, headlight performance. Because ratings change with redesigns and new safety features, the leading model can shift from year to year.
How to read the results
- Check IIHS for Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ status by model year and trim, noting any headlight or front-crash-prevention caveats.
- Check NHTSA for the overall five-star rating and separately rated components such as frontal and side crash results.
- Look for consistency across tests: a vehicle that performs well in all main crash tests plus offers effective crash-prevention tech is typically the safest overall.
Understanding these ratings helps consumers compare trucks not just on engine power or bed size, but on occupant protection across real-world crash scenarios. Always verify the exact year and trim, since a small change in design or optional safety features can influence the rating.
Recent top performers among pickup trucks
Ratings are updated annually as automakers redesign or refresh vehicles. The following notes illustrate how some pickups have fared in recent years, but they are not a guarantee for every trim or every year. Always consult the current official ratings for the exact configuration you’re considering.
- Ford F-150 — Has repeatedly been recognized for strong crash-test performance in various model years, with some trims earning IIHS Top Safety Pick+/Top Safety Pick and solid NHTSA five-star results.
- Ram 1500 — Also cited in multiple years for high IIHS ratings and favorable NHTSA results, depending on the specific year/trim and safety options.
- Toyota Tundra — Has earned Top Safety Pick in certain model years and trims, reflecting strong structural integrity and safety features.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500 — Have appeared among high-rated pickups in various years, with IIHS and NHTSA results that reflect robust safety ecosystems on specific configurations.
Because ratings change with redesigns and new safety technology, always verify the latest data from IIHS and NHTSA for the exact model year and trim you’re considering.
Summary
The safest truck in a crash test is not a single constant but the model-year and trim configuration that earns the highest official ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. For the most up-to-date guidance, review the latest IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ designations and NHTSA five-star ratings for the exact truck and configuration you’re evaluating. In practice, brands like Ford, Ram, Toyota, and Chevrolet have historically produced pickups that perform very well in safety testing, but the winner can vary by year.
Bottom line: prioritize official, year-specific crash-test results, and consult IIHS and NHTSA directly to identify the current safest pickup for your needs.
