Which car brand has highest safety rating?
There isn’t a single car brand that is universally the safest across every model. Safety ratings are assigned to individual models by independent agencies and can vary by year, trim, and market. Brands with a strong track record across many models include Volvo, Subaru, Lexus, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.
How safety ratings work
Understanding the main agencies and how they evaluate vehicles helps explain why “the safest brand” is not straightforward. Each organization tests differently and reports results in distinct formats. Here are the most influential bodies buyers should consult.
- IIHS – Institute for Highway Safety: known for its crashworthiness tests and the Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ awards.
- NHTSA – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: issues overall 5-star safety ratings for passenger vehicles based on crash testing.
- Euro NCAP – European New Car Assessment Programme: provides five-star ratings and separate ratings for adult and child occupant protection, safety assist, and vulnerable road users.
- Global NCAP – Global New Car Assessment Programme: offers independent crash tests in markets that lack local rating programs, contributing to global safety transparency.
These agencies collectively help buyers compare safety performance across brands and models; however, their criteria differ, so a model may rate highly on one system and not on another.
Brand performance and notable leaders
While no single brand is categorically safest, several brands are widely recognized for strong safety performance across many of their models, reflecting a commitment to crash protection and driver assistance features.
- Volvo
- Subaru
- Lexus
- Toyota
- Mercedes-Benz
- Audi
Note: The safety rating of a given model can vary by year and market, so always check the latest results for the exact model and trim you are considering.
How to evaluate a specific model’s safety rating
To choose a safe vehicle, follow these steps to verify the latest data for the exact model and year you’re considering.
- Look up the model/year in IIHS and NHTSA databases to see current crash-test results and overall ratings for your market.
- Check the headlights, crash-prevention systems, and other active safety features that influence overall performance in the ratings.
- Review Euro NCAP or Global NCAP results if you’re evaluating the model in Europe or other regions where those organizations test.
- Consider whether features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adequate airbag coverage are standard or optional.
- Compare ratings across different trims and model years, since updates can improve or change safety performance over time.
By focusing on model-year-specific results, you can identify the safest option for your needs.
Summary
Safety ratings are not branded; they are model-specific and depend on the testing agency. There is no universal “safest brand.” For the safest choice, consult the latest IIHS and NHTSA results for the exact model and year, and supplement with Euro NCAP or Global NCAP data when relevant. Brands with a historically strong safety track record—Volvo, Subaru, Lexus, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi—often appear across many top-rated models, but always verify the specific vehicle you’re interested in.
Which car has the most safety rating?
The best cars for safety include vehicles with top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, such as the 2025 Honda Accord, 2025 Hyundai Sonata, 2025 Kia K5, 2025 Mazda CX-30, 2025 Mazda CX-90, 2025 Toyota Camry, and 2025 Genesis GV60. Key factors for high safety ratings include strong crash test performance, effective driver-assistance systems, and features like comprehensive airbags and anti-lock brakes.
Top-rated vehicles
- 2025 Honda Accord: Awarded the highest possible rating, a TOP SAFETY PICK+, from the IIHS, thanks to strong performance and advanced safety features.
- 2025 Hyundai Sonata: Earned a TOP SAFETY PICK designation from the IIHS for strong crash-test performance and effective driver-assistance systems.
- 2025 Kia K5: Received NHTSA's highest 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score.
- 2025 Mazda CX-30: Considered one of the safest cars, with an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.
- 2025 Mazda CX-90: Recommended for teens by the IIHS due to top-tier safety scores and standard crash avoidance features.
- 2025 Toyota Camry: Considered a top vehicle for safety due to its comprehensive protection features.
- 2025 Genesis GV60: Has been awarded a TOP SAFETY PICK+ by the IIHS.
Safety features to look for
- Airbags: Look for vehicles with a comprehensive set of airbags, including front, knee, side, and curtain airbags.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): This system prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, helping the driver maintain steering control and traction.
- Driver-assistance systems: Modern safety systems like forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and rear occupant alert are crucial for preventing accidents.
Which car brand has the highest safety rating?
Volvo is our pick for the safest car brand in the United States for 2025.
What is the no. 1 safest SUV?
There is no single "number one" safest SUV, as safety rankings vary by organization and vehicle class. However, many SUVs are recognized for outstanding safety, with the 2025 Kia Telluride https://www.motor and 2025 Mazda CX-70 earning both IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-star NHTSA ratings. Other top contenders include the 2025 Mazda CX-50, 2025 Acura MDX, and 2025 Honda CR-V.
Top-rated SUVs for safety
- Kia Telluride: This midsize SUV receives a 5-star NHTSA overall score and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025. It's praised for a comprehensive suite of standard safety features and a strong performance in crash tests.
- Mazda CX-70 and CX-90: These models are recognized with IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings for 2025, with excellent performance in small overlap front and other crash tests.
- Mazda CX-50: The 2025 model earned a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It scores well in crashworthiness and has a good pedestrian collision avoidance system.
- Acura MDX: A luxury midsize option that earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick status. Its standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are highly rated.
- Honda CR-V: While the specific safety awards can vary by year, the CR-V is frequently highlighted for its strong safety performance, particularly in the compact SUV category. The Honda Sensing suite is noted for its effective and usable safety features.
How to choose the safest SUV
- Check crash test ratings: Look at the ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see how a specific vehicle performs in various crash tests.
- Look at safety features: Consider which safety and driver-assist features are most important to you, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
- Consider your needs: The "safest" SUV depends on your individual needs. A family-friendly, three-row SUV like the Kia Telluride may be ideal for a larger family, while a smaller, more nimble option might be better for city driving.
What cars have a 5 star safety rating?
Many cars achieve 5-star safety ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Euro NCAP. Examples of 5-star rated vehicles include the Honda Civic, Tesla Model S, Mazda CX-50, Toyota Camry, and Kia Telluride, though specific models and their ratings can vary by year, region, and testing body. To find a specific car, it is best to check its safety rating from a recognized agency like the NHTSA or IIHS.
Examples of 5-star safety rated cars
- Acura Integra: Achieved a 5-star rating and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS.
- Honda Civic: Received a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.
- Kia Telluride: Awarded a 5-star rating by NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.
- Mazda CX-50: Earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5-star results for frontal and side crash tests.
- Tesla Model S: Has a 5-star rollover rating and overall 5-star rating from NHTSA.
- Toyota Camry: Received a 5-star rating in every category from NHTSA and the "Top Safety Pick+" designation from IIHS.
- Volvo XC90: Has a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and 5-star ratings for frontal and side crashes.
- Volkswagen ID.4: Received a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA with 5-star ratings for frontal and side crashes.
How to find specific models
- Check the NHTSA ratings website for the most up-to-date information on new and used vehicles.
- Visit the IIHS website to find their "Top Safety Pick" and "Top Safety Pick+" award winners.
- Look for safety ratings from other regional organizations, such as Euro NCAP for vehicles sold in Europe.
