Which car has highest crash test rating?
There isn’t a single “highest” car that dominates every test. Crash-test results come from multiple organizations that use different methods and scales, so the top-rated model depends on the testing body and the model year. In practice, many current vehicles earn the highest marks across several major testers, but you should check the exact year and market you’re considering.
Understanding crash-test ratings across major testers
Crash-test results are published by several organizations around the world, each with its own scoring system. To interpret “the highest rating,” it helps to know what each body measures and how it labels top performance.
Key test categories
Different testers emphasize different aspects of safety. Here are the main categories you’ll encounter when comparing results:
- IIHS (United States): Uses Good/Acceptable/Marginal/Poor in crash categories and can award Top Safety Pick+ for overall high performance, including advanced headlights and crashworthiness.
- NHTSA (United States): Assigns a 5-star overall rating with sub-scores for frontal, side, rollover, and overall crash performance.
- Euro NCAP (Europe): Rates on a 1- to 5-star scale with separate tests for adult and child protection, pedestrian protection, and safety assist features.
- ANCAP/JNCAP (Australia/Japan and other regions): Typically use a 5-star system with detailed sub-scores, similar to IIHS and Euro NCAP.
- Regional variations: Some markets publish additional notes about specific test methods or optional safety equipment that can affect the final rating.
Because the tests and scales differ, a car’s top rating in one system may not translate to another. The absence of a universal “highest” rating means you should consult the exact test results for the car in your region and model year.
How to identify the best-rated cars for you
To determine which cars have the strongest crash-test credentials for the year and market you’re shopping in, follow these practical steps. This approach helps you compare apples-to-apples across testers.
- Check IIHS ratings for the exact model year and trim on iihs.org, looking for Good or Top Safety Pick+ status in relevant categories.
- Check NHTSA ratings on safercar.gov for the same model year, focusing on the overall 5-star rating and any noted weaknesses.
- Review Euro NCAP results if you’re considering a European-market variant, ensuring you’re comparing the same year and configuration.
- Compare the safety technology and features that accompany the ratings (automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, etc.), as these often influence test outcomes.
- Consider the model year’s update cycle: a new generation or added safety tech can change a car’s rating, even within the same nameplate.
By cross-referencing official ratings from multiple testers for the exact year and market, you’ll identify which cars currently stand out in crash safety for your needs.
Notes on evaluating “top” ratings
Because testers use different criteria, prioritize the organizations most relevant to your region and driving environment. In the United States, a vehicle with both an excellent IIHS designation (such as Top Safety Pick+) and a 5-star NHTSA rating is usually a strong safety choice. For Europe or Asia-Pacific, rely on Euro NCAP or local programs. Always review the detailed test results and the specific safety systems that contributed to the scores.
Summary
The highest crash-test rating is not a single car; it depends on the testing body, the market, and the model year. To locate the strongest performers, consult the latest official results from IIHS, NHTSA, Euro NCAP, and other regional testers for the exact vehicle and year you’re considering. A multi-source comparison will reveal which models currently lead the field in crash safety for your circumstances.
