Which is safer, Civic or Accord?
Both the Honda Civic and Honda Accord are among the safest options in their segments, with strong crash-test results and extensive safety tech. There isn’t a universal winner—the best choice depends on model year, trim, and the safety features you prioritize. This article reviews the latest official safety ratings and how the two models compare in real-world protection.
Safety ratings: IIHS and NHTSA in focus
The two main sources of official safety ratings in the United States are IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The Civic and Accord often earn top marks, but ratings can vary by year and trim, particularly regarding headlights and optional safety packages.
IIHS assessments
Here is a snapshot of how the Civic and Accord have fared in IIHS evaluations in recent years. Ratings are Good or Top Safety Pick+/Top Safety Pick depending on trim and headlights.
- Honda Civic: Generally receives Good ratings across crash tests and has earned Top Safety Pick+ in model years when equipped with specific LED headlights and advanced crash-prevention features.
- Honda Accord: Also typically earns Good ratings, with many trims achieving Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with eligible headlights and the full suite of Honda Sensing features.
In short, IIHS results place both models at the top of their classes when properly equipped, with the exact designation depending on headlights and trim packages.
NHTSA assessments
Across recent model years, both cars have earned high overall ratings from NHTSA, frequently earning five stars in the overall category. The precise star totals can vary by year and configuration, but both are considered among the safest choices in their respective segments.
- Honda Civic: Typically five-star overall safety rating in recent model years, with strong performance in frontal, side, and rollover tests.
- Honda Accord: Also commonly rated five stars overall, reflecting solid performance across crash tests and strong protection for occupants.
These ratings reinforce that both vehicles meet stringent federal safety standards, though the specifics depend on the year and trim level.
Active safety features and technology
Beyond the official crash tests, the safety technology package can affect how protected you feel on the road. Both models now ship with Honda Sensing as standard on many trims, and newer versions add more driver-assistance options. The exact features and availability depend on model year and trim level.
- Honda Sensing suite: Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Departure Warning are commonly included or available on higher trims.
- Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert: Widely available on higher Civic and Accord trims, helping detect vehicles in adjacent lanes or approaching from the side when backing out of a parking space.
- Advanced visibility features: Some models offer auto high-beam headlights and Traffic Sign Recognition to assist with speed limits and warnings.
In practice, choosing a trim with all the safety features can meaningfully enhance active protection during daily driving.
Choosing for safety: what to consider
When evaluating safety, consider the following: the model year, the trim level, and whether you want Honda Sensing as standard or optional; your typical driving environment (urban vs. highway) and whether you value more space or better fuel efficiency.
In general, the Accord offers more physical protection in larger crash-compatibility tests due to its size, while the Civic remains an excellent compact choice with a strong safety record and excellent efficiency. Always verify the current rating for the exact configuration you are considering on IIHS and NHTSA’s official sites.
Summary
Both the Honda Civic and Honda Accord are among the safest vehicles in their classes. Official ratings from IIHS and NHTSA typically place them at or near the top, with the exact designation depending on year, trim, and equipment such as headlights and the Honda Sensing package. If safety is your primary criterion, compare the specific model years and trims you’re considering, and prioritize versions with the Top Safety Pick+/5-star ratings and the full set of active safety features.
What is the safest Honda model?
The safest Honda models are the 2025 Civic Hatchback, Accord Sedan, and Pilot, all of which earned the highest TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Several other 2025 models, including the Civic Sedan, CR-V, and HR-V, also received top ratings, though the exact rating can vary by model and trim.
Top-rated 2025 Honda models
- Honda Civic Hatchback: Awarded the highest TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.
- Honda Accord Sedan: Earned the TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.
- Honda Pilot: Achieved the TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.
- Honda Civic Sedan: Received a TOP SAFETY PICK award.
- Honda CR-V: Earned a TOP SAFETY PICK rating.
- Honda HR-V: Received a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.
Key safety features
- IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating: This is the highest possible rating from the IIHS, indicating excellent performance in crash tests and strong performance in updated side crash tests.
- NHTSA 5-Star rating: Some Honda models, like the 2024 Civic sedan and hatchback, have also received a 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Advanced safety technology: Honda vehicles come equipped with safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
- Strong structural integrity: Vehicles like the 2025 Civic Hatchback have been recognized for their strong structural integrity and advanced restraint systems.
Is the Honda Civic the safest car?
The 2022 Honda Civic was thoroughly tested by each organization, and we're happy to announce that it excelled in all their tests. In fact, the 2023 Honda Civic Sedan has a 5-star overall vehicle score from the NHTSA, while all trims of the 2023 Honda Civic were named a 2023 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK.
Are Honda Accords safe in crashes?
Honda Accord Safety Ratings: NHTSA
In addition to IIHS testing, the NHTSA's evaluation further solidifies the Honda Accord's safety prowess. The 2023 Accord Sedan receives a stellar 5-star Overall Vehicle Score, achieving the highest rating in a frontal crash, side crash, and rollover categories.
Is a Honda Accord safer than a Civic?
Consumer Reports praises both models for forward visibility and emergency handling, with the Accord's safety interface ranking higher than Sonata and K5. The Civic excels with more natural-feeling braking intervention, superior handling, and rear cross traffic alert, resulting in better real-world accident avoidance.
