Which is safest Honda or Toyota?
There isn’t a single brand that is universally the safest. Both Honda and Toyota consistently deliver strong safety performance across many models, and the perception of “safest” often comes down to the specific model, year, and trim. In recent years, Toyota has earned more Top Safety Pick+/Top Safety Pick awards across a range of models, while Honda also performs exceptionally well and frequently earns high safety ratings for its compact cars, SUVs, and family sedans.
How safety is evaluated for cars
Safety ratings come from independent testing organizations that assess crashworthiness, crash avoidance technology, and overall protection. The two most influential sources in the United States are IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). IIHS uses a Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ designation based on crash tests and available assistive tech, while NHTSA provides five-star overall ratings per model year. Ratings are model-year and trim dependent, so the safest option depends on the exact configuration you’re considering.
What IIHS and NHTSA measure
IIHS tests include small overlap, moderate overlap, and roof strength, plus evaluations of head restraints and injury measures, then adds crash avoidance/mitigation results for some trims. NHTSA assigns overall 5-star ratings based on frontal, side, rollover, and combined performance. Both agencies update ratings annually, so a model that was top-rated last year may have changes in a new generation or update.
Brand performance by recent model lines
Below are representative Honda and Toyota models that have repeatedly earned strong safety scores in recent years. The exact designation (Top Safety Pick, Top Safety Pick+ or NHTSA five-star rating) can vary by model year and trim, so it’s important to check the latest results for the specific configuration you’re interested in.
Notable Honda models with strong safety scores
- Honda Civic
- Honda Accord
- Honda CR-V
- Honda Pilot
Honda’s Sensing suite and related driver-assistance features are typically standard or widely available across its latest sedans and SUVs, contributing to high safety scores in many trims.
Notable Toyota models with strong safety scores
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Prius
Toyota Safety Sense, Toyota’s suite of active safety technologies, is frequently standard or easily upgraded to meet top safety ratings on a broad spectrum of Toyota models.
Safety technology and driver-assistance systems
Both brands bundle advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) into their hardware and software packages. Honda Sensing and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) share many core capabilities, though features can appear in different combinations depending on trim level and generation. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll typically find as standard or widely available across recent models.
Common safety features that are standard on recent Honda models
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
- Lane Keeping/Assistance (LKAS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Traffic Sign Recognition (available on some trims or newer generations)
These features are designed to help prevent crashes and reduce severity when incidents occur, and they are increasingly common across Honda’s lineup, especially on mid- to higher trim levels.
Common safety features that are standard on recent Toyota models
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS)
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Lane Departure Alert
- Automatic High Beams and Road Sign Assist on newer models
Toyota Safety Sense packages are designed to provide a broad suite of active safety features, with many models offering these as standard or easily optional in mid- to upper trims.
What to consider when choosing between Honda and Toyota for safety
Key considerations include the specific model and generation, your preferred trim level, and the availability of safety features as standard equipment. Also consider consumer-facing safety scores for the exact model-year you’re shopping, plus optional advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and upgraded forward-collision systems. Both brands frequently update their safety tech through mid-cycle refreshes, so a 2024 model may offer different options than a 2020 model.
Bottom line
For safety, there isn’t a definitive winner between Honda and Toyota. Both brands deliver strong performance across many models, with Toyota historically earning a larger share of top safety awards in recent years, while Honda also maintains an impressive safety record across its sedan and SUV lineup. The safest choice is model- and year-specific: check the latest IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the exact vehicle you’re considering, review the standard safety equipment on the trim you want, and weigh which ADAS features matter most to you.
Summary: In the current landscape, both Honda and Toyota offer high-safety vehicles with robust driver-assistance technology. Your best bet is to compare the latest safety ratings for the exact model-year and trim, rather than relying on brand name alone. Always verify current IIHS/NHTSA results and confirm which safety features are standard on the configuration you intend to buy.
Why do people prefer Toyota over Honda?
Longevity is another great reason in the list of five when deciding on a Toyota over a Honda. Honda vehicles can get up there on the odometer; however, maintenance costs on Honda cars and trucks top Toyota by nearly $1,500 over the time of ownership. 3-Practicality.
Which is safer, Honda or Toyota?
Both Honda and Toyota are very safe brands, with comparable advanced safety suites that are often standard on many models. Key differences include that Toyota's system offers more features like pedestrian and bicyclist detection in its standard package, while Honda's suite includes a Road Departure Mitigation system. Toyota has also historically earned more top safety ratings in some categories, although Honda has earned high marks for specific models like the Accord and HR-V.
Honda vs. Toyota safety features
- Similar features: Both brands offer similar features like collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist.
- Toyota's advantage: Toyota Safety Sense typically includes detection for pedestrians and bicyclists in its standard package, which Honda Sensing does not.
- Honda's advantage: Honda Sensing includes a Road Departure Mitigation System that is not mirrored in Toyota's standard package.
- Model availability: Toyota often makes its Safety Sense package standard on nearly every model at no extra cost, while some Honda models may require a higher trim level to get the full suite.
Safety ratings
- Toyota's performance: The Toyota Corolla received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while Honda had a failure in the same category due to headlamp issues.
- Honda's performance: The Accord and HR-V were both named Top Safety Picks+ by the IIHS, and other Honda models have also received awards.
- Historical data: The IIHS reported that Toyota earned more top safety awards than Honda in the 2023 model year.
Do Hondas or Toyotas hold value better?
Longevity: Toyota vehicles are 20% more likely to reach 200,000 miles compared to the industry average, while Honda vehicles are 15% more likely. Resale Value: Toyota models retain slightly more value over 5 years (e.g., Corolla retains 62% of MSRP vs. Civic's 60%).
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
