Which Car Is Ranked #1 in Safety?

There isn’t a single car universally ranked number one in safety. Major authorities such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and Euro NCAP issue ratings by class and model year rather than naming one overall winner. If you want a current “safest” pick in the U.S., look for vehicles that earn both IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-Star Overall NHTSA rating; examples that have achieved this combination in recent model years include the 2024 Honda Accord and 2024 Subaru Outback. Below, we explain how safety is measured, why rankings differ, and how to identify the top-rated choice for your needs.

Why There’s No Single “#1” Safety Car

Safety isn’t scored on a single global ladder. Different organizations test in different ways, and results are grouped by vehicle size and type because physics matters: larger, heavier vehicles generally fare better in multi-vehicle crashes, while smaller cars can still be exceptionally safe for their class. Criteria also evolve—IIHS, for example, tightened its 2024 awards to emphasize pedestrian crash prevention (including at night), updated side-impact tests, and improved seat-belt reminder requirements—so a car’s status can change year to year.

Who Actually Ranks Vehicle Safety

Several independent programs assess crashworthiness and crash avoidance. Understanding who they are and how they test will help you interpret “safest” claims and make apples-to-apples comparisons.

• IIHS (U.S.): Conducts moderate and small-overlap front, updated side-impact, roof-strength, head restraint, and pedestrian-detection tests; gives Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards by class.
• NHTSA (U.S.): Issues a 5-Star Safety Ratings program with frontal, side, and rollover tests, plus an overall star rating.
• Euro NCAP (Europe): Publishes star ratings and percentage scores across Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road User, and Safety Assist; releases “Best in Class” winners by segment annually.
• ANCAP (Australia/New Zealand): Aligns closely with Euro NCAP protocols and star ratings for those markets.

Together, these programs create a comprehensive picture of safety performance—no single score tells the whole story, and the best way to gauge “#1” is to see which models top their classes across multiple programs in the current model year.

How to Identify the Safest Car for You

Because there’s no universal #1, use a consistent process to find the top performers in your market, body style, and budget. The steps below help you zero in on leaders that meet the latest standards.

1. Filter by class: Choose the body style/size you want (e.g., small SUV, midsize sedan) to keep comparisons fair.
2. Check IIHS awards: Prioritize models earning Top Safety Pick+ in the current model year, then review detailed test results.
3. Confirm NHTSA stars (U.S.): Look for a 5-Star Overall rating for the same model year and drivetrain.
4. Review Euro NCAP/ANCAP (if applicable): In Europe or Australasia, target 5-star vehicles with strong percentage scores, and consult “Best in Class.”
5. Verify trim-specific equipment: Ensure the exact trim you’re buying includes the headlights and driver-assistance features used in testing.
6. Look for active safety depth: Favor cars with robust pedestrian/cyclist detection (day and night), lane-keeping quality, and driver monitoring.
7. Account for year-to-year changes: Re-check ratings if you’re shopping a new model year or a mid-cycle refresh.

Following these steps will surface the leaders in your segment while avoiding outdated or mismatched claims that a single car is “safest” for everyone.

Examples: Top-Rated Safety Leaders in the U.S. (2024 Model Year)

The models below illustrate vehicles that earned top-tier recognition under tougher, recent testing. Availability and ratings can vary by trim and timing, so always verify the exact configuration on official sites before you buy.

• Honda Accord (midsize sedan): IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-Star Overall NHTSA; strong crashworthiness and active safety performance.
• Subaru Outback (midsize SUV/wagon): IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 5-Star Overall NHTSA; consistently high marks with standard EyeSight driver assistance.
• Hyundai Ioniq 6 (electric midsize sedan): IIHS Top Safety Pick+; also a Euro NCAP 5-star car in Europe, noted for strong Safety Assist performance.
• Genesis G90 (large luxury sedan): IIHS Top Safety Pick+; advanced driver-assistance and robust structural protection.
• Mazda CX-90 (three-row SUV): Earned top IIHS recognition; Mazda emphasizes occupant protection and intuitive driver support systems.
• Subaru Forester and Ascent (small/midsize SUVs): Regular IIHS awardees; widely available active safety features and strong crash results.

These examples show that multiple models can simultaneously sit at the top, depending on class. Trim-level equipment—especially headlights and active safety suites—can affect ratings, so match your purchase to the tested specification.

Beyond Crash Tests: Features That Influence Real-World Safety

Lab tests are crucial, but real-world outcomes also depend on prevention and usability. Consider the features below when deciding between top-rated contenders.

• Pedestrian and cyclist detection with night performance: Reduces risk in low-light scenarios where crashes are common.
• Driver monitoring: Cameras or sensors that detect distraction or drowsiness and prompt timely intervention.
• High-performing headlights: Adequate illumination, adaptive beams, and consistent ratings across trims improve night driving safety.
• Robust lane-keeping and automatic emergency braking: Reliable operation with minimal false positives enhances trust and effectiveness.
• Child-seat friendliness: Easy LATCH access and sufficient rear-seat space improve installation quality and safety.
• Over-the-air updates (where available): Keeps safety systems current as test protocols and real-world data evolve.

Choosing among top-rated vehicles using these criteria helps ensure you’re not only protected in a crash but also better able to avoid one.

Key Takeaway for Shoppers

Ask, “Which car in my class has current IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and (in the U.S.) a 5-Star NHTSA rating?” Then confirm the exact trim’s equipment matches the tested configuration and that the features align with your driving environment.

Summary

No organization names a single, universal “#1 safest car.” Safety leaders are identified by class and model year, with IIHS, NHTSA, and Euro NCAP providing the gold-standard tests. In the U.S., models such as the 2024 Honda Accord and 2024 Subaru Outback exemplify vehicles that combine IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with strong federal ratings. To find the safest option for you, compare current-year results in your segment, verify trim-specific equipment, and weigh advanced driver-assistance features that improve real-world outcomes.

What car has the worst crash rate?

1. Hyundai Venue. The Venue, a subcompact crossover SUV, was involved in 13.9 fatal crashes per one billion vehicle miles traveled, 4.9 times the average vehicle’s rate.

What vehicle has a 5 star safety rating?

Model Year 2025 Vehicles Selected for 5-Star Safety Ratings Testing

MAKE	MODEL	BODY STYLE
Ram	Ram 1500 Quad Cab	PU/EC
Subaru	Forester	SUV
Toyota	4Runner	SUV
Toyota	Camry Hybrid	4 DR

What is the #1 safest car?

Several SUVs claim the top safety score, including the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model Y, and Mustang Mach-E. Each of these electric vehicles earns a safety score of 10 out of 10.

What is the no. 1 safest SUV in the world?

Just one SUV, the Tesla Model Y, has a perfect safety rating. What is the safest small SUV? The Buick Encore GX and the Mazda CX-30 are the safest small SUVs, both with scores of 9.8 out of 10.