What Is the #1 Safest Car?

There isn’t a single “#1 safest car” across all drivers and markets. Independent safety bodies don’t crown an overall global winner; instead, they rate vehicles by rigorous tests and vehicle class. The safest choice is a model that earns top scores from the leading organization in your region (for example, IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in the U.S., NHTSA 5-Star Overall, and/or Euro NCAP 5-star with high sub-scores), and that includes robust crash-avoidance technology as standard.

Why there’s no one-size-fits-all “safest” car

Safety rankings depend on test protocols, body style, size/weight, and even trim-specific equipment like headlights and driver-assistance features. Agencies also update their tests, so a model that was best-in-class last year may not lead this year. That’s why professionals look for vehicles that perform consistently well across multiple independent programs rather than a single “number one.”

Who sets the benchmarks

The most widely referenced ratings come from a few independent programs that publish transparent test data and video. Understanding what each measures helps you compare vehicles fairly.

• IIHS (U.S.): Awards Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ based on crashworthiness (including tougher updated tests), pedestrian detection performance (day and night), and headlight quality.
• NHTSA (U.S.): Issues a 5-Star Safety Ratings program covering frontal, side, and rollover performance; also lists recalls and provides a VIN lookup tool.
• Euro NCAP (Europe): Publishes 5-star ratings with detailed sub-scores (Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users, Safety Assist) and annual “Best in Class” by category.
• ANCAP (Australia/New Zealand): Closely aligned with Euro NCAP and relevant for the Australasian market.

When a model earns top marks across more than one of these programs—accounting for your region—it’s widely regarded as a safest-in-class choice.

What “safest” looks like in 2024–2025

In the U.S., the IIHS’s 2024 awards raised the bar—especially for pedestrian detection at night and updated crash tests—meaning fewer vehicles achieved Top Safety Pick+ compared with prior years. In Europe, Euro NCAP continues to emphasize active safety and driver monitoring alongside crash protection. Because awards change as tests evolve and models get refreshed, the most reliable approach is to check the current year’s lists and trim-specific notes.

Current top-tier safety standards to aim for

The checklist below explains which badges and details indicate a vehicle is among the safest for its class right now.

• IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (U.S.): The “+” indicates strong crashworthiness, good or acceptable headlights across most trims, and effective pedestrian crash prevention in day and night testing.
• NHTSA 5-Star Overall (U.S.): A maximum star rating for overall protection in government tests; verify the specific configuration you’re buying.
• Euro NCAP 5-star with high sub-scores (Europe): Look for strong Adult and Child Occupant protection plus robust Safety Assist performance.
• Standard active safety: Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane-keeping support, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic mitigation standard on most trims.
• Good headlights on your trim: Headlamp performance matters; the same model can score differently across trims.
• Strong rear-seat and child-seat provisions: Updated tests scrutinize rear-occupant protection and ease of installing child restraints.

If a model checks all (or nearly all) of these boxes in your market, it’s a strong contender for “safest” in its class even if no single global ranking exists.

Examples and how to verify today

Because awards are updated annually and can vary by trim and region, use the official databases below to confirm current leaders for your market and configuration.

• IIHS awards search (U.S.): iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks — Filter by year, class, and make; open each model page to see trim-specific headlight and crash-avoidance notes.
• NHTSA ratings and VIN tools (U.S.): nhtsa.gov/ratings — Verify the star rating for the exact body style/drivetrain; also check recalls before purchase.
• Euro NCAP ratings (Europe): euroncap.com … Best in Class — See current category leaders and full test breakdowns.
• ANCAP ratings (AU/NZ): ancap.com.au/safety-ratings — Check local-spec vehicles and equipment.

These sources provide the most current, authoritative information. If you share your country and the vehicle size you’re shopping, we can narrow to the very safest candidates available to you right now.

How to pick the safest car for your needs

The steps below help you translate safety data into a confident purchase, accounting for how you drive and who rides with you.

1. Decide on size/class first: Ratings compare vehicles within classes; a large SUV can outperform a compact in a crash simply due to mass, but may not suit urban driving.
2. Check the latest awards: Confirm IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (or Euro NCAP 5-star with strong sub-scores) for the current model year.
3. Match the exact trim: Ensure your chosen trim includes the tested headlights and standard active-safety suite that earned the rating.
4. Review pedestrian and cyclist detection: Nighttime performance is now a differentiator and crucial for city driving.
5. Assess rear-seat and child safety: Look for strong rear-occupant scores and easy LATCH/ISOFIX access if you carry children.
6. Verify crash-test videos and notes: Watch how the structure holds up and how restraints perform, not just the letter grade.
7. Check recalls and software updates: Some safety features improve via updates; make sure your vehicle stays current.

Following these steps will surface the top contenders for your situation and avoid surprises tied to trim differences or mid-year changes.

Bottom line

No single car is universally “#1 safest.” The smartest approach is to choose a vehicle that tops the independent ratings in your region and class, with proven crash protection, effective driver-assistance tech, and the right equipment on the exact trim you buy.

Summary

There is no single global winner for “safest car.” Look for models that earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and/or NHTSA 5-Star ratings in the U.S., or Euro NCAP 5-star with high sub-scores in Europe, and confirm the trim’s headlights and safety tech. Use the official ratings sites linked above to verify the latest leaders for your market and vehicle class.

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.

What is the safest car to survive a crash?

The “safest car” depends on crash type, but top choices consistently include vehicles that earn both IIHS Top Safety Pick and NHTSA 5-Star ratings, such as the 2025 Subaru Forester, Mazda3, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Genesis GV60. Larger vehicles also offer better crash protection due to their size and weight, and newer models with advanced driver-assistance systems tend to be safer overall. 
Top-Rated Vehicles (2025)
Vehicles that achieve high ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are considered among the safest. 

• Subaru Models: Subaru is a consistent leader, with models like the Impreza, WRX, Forester, and Outback earning top safety awards. 
• Mazda: The 2025 Mazda3 (sedan and hatchback) is a strong performer, demonstrating excellent crashworthiness. 
• Honda: The 2025 Accord sedan is recognized for its strong performance in driver and passenger safety, particularly in rear-seat protection. 
• Toyota: The 2025 Camry sedan and Prius are noted for their strong safety scores. 
• Genesis: The luxury GV60 electric SUV stands out for its overall safety performance and features. 
• Hyundai: The 2025 IONIQ 6 sedan is another high-scoring option. 

Key Safety Factors

• Vehicle Size and Weight: Opens in new tabGenerally, larger and heavier vehicles offer better protection in a crash because they can absorb more energy and provide more survival space, according to the IIHS. 
• Crash Prevention Technology: Opens in new tabAdvanced driver-assistance systems, like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, significantly reduce the risk of accidents. 
• Crashworthiness: Opens in new tabThe IIHS evaluates how well a vehicle’s structure protects occupants during a crash. High scores in small overlap and moderate overlap frontal tests, as well as side impact tests, indicate superior crashworthiness. 

How to Find the Safest Car for You

1. 1. Check Official Ratings: Visit the IIHS and NHTSA websites to see detailed ratings for specific models. 
2. 2. Consider Your Needs: Think about the vehicle’s size, weight, and available safety features that are most important to you. 
3. 3. Read Safety Reviews: Websites like Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book provide detailed insights into vehicle safety. 

Which is the world’s safest car?

Volvo Cars Have Been a Leader in Safety Innovations for Decades. Another reason why Volvo cars are the safest is that Volvo has been a pioneer in safety innovations for decades, introducing many safety features that are now standard or common in most cars.

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