What Is the #1 Safest Vehicle?

There isn’t a single, universally recognized “#1 safest vehicle.” Safety authorities don’t crown one model overall; instead, several vehicles across segments earn the highest ratings under current tests. As of the latest U.S. evaluations (2024), consistent standouts include the Honda Accord, Subaru Outback, Lexus RX, Mazda CX‑90, Subaru Ascent, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and others that achieve IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ and strong NHTSA results. Which is “safest” for you depends on vehicle class, equipment, and your needs.

How Vehicle Safety Is Measured

Modern safety assessments blend crashworthiness (how well a car protects you in a crash) with crash avoidance (how well it helps you avoid crashes in the first place). In the U.S., two independent programs lead the way: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Europe uses Euro NCAP. Each uses different tests and thresholds, and ratings can change with mid‑cycle updates, software changes, and new criteria.

Key U.S. Ratings to Know

The following points summarize the most influential safety tests and what they mean for shoppers comparing models across trims and years.

• IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+: Awards based on a vehicle’s performance in updated moderate overlap front and side impacts, small overlap tests, pedestrian detection (day/night), headlight quality, and seat belt reminders. Criteria tightened for 2024, reducing the number of winners.
• NHTSA 5‑Star Safety Ratings (NCAP): A star-based system (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover). Many vehicles earn five stars overall, but sub-scores can reveal important differences.
• Real‑world outcomes: IIHS “driver death rates” studies and crash data add context to lab tests, highlighting models with historically low fatality rates.

Together, these sources give the clearest picture of a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants and avoid crashes. The safest picks typically excel across all three areas.

Standout 2024 Models With Top‑Tier Safety Credentials

Because there’s no single winner, shoppers should look at vehicles that earn the top marks under the latest, tougher 2024 criteria. The models below are widely recognized for excellent safety performance; availability of top ratings can depend on trim, headlights, and specific build dates, so always verify the exact configuration.

• Midsize sedan — Honda Accord (2024): Earns top IIHS recognition under updated tests with strong crash avoidance tech and solid rear‑seat protection.
• Midsize SUV — Subaru Outback (2024): Longtime IIHS Top Safety Pick+ performer with standard EyeSight driver assistance and strong crashworthiness.
• Luxury midsize SUV — Lexus RX (2024): High scores for crash protection and pedestrian detection; good headlight performance on the right trims.
• Three‑row SUV — Mazda CX‑90 (2024): Robust structure and strong active‑safety suite contributing to top IIHS honors.
• Three‑row SUV — Subaru Ascent (2024): Consistently earns top marks for family hauling with standard advanced safety features.
• Electric sedan — Hyundai Ioniq 6 (2024): Among the highest‑rated EVs in IIHS testing with excellent collision‑avoidance capability.
• Luxury SUV — Volvo XC90 (2024): Continues Volvo’s safety reputation with high IIHS ratings and strong historical real‑world safety performance.

These examples show how multiple models can simultaneously achieve elite safety status. Depending on your size and budget needs, one of these may be the safest practical choice for you.

Why There’s No Single “#1 Safest” Vehicle

Safety is multi‑dimensional and context‑dependent. A large SUV may protect its occupants exceptionally well but pose greater risk to others in a collision and have longer stopping distances. Smaller cars can achieve top ratings yet remain at a physics disadvantage in multi‑vehicle crashes. Trims, headlights, tires, and options materially affect scores, and mid‑year running changes can alter results. Finally, ratings are region‑specific: a model that shines in IIHS/NHTSA may be configured differently for Euro NCAP.

How to Choose the Safest Vehicle for You

Use this checklist to find a top‑tier safe car that fits your life, budget, and driving environment.

1. Verify IIHS status: Look for Top Safety Pick+ (or Top Safety Pick) for your exact model year, trim, headlights, and build date at iihs.org.
2. Confirm NHTSA details: Check safercar.gov for Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover ratings; compare sub‑scores, not just the overall star.
3. Prioritize crash avoidance: Ensure automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection (day and night), blind‑spot monitoring, rear cross‑traffic alert, and good headlight ratings.
4. Check rear‑seat safety: Review IIHS updated moderate overlap test results, especially if you regularly carry passengers or children.
5. Mind physics: Within your needs, choose the heaviest, newest model that meets top ratings; newer designs reflect stricter tests.
6. Evaluate driver monitoring: Look for robust driver‑attention systems if you use hands‑on driver assistance features.
7. Confirm tires and maintenance: Fit quality, season‑appropriate tires; braking and grip are foundational to safety.
8. Review recalls and updates: Search NHTSA recall database and confirm software/firmware updates for safety systems.
9. Consider child seat compatibility: Check IIHS LATCH ease-of-use ratings and perform a test fit with your seats.
10. Test headlights at night: Even “good” ratings vary; ensure real‑world visibility suits your routes.

Following these steps narrows the field to vehicles that not only score well in labs but also deliver practical, day‑to‑day safety in your conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bigger vehicles always safer?

They generally offer better occupant protection in multi‑vehicle crashes due to mass and size, but they can be more dangerous to other road users and sometimes have longer stopping distances or higher rollover risk. The best approach is to pick a model in your preferred size that still earns top ratings.

Are EVs safer than gasoline cars?

Many EVs perform exceptionally well thanks to rigid structures and low centers of gravity, aiding crash protection and rollover resistance. Safety still depends on design, weight, and active‑safety tuning; check ratings for the specific EV and trim.

Does driver assistance make a car “safest”?

Advanced systems can reduce certain crash types, but they are not self‑driving. The most effective setups pair reliable lane keeping and automatic emergency braking with strong driver‑monitoring and clear alerts. Human attention remains essential.

Where to Verify the Latest Ratings

Because awards change with model years and mid‑cycle updates, always confirm current results directly with the testing organizations:

• IIHS (iihs.org): Top Safety Pick/TSP+ lists, crash tests, headlight and LATCH ratings.
• NHTSA (safercar.gov): 5‑Star ratings, recall search by VIN, and detailed crash test data.
• Euro NCAP (euroncap.com): For European‑market vehicles and trims.

Checking these sources for the exact model, year, trim, and production date ensures you’re acting on the most accurate, up‑to‑date information.

Summary

No authority names a single “#1 safest vehicle.” Instead, several models across segments achieve top honors under today’s rigorous tests. For 2024, frequently cited leaders include the Honda Accord, Subaru Outback, Lexus RX, Mazda CX‑90, Subaru Ascent, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and the Volvo XC90—among others meeting IIHS Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ and strong NHTSA results. Identify your segment, verify current ratings for your exact trim, and prioritize both crashworthiness and crash‑avoidance tech to choose the safest vehicle for you.

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 cars have the lowest crash rating?

The Spring and the Jogger both got one-star ratings this year (the Spring, now available in the UK, was one of the worst cars we tested in 2024 as well), while the Logan and the Sandero Stepway were given two Euro NCAP stars. Everything else tested in 2021 got four stars or above.

What is the #1 safest car?

There is no single #1 safest car, but numerous vehicles earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, including models from Honda, Mazda, Toyota, and Hyundai, signifying exceptional safety performance in crash testing. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ is the highest rating, given to vehicles with good or acceptable scores in all crash evaluations and advanced or superior front crash prevention systems. You can find award-winning vehicles across various categories, from compact cars to large SUVs, according to MotorTrend and U.S. News & World Report.
 
How to find the safest car for you

1. Understand the awards: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the highest safety rating, the Top Safety Pick+, to vehicles that perform well in its rigorous crash tests and have good front crash prevention systems. 
2. Look for models that earned the Top Safety Pick+: Many manufacturers’ models receive this award, but it’s always best to check the specific year you are interested in, as criteria can change. 
3. Consider your vehicle class: Larger, heavier vehicles generally offer more protection, so consider a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car, sedan, SUV, or truck. 
4. Check a trusted source: Look for lists of safest cars from publications like U.S. News & World Report or MotorTrend. 

Examples of 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award Winners 

• Honda: Civic (sedan and hatchback), Accord, CR-V
• Hyundai: Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Genesis models
• Mazda: CX-30, CX-50, CX-70, CX-90
• Toyota: Camry, Crown

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.