Which car has the highest crash rating?

There isn’t a single “highest” crash-rated car worldwide—several models currently tie for top marks depending on the safety program and market. In practice, the highest rating means earning the maximum score from the major testing bodies (IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-Star in the U.S., and 5-Star with standout sub-scores at Euro NCAP in Europe). Below, we explain how ratings work, highlight current top performers, and show you how to verify the latest results by model year and trim.

How crash ratings work

Multiple independent programs test vehicles using different crash protocols, scoring systems, and thresholds. Understanding these organizations helps clarify what “highest crash rating” means in your region.

• IIHS (U.S.): Issues Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ based on multiple crash tests (including newer, tougher moderate-overlap and side tests), headlight performance, and pedestrian crash prevention.
• NHTSA (U.S.): Uses the 5-Star Safety Ratings (frontal, side, rollover) with an overall star score; 5 stars is the maximum.
• Euro NCAP (Europe): Awards up to 5 stars and publishes detailed sub-scores (Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, VRU/pedestrian, Safety Assist); also names annual “Best in Class.”
• ANCAP (Australia/New Zealand): Similar 5-star system aligned with Euro NCAP protocols in many areas, with local nuances.

Because protocols differ—and are updated frequently—multiple cars can legitimately claim the “highest” rating at the same time, but only within their test program and model-year context.

So, which cars are at the top right now?

Several models hold the maximum ratings under current protocols. The examples below are representative, but always check the exact model year, trim, and build, because a change in headlights, driver-assistance hardware, or structure can alter results.

United States: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-Star

The following models are among those that have recently achieved the highest marks in U.S. testing—namely IIHS Top Safety Pick+ under the 2024–2025 criteria and/or a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. Availability and ratings can vary by model year and options.

• Subaru Outback (2024): Known for IIHS Top Safety Pick+ under the tougher 2024 criteria; historically strong NHTSA results as well.
• Honda Accord (2023–2024): Earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in its latest generation and has a 5-star overall NHTSA rating in recent model years.
• Tesla Model Y (recent years): 5-star overall NHTSA; also strong crash performance noted by Euro NCAP and ANCAP in their latest rounds for the model.
• Subaru Ascent and Forester (recent years): Consistently high IIHS performance, with many trims earning Top Safety Pick+; historically robust federal crash results.
• Selected Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and Volvo models: Several nameplates within these brands regularly appear on IIHS Top Safety Pick+ lists and earn NHTSA 5-star overall ratings, depending on year and trim.

Because IIHS continuously raises the bar (for example, updated moderate-overlap and side-impact tests), the roster of Top Safety Pick+ winners can shift each year even for carryover models. Verify the exact configuration before deciding.

Europe: Euro NCAP 5-Star and recent standouts

In Europe, the highest rating is a 5-star Euro NCAP score, with standout models also posting exceptional sub-scores in Adult and Child Occupant protection and Safety Assist. Recent test cycles have highlighted several strong performers.

• BMW 5 Series (latest generation): Earned a 5-star Euro NCAP rating with strong occupant protection and assistance tech performance in recent assessments.
• Volkswagen ID.7: Achieved 5 stars and has been recognized for high protection scores among large family cars.
• Tesla Model Y: 5-star Euro NCAP with notably high Adult Occupant and Safety Assist scores in its latest tested configuration.
• Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus nameplates: Frequently secure 5-star ratings with high sub-scores, depending on model and year.

Euro NCAP protocols are updated regularly, so a model that was a class leader in one year may be eclipsed after new tests or criteria take effect. Always confirm the rating for the exact model year you’re considering.

What “highest” should mean for your purchase

Ratings are not purely numeric leaderboards; they are pass/fail thresholds within evolving test regimes. Two key implications: First, many vehicles tie at the top in any given program. Second, equipment matters—a trim with better headlights or added driver assistance may earn a higher rating than the same car in base form. Beyond crash tests, also consider active safety features, child-seat fit, and repairability.

How to check the latest ratings

To be certain you’re getting a top-rated configuration for your location and year, use the official databases below and search by your exact model, model year, and trim.

• IIHS (U.S.): Top Safety Pick lists and detailed crash results: iihs.org/ratings
• NHTSA (U.S.): 5-Star Safety Ratings search: nhtsa.gov/ratings
• Euro NCAP (Europe): Latest results and Best in Class: euroncap.com
• ANCAP (Australia/NZ): Current 5-star ratings: ancap.com.au/safety-ratings-search

Cross-checking these sources ensures you’re looking at the most recent tests and the precise variant you intend to buy.

Bottom line

No single car universally holds the “highest crash rating.” Instead, several models currently achieve the maximum scores in their respective programs—think IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-Star in the U.S., and 5-star Euro NCAP in Europe—with examples including the Subaru Outback and Honda Accord in the U.S., and BMW 5 Series, Volkswagen ID.7, and Tesla Model Y in Europe. Confirm the exact model year and trim on official sites to ensure you’re getting a top-rated configuration.