Which car has the highest crash test rating?
There isn’t a single “highest-rated” car worldwide; several current models earn the top marks in different crash-test programs. In the U.S., the highest tiers are IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-Star Overall; in Europe, it’s Euro NCAP 5 stars with strong percentage scores. Recent examples that achieve top-tier ratings include models like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Toyota Prius/Prime in IIHS testing, alongside various Subaru and Lexus models, while numerous mainstream sedans and SUVs also hold NHTSA 5-star ratings and Euro NCAP five stars. Which one is “highest” depends on your region, the specific test protocol year, and the exact trim/equipment.
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Why there’s no single global “highest” safety winner
Crash-test ratings are administered by different organizations with distinct test protocols, scoring systems, and update cycles. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cover the U.S.; Euro NCAP covers Europe; ANCAP covers Australia/New Zealand (aligned with Euro NCAP protocols); and JNCAP covers Japan. Each has a top tier, and criteria change over time—so a model that tops one program (or an older protocol) may not lead another, and ratings can vary by trim, headlights, and safety tech packages.
Current top-tier programs and what “the highest rating” means
The lists below summarize what counts as the top rating in major programs and note examples of models that currently achieve them. These examples are illustrative (not exhaustive) and can change as new tests and model-year updates roll out; always verify specifics for your region, model year, and trim.
- IIHS (U.S.): Top Safety Pick+ is the highest tier. It requires strong crashworthiness (including the updated moderate overlap test with improved rear-seat protection), effective pedestrian crash-avoidance day and night, and acceptable/good headlights on all trims.
- NHTSA (U.S.): 5-Star Overall Safety Rating is the maximum, based on front, side, and rollover tests. Many mainstream vehicles achieve five stars.
- Euro NCAP (Europe): 5-star ratings are the top tier, with percentage subscores for Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users, and Safety Assist. “Best in Class” awards highlight yearly standouts under current protocols.
- ANCAP (Australia/NZ): 5-star rating aligned closely with Euro NCAP methodologies (with local nuances). Protocol years matter for comparability.
- JNCAP (Japan): Five-star awards and annual “Best Award” winners reflect top marks under Japan’s protocol, including AEB performance and occupant protection.
In practice, multiple models share the top rung in each system at any given time, and scores evolve with protocol updates and model refreshes.
Examples of cars that currently achieve top-tier safety ratings
United States (IIHS and NHTSA)
These examples are models widely recognized for achieving top-tier U.S. ratings in recent testing cycles; exact results can vary by model year, trim, headlights, and option packages, and IIHS criteria have tightened since 2023.
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+: Hyundai Ioniq 6; Toyota Prius and Prius Prime; several Subaru models (e.g., Outback, Ascent) depending on year/trim; select Lexus and Mazda models frequently qualify. Availability of Top Safety Pick+ can change with running updates and test protocol changes.
- NHTSA 5-Star Overall: Many current sedans and SUVs (including popular models from Toyota, Honda, Hyundai/Kia, Subaru, Tesla, Mazda, and others) hold 5-star overall ratings; verify the exact model year and drivetrain.
Because IIHS continually updates its tests (such as tougher pedestrian AEB scenarios and revised moderate overlap criteria), brands may move in or out of the top tier between model years, making VIN- and trim-specific checks essential.
Europe (Euro NCAP)
Euro NCAP’s five-star rating under its latest protocol is the benchmark; “Best in Class” awards each year spotlight leaders by segment. Percent scores (Adult, Child, VRU, Safety Assist) help distinguish the best among five-star cars.
- Recent five-star high performers include new-generation electric and premium models (for example, large family sedans and premium SUVs from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen Group, Hyundai Motor Group, and others). Specific leaders vary by year and segment under the current protocol.
When two cars both have five stars, compare the percentage subscores and the model’s protocol year to judge which is safer under today’s tests.
Australia/New Zealand (ANCAP)
ANCAP closely mirrors Euro NCAP and rates many region-sold models. Five-star ANCAP vehicles span mainstream and premium segments, especially those sharing platforms with Euro-market counterparts.
- Recent five-star models include a wide range of popular small-to-large SUVs and EVs from Toyota, Hyundai/Kia, Tesla, Subaru, Mazda, and European brands, subject to protocol year and local equipment.
Because equipment levels can differ by market, confirm that the car sold in Australia/NZ carries the same safety specification as the tested vehicle.
Japan (JNCAP)
JNCAP’s five-star and annual “Best Award” winners reflect strong occupant protection and active safety (including pedestrian AEB). Results emphasize Japan-market trims and standard equipment.
- Recent top scorers include new-generation Toyota, Subaru, Honda, and Nissan models with advanced driver assistance and robust crash structures, varying by year and protocol.
JNCAP’s protocol and equipment assumptions can differ from other regions, so use JNCAP results primarily for Japan-market comparisons.
How to identify the “safest” choice for your garage
To find the highest-rated car for your situation, follow these steps and pay attention to the details that most affect real-world safety.
- Start with your region’s primary program (IIHS/NHTSA in the U.S., Euro NCAP in Europe, ANCAP in Australia/NZ, JNCAP in Japan) and filter for the top tier (e.g., IIHS Top Safety Pick+).
- Compare cars within the same class and size; a five-star subcompact is not directly comparable to a five-star large SUV in a real-world mismatch.
- Check the protocol year: newer, tougher protocols make five stars harder to earn; prefer cars tested under the latest standards.
- Verify trim-specific items: headlights, crash-avoidance packages, and airbag configurations can change the rating.
- Examine subscores: pedestrian protection, Safety Assist (AEB performance day/night), and rear-seat protection can separate leaders from the pack.
- Confirm child-seat usability (LATCH/ISOFIX access, tether anchor placement) if you carry kids.
- Look up recalls and software updates; safety performance can improve or degrade with running changes.
Doing this apples-to-apples comparison will surface the best choice for your market, family needs, and budget—often among multiple equally top-rated options.
Key caveats and why answers change
Safety ratings are moving targets. Protocols evolve; automakers introduce mid-cycle updates; features like pedestrian AEB or headlights can vary by trim; and regional equipment differences matter. A model that was “the safest” last year may be surpassed under revised tests this year. That’s why focusing on current, region-specific, trim-accurate data is critical.
Bottom line
No single car universally holds “the highest crash test rating.” Instead, look for models that achieve the top tier in your region’s latest protocols—IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and/or NHTSA 5 stars in the U.S.; Euro NCAP five stars with standout subscores in Europe; ANCAP/JNCAP five stars in their markets. Recent examples include highly rated models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Toyota Prius/Prime in IIHS testing and a broad set of mainstream sedans and SUVs with five-star ratings in NHTSA and Euro NCAP. Verify the exact model year, trim, and equipment to ensure you’re getting the same safety performance that was tested.
Which cars have a 5 star rating?
Model Year 2024 Vehicle Models Selected for 5-Star Safety Ratings Testing
| Make | Model | Body Style |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda | CX-90 MHEV | SUV |
| Mazda | CX-90 PHEV | SUV |
| Mitsubishi | Outlander | SUV |
| Nissan | Pathfinder | SUV |
Which car brand has the highest crash rate?
Tesla consistently shows the highest fatal accident rates, though Kia, Buick, Dodge, and Hyundai also appear on high-risk lists, with some data suggesting Tesla’s high accident rate may be linked more to driver behavior and overreliance on autopilot than to the vehicle’s inherent safety. Other reports also highlight brands like Ram and Subaru for having drivers with high incident rates.
Brands with High Fatal Accident Rates
- Tesla: Studies frequently place Tesla at the top for fatal accident rates, often citing performance-oriented drivers and potential driver misunderstanding of features like Autopilot as contributing factors.
- Kia: Kia is another brand that appears on lists of vehicles with high fatal accident rates.
- Buick: Buick is also identified as a brand with higher-than-average fatal accident rates.
- Dodge: Dodge is listed as a brand with a higher fatal accident rate according to some analyses.
- Hyundai: Hyundai drivers are also sometimes associated with higher accident frequency.
Factors to Consider
- Driver Behavior vs. Vehicle Design: Opens in new tabMany analyses suggest that high accident rates for certain brands may be more reflective of driver behavior (e.g., driving too fast, over-reliance on assisted driving features) rather than a deficiency in vehicle design.
- Autopilot Features: Opens in new tabFor Tesla, there is speculation that driver overconfidence or misunderstanding of the Autopilot feature can lead to accidents.
- Data Variation: Opens in new tabDifferent studies use different methodologies, such as accident frequency, fatal accident rates per billion miles, or insurance data, which can lead to variations in the brands ranked.
- Vehicle Popularity: Opens in new tabBrands with the highest total number of vehicles on the road may also appear in total fatal accident counts, even if their per-vehicle accident rates are not the highest.
What car has the highest crash test rating?
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.
Which is the no. 1 safest car in the world?
Volvo is the safest car brand in the world because it has consistently proven itself in safety testing, been a leader in safety innovations for decades, focused on accident prevention through features and handling, and prioritized the safety of everyone on the road.
