Which car has the lowest crash rate?

There isn’t a single car that universally has the lowest crash rate, but recent U.S. insurance-claim data and safety analyses indicate that models such as the Volvo XC90, Toyota Sienna, Subaru Outback, and Honda CR‑V consistently rank among the lowest for crash-related insurance claim frequencies—a widely used proxy for real-world crash involvement. The picture varies by model year, driver population, and measurement method, so the “lowest” can shift over time and across datasets.

Why there’s no single winner

“Crash rate” can mean different things: police-reported crashes per mile, collision insurance claim frequency, or even driver death rate. No single nationwide dataset publicly ranks all individual models by police-reported crashes per mile. Instead, analysts, insurers, and safety researchers often rely on proxies such as insurance claim frequencies (from the Highway Loss Data Institute, or HLDI) and driver death rates (from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or IIHS). These measures don’t always point to the exact same model, but they do highlight consistent patterns in the market.

What current data shows

As of 2024, HLDI’s insurance loss data for late-model vehicles shows that certain segments—and a handful of nameplates—tend to produce fewer crash-related claims relative to exposure. While claim frequency isn’t a perfect one-to-one measure of crashes, it is strongly correlated and widely used by insurers to price risk.

Models and segments that frequently post low crash-claim or injury-claim rates

The following list summarizes categories and models that repeatedly show low claim frequencies or injury claim rates in recent HLDI/IIHS analyses. It is not an exhaustive ranking and can vary by model year and trim, but it reflects consistent real-world patterns seen in the latest reporting cycles.

• Volvo XC90 (midsize luxury SUV): Often among the lowest for injury-claim frequency, supported by strong crashworthiness and standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
• Toyota Sienna (minivan): Frequently shows low crash/injury claim frequencies; minivans in general perform well due to usage patterns and safety tech.
• Subaru Outback and Forester (midsize/compact SUVs): Regularly score well in insurance loss data, aided by standard EyeSight driver assist on most trims and high IIHS safety ratings.
• Honda CR‑V (compact SUV): A perennial low-claim performer among mainstream SUVs, benefitting from robust safety suites and broad adoption.
• Mazda CX‑5/CX‑50 (compact SUVs): Often post favorable claim frequencies, with strong crash-test results and widely available safety features.
• Large luxury SUVs (segment trend): Vehicles such as the Volvo XC90 and peers in the segment commonly see low injury-claim frequencies, reflecting both vehicle mass and high take-rates of safety tech.
• Minivans (segment trend): Beyond the Sienna, minivans like the Honda Odyssey tend to show lower crash and injury claim rates than many passenger segments, reflecting family-oriented usage and cautious driving patterns.

Across recent model years, these vehicles and segments have repeatedly surfaced near the bottom of claim-frequency charts. However, individual results can shift with redesigns, standard-equipment changes, and who is buying and driving the vehicles.

How “crash rate” is measured—and why that matters

Different methodologies can lead to different answers about which car is “safest” in real-world use. Understanding the measure behind the headline is essential to making sense of rankings.

Common measures used as proxies for crash rate

Here are the main ways researchers and insurers quantify crash risk in the absence of a single national ranking of police-reported crashes by model:

• Collision claim frequency: The number of collision insurance claims per insured vehicle year. Lower frequency suggests fewer crashes that result in insurance claims.
• Injury claim frequency (PIP/MedPay/bodily injury liability): Captures how often people are hurt in crashes involving a given vehicle. Lower rates imply better crash avoidance and/or crash protection.
• Driver death rate: IIHS reports driver deaths per million registered vehicle years over multi-year windows. It’s a severe-outcome metric, not a crash frequency measure, but it correlates with real-world safety.
• Exposure-adjusted crash involvement: Ideally, crashes per mile driven, but comprehensive model-by-model, mileage-adjusted national data are not routinely published for all vehicles.

Each metric highlights a different slice of real-world safety. The best picture comes from looking at multiple measures over multiple years.

Why some cars crash less than others

Crash involvement is influenced by more than just engineering. Vehicle design, driver mix, and environment all play a role.

Key factors that shape crash outcomes

The factors below help explain why certain models or segments often record fewer crashes or injuries in insurance data.

• Advanced driver assistance systems: Standard automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping support, and blind-spot monitoring reduce common crash types.
• Vehicle size and structure: Heavier, taller vehicles tend to perform better in many crash scenarios and may deter risky maneuvers, though they can pose risks to others outside the vehicle.
• Driver demographics and usage: Family-oriented or higher-cost vehicles often have owner populations that drive fewer risky miles and maintain vehicles diligently.
• Visibility and ergonomics: Good outward visibility, strong headlights, and intuitive controls help avoid errors.
• Tire quality and maintenance: Proper tires and regular maintenance meaningfully cut crash risk, regardless of model.

These elements interact. A safe vehicle driven conservatively with well-calibrated ADAS will typically yield a lower crash-claim footprint.

How to check the latest rankings for your short list

Because results vary by model year and refresh cycles, the most reliable approach is to check current data sources before buying.

Where to verify up-to-date information

Use these resources to find model-specific, current indicators of low crash involvement and strong real-world safety performance.

• IIHS/HLDI: Look up a model’s insurance loss data (claim frequencies and severities) and verify its IIHS crash-test ratings and Top Safety Pick/Top Safety Pick+ status.
• NHTSA: Review 5-Star safety ratings and recall history; while not a crash-rate measure, it indicates crashworthiness and crash-avoidance equipment.
• State and insurer reports: Some state highway offices and large insurers publish aggregated crash trends by segment or technology, offering additional context.
• Model-year updates: Confirm whether safety features are standard or optional in the exact trim and year you’re considering; small changes can affect outcomes.

Cross-referencing these sources gives a more complete and current view than relying on a single “best” label.

Bottom line

There is no permanent, single “lowest crash rate” car. However, based on recent U.S. insurance-claim data and safety analyses through 2024, vehicles like the Volvo XC90, Toyota Sienna, Subaru Outback, Honda CR‑V, and similar safety-focused SUVs and minivans routinely land at or near the bottom of crash-related claim frequency charts. Your safest bet is to validate the latest HLDI/IIHS data for the exact model and year you’re shopping.

Summary

No one car can claim the absolute lowest crash rate across all drivers and years. The best current indicators point to safety-focused SUVs and minivans—especially models like the Volvo XC90, Toyota Sienna, Subaru Outback, and Honda CR‑V—as consistent low performers in crash-related insurance claim frequencies. Always confirm the latest IIHS/HLDI data for the specific model year and trim you intend to buy.

What car has the least amount of crashes?

Safest Car Models with the Fewest Highway Accidents

Rank	Car Model	Accident Rate (per 100,000 vehicles)
1	Volvo XC90	2.0
2	Tesla Model 3	2.1
3	Audi Q7	2.3
4	Subaru Outback	2.4

What car has the worst crash rate?

The Hyundai Venue has the highest fatality rate, with an average of 13.9 fatalities per billion vehicle miles, according to a 2024 study. Other models with high fatality rates include the Mitsubishi Mirage and other small, light vehicles like the Hyundai Accent, though Tesla has the highest fatal accident rate among car brands. However, driver behavior and the number of vehicles on the road often contribute more to the number of crashes than the vehicle design itself.
 
Factors contributing to high fatality rates:

• Vehicle design: Small, light vehicles tend to have higher fatality rates, as seen with models like the Hyundai Venue and Mitsubishi Mirage, because they offer less protection in a crash. 
• Driver behavior: Studies suggest that driver behavior, rather than vehicle design, is the largest factor in avoiding crashes. Factors such as inattention, risky driving, or overreliance on driving assistance systems can increase the likelihood of accidents. 
• Popularity of the vehicle: Popular models like the Ford F-Series may be involved in more crashes simply due to their high sales volume and prevalence on the roads. 

Examples of vehicles with high fatality rates:

• Hyundai Venue: Opens in new tabThis subcompact SUV has one of the highest fatality rates, with 13.9 fatalities per billion vehicle miles. 
• Mitsubishi Mirage: Opens in new tabThe Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4 models are noted for high fatality rates. 
• Tesla Model Y: Opens in new tabThis electric SUV also appears on some lists of dangerous cars, but many studies indicate that its high fatal accident rate is tied more to driver behavior than the vehicle’s design. 
• Dodge Challenger: Opens in new tabThis car model has one of the highest driver death rates, notes the Kelley Blue Book. 

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

Which car has a 0 safety rating?

The Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon all showed low levels of adult occupant protection. The Renault Kwid was tested in three versions, including one with airbags, but each was rated as zero star for adult safety (see Editors Note).