Top 20 Safest Cars in America: Data-Backed Rankings

1. Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback consistently earns high praise for its exceptional safety performance, making it an ideal choice for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. Awarded top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, this versatile wagon includes standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which features pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Additionally, the Outback offers available blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, further enhancing its safety profile. Compared to similar vehicles such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Subaru Outback stands out for its comprehensive safety features, standard all-wheel drive, and proven reliability in various driving conditions.

2. Honda Accord

The Honda Accord remains one of America’s favorite midsize sedans, known not only for style and performance but also outstanding safety. Equipped standard with the renowned Honda Sensing Suite, the Accord offers collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist to protect drivers and passengers alike. Consistently achieving top scores in crash tests from both the IIHS and NHTSA, the Accord confidently competes against rivals such as the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. While these models offer comparable safety features, the Accord distinguishes itself with intuitive technology integration, responsive handling, and user-friendly driver-assistance systems.

3. Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 has quickly set the benchmark for safety within the electric vehicle market, boasting innovative safety features and impressive crash test results. Awarded a perfect five-star rating across every category tested by the NHTSA, the Model 3 excels in occupant protection and collision avoidance. Central to its safety advantage is Tesla’s advanced Autopilot system, integrating adaptive cruise control, lane-centering capabilities, and automatic emergency braking to significantly reduce collision risks. When compared to other electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf, the Model 3 distinguishes itself through enhanced safety technologies and superior occupant protection scores.

4. Volvo XC90

Long synonymous with automotive safety, Volvo continues its legacy with the XC90, an SUV renowned for its exceptional protective capabilities. The XC90 consistently earns top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, thanks to features such as City Safety collision avoidance technology, pedestrian detection, and automatic braking. Volvo’s advanced driver assistance systems—including Pilot Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert—further enhance its protective performance. Compared to luxury SUVs like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, the XC90 distinguishes itself with industry-leading safety innovations, reinforcing Volvo’s longstanding reputation as a leader in passenger protection.

5. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 stands out in the crowded compact SUV segment, combining dynamic driving performance with an outstanding safety record. Recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the CX-5 delivers exceptional occupant protection across rigorous crash tests. Its innovative Smart City Brake Support automatically applies brakes during low-speed driving to prevent or reduce collisions, enhancing urban driving safety. Additional driver assistance features include adaptive front lighting, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. When compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, the Mazda CX-5 offers an exceptional balance of safety features, style, and driving enjoyment.

6. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry remains a top choice among midsize sedans, praised not only for its reliability, but also for its exceptional safety credentials. With consistently high marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA, the Camry provides impressive protection for occupants. Central to its safety performance is the standard Toyota Safety Sense suite, featuring pre-collision detection with pedestrian monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts, and automatic high beams. In comparison to its primary rival, the Honda Accord, the Camry delivers comparable safety standards, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing occupant protection and advanced driver assistance technologies.

7. Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade has quickly earned acclaim as one of the safest three-row SUVs available, seamlessly blending modern safety technology with family-friendly practicality. Impressively high ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA reflect superior crashworthiness and advanced occupant protection. The standard Hyundai SmartSense safety suite includes forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-following assist, driver attention warning, and safe exit assist, offering peace of mind on every journey. Compared to competitors such as the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot, the Palisade stands out with its comprehensive safety features, intuitive infotainment system, and exceptional value for families seeking a secure, comfortable ride.

8. Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride has quickly established itself as a standout in the family-friendly SUV segment, praised for its extensive safety technology and impressive crash-test performance. Earning top marks from the IIHS, the Telluride excels with features like forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring included within the standard Kia Drive Wise system. Additional innovations such as safe exit assist and rear occupant alert further enhance passenger safety. When compared to its close relative, the Hyundai Palisade, the Telluride matches in safety capabilities while offering a distinctively stylish interior and refined driving experience, making both excellent choices for safety-conscious families.

9. Audi A6

The Audi A6 represents luxury combined with exceptional safety, boasting sophisticated driver-assistance technologies and consistently high ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. Audi’s advanced Pre Sense system proactively prepares occupants for potential collisions by tightening seat belts, closing windows, and applying brakes automatically when necessary. Additional safety options include adaptive cruise assist, intersection assist, and lane departure prevention, delivering comprehensive driver support. When compared to competitors like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Audi A6 stands out with its intuitive technology integration, luxurious comfort, and commitment to passenger safety, making it a compelling choice among premium sedans.

10. Genesis G80

The Genesis G80 exemplifies luxury combined with exceptional safety credentials, earning top accolades including the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. Genesis equips the G80 with advanced collision avoidance systems such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Additional standard safety features include lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, providing comprehensive protection and driver confidence. When compared to luxury sedans like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, the Genesis G80 impressively matches or surpasses competitors in safety technologies and crash-test performance, making it an attractive choice for those prioritizing both safety and sophistication.

11. Lexus ES

The Lexus ES stands out among luxury sedans with its strong safety record and advanced safety features, consistently earning top marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Central to its protective capabilities is the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ suite, including pre-collision braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and intelligent high beams. Additional available safety enhancements, such as rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, further bolster driver confidence. When compared to luxury rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Acura TLX, the Lexus ES offers comparable or superior safety technology and reliability, making it an ideal choice for safety-focused luxury drivers.

12. Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester continues to impress with outstanding safety credentials, making it a popular choice among compact SUV buyers. Awarded the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the Forester excels in crashworthiness and collision-avoidance capabilities. Standard on all trims is Subaru’s acclaimed EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, and lane-keep assist to maximize driver confidence. Optional features like blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alerts enhance overall safety. Compared to competitors such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Forester stands apart with its standard all-wheel drive and comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies.

13. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V remains a standout in the compact SUV market, praised for its robust safety performance and advanced technology. Consistently achieving high crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, the CR-V offers comprehensive protection and peace of mind. Standard on all trims, the Honda Sensing suite includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Additional available safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert, further enhance driver awareness. When compared with rivals like the Toyota RAV4, the CR-V holds its own, offering comparable safety credentials along with excellent practicality and reliability.

14. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 maintains its reputation as one of the safest compact SUVs on American roads, achieving consistently excellent safety scores from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Fundamental to its safety performance is the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes pre-collision detection with pedestrian recognition, lane departure alerts, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Additional available features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert provide further assurance. When compared to competitors such as the Honda CR-V, the RAV4 showcases equally impressive safety credentials, making it a reliable choice for buyers prioritizing advanced safety technology and proven crashworthiness.

15. Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima remains a strong contender among midsize sedans, offering impressive safety ratings coupled with advanced driver-assistance technology. Achieving consistently strong results in crash tests by both IIHS and NHTSA, the Altima provides dependable occupant protection. A standout feature is Nissan’s available ProPILOT Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system that combines adaptive cruise control with steering assistance, significantly reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. Additionally, standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warnings. Compared to rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Altima distinguishes itself with competitive safety technology and user-friendly driver assistance systems.

16. Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox stands out among compact crossovers, offering strong safety credentials and advanced driver assistance technology. Earning impressive crash test scores from the IIHS and NHTSA, the Equinox emphasizes occupant protection and collision prevention. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and forward collision alert. Additional available safety innovations such as rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control enhance driver confidence. When compared to rivals like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, the Chevrolet Equinox provides competitive safety features and user-friendly technologies, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious families.

17. BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series combines exhilarating performance with advanced safety technology, affirming its reputation as a leading luxury sedan. Achieving strong crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, the 3 Series delivers superior occupant protection. BMW’s Active Protection System proactively tightens seat belts, closes windows, and prepares brakes when a collision is imminent. Standard driver-assistance features include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control. Compared to luxury rivals like the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the BMW 3 Series offers equally sophisticated safety innovations, coupled with dynamic driving capabilities and refined comfort.

18. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class represents luxury, innovation, and uncompromising safety standards. Consistently earning exceptional crash-test scores from both the IIHS and NHTSA, the E-Class prioritizes occupant protection and collision prevention. Mercedes’ advanced safety technologies, including PRE-SAFE®, actively prepare the vehicle’s occupants by tightening seat belts, adjusting seats, and closing windows when a collision seems imminent. Additionally, features like Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control further enhance driver confidence. When compared to rivals such as the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, the E-Class sets itself apart with cutting-edge safety technology, superior comfort, and sophisticated driver assistance systems.

19. Acura RDX

The Acura RDX blends dynamic performance with excellent safety, making it a standout choice among luxury compact SUVs. Consistently earning high crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, the RDX emphasizes comprehensive occupant protection. Standard on every trim, the AcuraWatch™ safety suite includes collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and road departure mitigation. Additional available features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert enhance driver confidence. Compared to rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, the Acura RDX offers comparable safety technology, intuitive driver assistance systems, and exceptional value, appealing to safety-conscious luxury SUV buyers.

20. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer remains one of America’s favorite family SUVs, recognized for its robust safety features and strong crash-test performance from the IIHS and NHTSA. Ford’s comprehensive Co-Pilot360™ system comes standard, offering critical safety technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional enhancements, including adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist, further bolster safety and driver confidence. Compared to rivals such as the Chevrolet Traverse and Toyota Highlander, the Ford Explorer delivers competitive safety credentials, spacious interiors, and advanced driver-assistance technologies, making it a practical and reliable choice for safety-conscious families.

Conclusion

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Choosing a safe vehicle is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when purchasing a new car. Advancements in automotive safety technology have resulted in impressive protective features across a range of makes and models, as demonstrated by the vehicles highlighted in this ranking. By consulting trusted organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you can confidently assess each car’s safety credentials. Ultimately, prioritizing safety ratings ensures peace of mind, protecting you and your loved ones every time you hit the road. Take the extra step—explore these sources, compare options, and invest in safety.