10 Safest Cars on the Market Right Now

The Subaru Outback isn't necessarily ranked No. 1, but it's still an exceptionally safe vehicle. Jan Zabrodsky / Shutterstock

If you are shopping for the safest cars, you want more than glossy ads and bold claims. You want proof from crash tests, real data, and trusted highway safety organizations.

The safest cars combine strong crash safety, advanced crash avoidance technologies and, top safety ratings from independent experts.

Groups like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety put new vehicles through brutal crash test ratings to measure protection. Here are 10 models that stand out for top safety, strong safety features, and consistent performance in crash prevention.

1. Volvo XC90

Volvo has built its mission around protection, and the XC90 large SUV continues to lead many safety ratings. The brand performs well in driver-side small overlap, updated moderate overlap, and fixed-barrier crash test scenarios.

Strong roof strength helps protect occupants in a rollover, while advanced automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection systems can help prevent crashes or reduce impact speed.

2. Lexus RX

The Lexus RX performs well in some crash tests and front crash prevention evaluations, but IIHS rates it poor in the updated moderate overlap front test. (The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards qualifying vehicles Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+.)

As a luxury SUV, it blends reliability with serious car safety engineering. Blind spot monitoring, lane support features and responsive brakes help drivers avoid an accident with another vehicle.

3. Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is classified by IIHS as a midsize car (4-door wagon). Its structure is designed to help protect occupants in a range of crashes, including collisions with fixed objects such as a telephone pole.

IIHS data shows the Subaru Outback is rated good in the small overlap front test and marginal in the updated moderate overlap front test. Automatic emergency braking and front crash prevention technology add another layer of crash avoidance technologies.

4. Toyota Camry

Among midsize car options, the Toyota Camry remains a top safety performer. Automakers continue to improve its safety features with each new car generation.

NHTSA’s frontal crash and overall 5‑Star Safety Ratings are intended to be compared only among vehicles in the same class and within ±250 pounds (113 kg), rather than across different classes.

Standard pedestrian detection, lane assistance, and strong roof strength help protect occupants and passengers in a collision.

5. Honda Accord

The Honda Accord consistently earns strong ratings from both NHTSA and the insurance institute. Its balanced curb weight and reinforced passenger compartment protect drivers and rest of occupants during a crash.

Front crash prevention systems, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control can support highway driving at higher speed. For consumers who compare vehicles carefully, the Accord often ranks near the top.

6. Hyundai Ioniq 5

New electric vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 show that safety and innovation can work together. The battery placement lowers the center of gravity, which can help the vehicle perform more predictably in an accident.

Crash test ratings highlight strong side impact and updated moderate overlap results. Advanced lane features and automatic emergency braking help prevent accidents in daily drive conditions.

7. Ford F-150

Among trucks, the Ford F-150 stands out for improved crash safety in recent model year updates. Solid roof strength and upgraded front crash prevention systems raise its overall safety ratings.

Heavier vehicles like full-size trucks bring mass advantages in certain collisions with other vehicle types. Still, safety depends on more than weight. Tires, brakes, and smart crash avoidance technologies matter just as much.

8. Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 competes in the crowded small SUVs segment. It earns solid ratings in driver-side small overlap and fixed barrier tests.

Its user-friendly safety features—including blind spot monitoring and pedestrian detection—help drivers react faster. Consumer Reports often highlights the model for reliability and balanced performance.

9. Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride, a large SUV, performs well in crash tests and front crash prevention evaluations. Strong structure and carefully engineered crumple zones protect passengers in serious collision scenarios.

As more families compare large SUVs, the Telluride continues to earn a safety pick designation from IIHS in multiple model year reviews.

10. Acura MDX

The Acura MDX rounds out this list with consistent performance in crash test ratings. As a luxury SUV, it blends comfort with protection.

High NHTSA safety ratings in overlap tests and advanced crash avoidance technologies make it a strong example of modern car safety. For consumers who compare vehicles across different classes, it remains a dependable choice.

No matter which model you choose, remember that even the safest cars depend on safe behavior. Speed, road conditions, and driver attention still shape outcomes.

Use trusted data from NHTSA and IIHS, compare safety features carefully and choose the vehicle that best fits your world and daily drive needs.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.