The safest, most reliable and crash-resistant cars for protecting you on the road

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a vehicle is safety. While one car may offer the best fuel efficiency and another may stand out for its design, buyers often overlook safety in the event of a collision.

In recent weeks, a trend has emerged on the social media platform TikTok in which users search for the crash tests of their vehicles, and some have been quite surprised by the results. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are the organizations responsible for conducting these tests to evaluate the safety of vehicles.

The NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates vehicle performance in crash tests, including frontal, side, and rollover tests, as these types of accidents account for the majority of crashes on U.S. roads.

Meanwhile, the IIHS conducts its own evaluations, rating vehicles in four categories: Good (G), Acceptable (A), Moderate (M), and Poor (P). Vehicles that receive mostly G and A ratings are considered by the IIHS to be among the safest.

The safest and most crash-resistant cars

The most resilient vehicles typically incorporate advanced technologies designed to improve occupant protection in the event of an accident. Before exploring the best models, it is worth looking at some manufacturers known for their strong focus on safety.

• Volvo – This brand stands out for prioritizing safety in its vehicles. Over the years it has developed numerous innovations, including rollover protection systems and body structures designed to absorb crash energy.
• Mercedes-Benz – Thanks to its advanced engineering and the integration of driver-assistance technologies, the German automaker has achieved outstanding results in crash tests, particularly in protecting passengers.
• Subaru – This Japanese manufacturer is known for equipping many of its vehicles with all-wheel drive and for its safety-focused structural design, which helps reduce damage and improve protection during collisions.

Based on ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS evaluation system, a list of some of the safest vehicles has been compiled. The following list includes models that have received five stars in NHTSA evaluations, average ratings of G and A in IIHS tests, and that have also appeared on the institute’s list of safest vehicles at least five times.

The 10 highest-rated vehicles for safety and crash resistance

These are some of the safest and most crash-resistant vehicles, according to evaluations by the NHTSA and IIHS:

1. Volvo XC90 – Known for its high-strength steel structure and multiple driver-assistance systems. It has repeatedly received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating thanks to its excellent performance in frontal and side crashes and its strong occupant protection.

2. Tesla Model Y – Its electric design allows for a rigid structure that lowers the risk of rollover. It performs exceptionally well in crash tests and has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.

3. Mercedes-Benz C-Class – This sedan features a rigid body with programmed crumple zones that absorb energy during collisions. It has earned high scores for occupant protection and has received the Top Safety Pick+ designation in several years.

4. Subaru Outback – Recognized for its solid safety structure and the EyeSight driver-assistance system. Its design distributes impact forces to protect the passenger cabin, earning multiple safety awards from the IIHS.

5. Honda Accord – Built with the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) structure, which provides strong protection in frontal and side impacts. It has also received the Top Safety Pick+ rating on several occasions.

6. Toyota Camry – This sedan combines a rigid platform with multiple airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense package, which includes automatic emergency braking and collision alerts. It consistently receives high crash-test ratings.

7. Audi Q5 – This SUV uses a lightweight yet strong structure made with high-strength steel. Its driver-assistance systems and reinforced passenger cell contribute to strong crash-test performance.

8. Honda CR-V – Designed with Honda’s ACE structural philosophy, it features a reinforced cabin that protects occupants during collisions. It also includes driver-assistance systems that help prevent or mitigate accidents.

9. Mazda CX-5 – Built with Skyactiv-Body technology, it offers solid structural performance and active safety systems, although some newer Mazda models have achieved even higher ratings in recent years.

10. Ford F-150 – Its robust high-strength steel frame and impact-absorbing body design provide strong protection in collisions. It also incorporates multiple active safety and driver-assistance systems.

Both the NHTSA and the IIHS provide detailed information about their safety evaluations on their official websites. To learn more about your current vehicle or one you are considering purchasing, visit their sites. Remember that the most important factor is practicing safe driving habits, which helps protect both yourself and other drivers on the road.