When buying a car, most of us prioritize brand, model, color, style, etc. over safety. Did you know that as a result of our wrong priorities, every year around 1.19 million people die in road accidents? Although accidents cannot be completely prevented, choosing a safe car can save lives. So, what are the safest cars in the world? Do not worry, Based on crash test ratings and safety features, we’ve compiled a list of the safest cars of all time. Read on to learn about them.
Metrics Used to Evaluate Car Safety
Before getting to know about the safest cars it is important to understand the metrics that are used to evaluate car safety. The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) evaluates vehicles based on a series of internationally recognized crash tests and safety ratings. This evaluation results in a total rating of up to five stars. Each star is awarded based on various factors including destructive physical crash tests, onboard safety features, in-car equipment, and active collision avoidance technologies.
What is the maximum star rating a vehicle can receive from the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)?
- A. Three stars
- B. Four stars
- C. Five stars
- D. Six stars
The four key assessment areas, often referred to as pillars, are:
- Adult Occupant Protection
- Child Occupant Protection
- Vulnerable Road User Protection
- Safety Assist
A number of tests and evaluations are conducted for each assessment pillar and scores are allotted according to their performance. Refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of the scores allotted to each pillar.
Car Safety Features That Minimize the Chances of Accident
We’ve seen the safety standards set by the government for cars, so how do manufacturers design their vehicles to meet these requirements? Let’s take a look at some key features that top car companies implement to pass these safety tests.
Also Read: Can You Identify These Vintage Cars With an Image?
Safest Car in the World
Hope now you have an idea about the standard metrics that are used to evaluate car safety and the features that vehicle manufacturers implement on their vehicles for passing the tests. Do you think all the above key features will be implemented in the world’s safest cars? No, not all branded cars will have every safety feature due to different manufacturing policies, budgets, and standards. However, the main goal for all manufacturers is to design cars with advanced safety technologies that earn high ratings in crash tests, alongside offering desirable features, styles, and colors.
For 2024, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has introduced two critical evaluations to determine the safest cars:
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An advanced or superior rating in the daytime test – 2024 IIHS Top Safety Picks
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An advanced or superior rating in the nighttime test – 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Various manufacturers have designed vehicles that achieved excellent ratings in both categories.
2024 Top Safest Car in the World with Superior Ratings in the Nighttime Test
These 23 cars survived the safety tests during nighttime and earned ratings ranging from Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. And we have classified them based on size: small, midsized, large luxury, small SUVs, midsized SUVs, and midsized luxury SUVs. Let us see their ratings and performance in detail below.
Top 3 Safest Small Cars
1. Mazda 3 Hatchback and Sedan
The Mazda 3, available in both hatchback and sedan models, receives high marks in several key safety areas, reflecting its commitment to driver and passenger protection.
2. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius has received strong safety ratings in several key areas but needs a few improvements in minor aspects.
3. Acura Integra
The Acura Integra demonstrates solid safety performance across several key areas. These ratings reflect the vehicle’s effectiveness in protecting occupants during collisions. However, there are areas for improvement, where it gained acceptable and marginal ratings. Enhancing these features would further improve Integra’s overall safety profile.
Top 2 Safest Mid-sized Cars
1. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord earned top marks in several crash tests and safety features and only needed some improvement in front crash prevention for pedestrians. Despite this, the Accord’s overall safety performance remains commendable.
2. Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai 6 has received impressive safety ratings, particularly in every key area. However, a few tweaks of improvement at Ioniq 6’s safety profile would make this vehicle even more appealing to safety-conscious buyers.
Top 3 Safest Large Luxury Cars
1. Genesis G90
Though Genesis G90 has highlighted its safety design and technology for protecting passengers, there are a few aspects it needs improvement to stand out as a luxury vehicle with strong safety credentials.
2. Genesis G80
Though the Genesis G80 provides excellent protection for occupants in various collision scenarios it failed to reach the top-tier performance in several areas.
3. Genesis Electrified G80
The Genesis Electrified G80 is a solid choice for luxury car buyers who prioritize safety. But there are a few areas where the Electrified G80 falls short where it needed better accessibility and user-friendliness to offer an even more comprehensive safety package.
Top 5 Safest Small SUVs
1. Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is a reassuring choice for safety-conscious buyers in their SUV selection. It has received almost good ratings in all the safety categories and crash tests affirming its ability to safeguard the occupants, both adults and children in terms of accidental collisions. It also has significant visibility even in low-light conditions.
2. Genesis GV60
The Genesis GV60 has received mostly good ratings reassuring safety for potential buyers. The only thing that needs improvement is securing child seats as it is not user-friendly.
3. Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is committed to protecting its passengers but needs improvements in performance and visibility.
4. Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona reflects its robust safety features and designs. While most ratings are positive, improving a few areas could make the Kona from good to great across the board for safety-conscious buyers.
5. Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 has scored high ratings in several areas of crash tests. But there are a couple of areas needing attention to make it even better.
Top 5 Safest Midsized SUVs
1. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is an excellent choice for families and individuals looking for a reliable and secure midsized SUV.
2. Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent stands out with its strong safety performance across most categories, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable and family-friendly SUV.
3. Mazda CX-90
The Mazda CX-90 has earned good ratings in various safety and usability categories. However, when it comes to the headlights, they need to be improved for better visibility and safety during nighttime driving.
4. Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder has garnered great safety ratings in several key areas which underscores its strong commitment to safety, making it the reliable choice for families and individuals alike. But it needs improvement in the headlight performance during nighttime.
5. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has received mixed ratings in various safety and performance tests. On the positive side, its strong structural integrity can protect occupants from various collisions. On the other hand, there are notable areas where improvements are necessary to enhance the overall safety and convenience for drivers and passengers.
Top 5 Safest Midsized Luxury SUVs
1. Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is a strong contender in the midsized luxury SUV category. It achieved several advanced safety features except for some improvements in minor areas.
2. BMW X3
The BMW X3 performed well in several crash tests and safety ratings. However, addressing its minor shortcomings could make it an even stronger contender in the midsized luxury SUV market.
3. Genesis GV80
Like the BMW X3, the Genesis GV80 is one of the strongest contenders in the midsized luxury SUV market. But it needs improvement in certain areas where it might be less user-friendly than some competitors.
4. Mercedes-Benz GLE Class
Though the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has received commendable safety ratings, it doesn’t meet the higher standards expected in some categories.
5. Acura MDX
The Acura MDX excels with good safety ratings in several areas. These strong points highlight its commitment to safety and protection. However, the MDX needs improvement in a few areas to ensure better protection and safety features.
2024 Top Safety Cars with Superior Ratings in Daytime Test
These 32 cars successfully passed the daytime safety tests, earning ratings that ranged from Good to Poor. We’ve categorized these vehicles based on their size: small, midsized, large luxury, small SUVs, midsized SUVs, and midsized luxury SUVs, similar to how we did for nighttime tests. Let us see their ratings and performance in detail below.
Top 3 Safest Small Cars
1. Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza stands out as a safe choice in the small car segment, but enhancing its performance in the updated moderate overlap front crash test would further solidify its reputation for safety.
2. Toyota Prius Prime
The Toyota Prius Prime has received impressive safety ratings across various crash tests. Enhancing the headlight performance could elevate this already commendable vehicle’s overall safety and driving experience.
3. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra has received top ratings for its daytime crash tests. Though the car is considered safe, some aspects still need attention to ensure better protection.
Top 3 Safest Mid-sized Cars
1. Subaru Outback
Though It performed exceptionally well in the crash tests, the Outback falls short in the updated moderate overlap front test. Despite this, the Subaru Outback remains a solid choice for those prioritizing safety in a mid-sized car.
2. Toyota Camry
Similar to the Subaru Outback, the Toyota Camry has performed well in crash tests and remains a strong contender for those prioritizing safety. There may be areas where the Camry’s safety could be improved for better protection.
3. Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata performs admirably in many safety aspects but addressing the issues in the updated moderate overlap front test and the LATCH system would make it an even more secure and family-friendly option.
Safest Large Car
Toyota Crown
The Toyota Crown stands out as the safest large car on the market by performing exceptionally well in crash tests. Hence, it is a top choice for those seeking a large car that doesn’t compromise on safety.
Top 2 Midsized Luxury Car
1. BMW 5 Series
One of the standout features of the BMW 5 Series is its advanced safety technology. It is one of the safest midsized luxury cars on the market that provides excellent visibility and an extra layer of security for both drivers and those outside the vehicle.
2. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has solidified its reputation as one of the safest midsized luxury cars on the market by performing exceptionally well in various crash tests and visibility tests. It is an excellent choice for those seeking both elegance and peace of mind on the road.
Top 8 Safest Small SUVs
1. Subaru Solterra
The Subaru Solterra stands out for its comprehensive approach to safety, giving you peace of mind whether you’re driving in the city or on a family road trip.
2. Lexus RZ
Though the Lexus RZ stands out for its robust safety features and strong performance, it should improve on its Headlights. While this isn’t a major concern, it’s something to be aware of if nighttime driving is a significant part of your routine.
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has received top marks in several key areas, including the front crash tests, side crash tests, headlights and seat belt reminders. However, there are a couple of areas where the Ioniq 5 could improve, the front crash prevention for pedestrians and the use of the LATCH system for child seats.
4. Kia Sportage
Though Kia Sportage earned good ratings in several key areas, there are equally few areas where it could improve for better safety.
5. BMW X1
Though the BMW X1 earned high marks in several key areas such as crash tests, and overlap tests, enhancing its seat belt feature could further solidify the BMW car’s reputation as a top-tier choice.
6. Lexus UX
The Lexus UX has earned impressive safety ratings, making it one of the safest small SUVs on the market. However, it’s worth noting that in the updated moderate overlap front crash test.
7. Hyundai Tucson
If the Hyundai Tucson improved its LATCH system and the headlights, it would be a safe choice for a small SUV.
8. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has earned commendable ratings for its crash tests, excellent headlight performance, and effective seat belt reminders. However, it needs improvement at the LATCH system and front crash prevention in both vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian scenarios.
Top 11 Safest Midsized SUVs
1. Mazda CX-90 PHEV
The Mazda CX-90 PHEV boasts impressive ratings in key safety areas, making it a reliable choice for families and safety-conscious drivers.
2. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a top choice for those seeking a secure midsized SUV. However, there are a couple of areas where the Palisade could see some improvement to meet safety standards effectively.
3. Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya remains a top contender with its strong safety performance across various crash tests and its advanced pedestrian prevention technology. But it needs some improvements in minor areas, such as the headlights and seatbelt reminders,
4. Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a smart choice for safety-conscious buyers, with its impressive crash test performance, user-friendly child seat system, and effective headlights. Though there’s a bit of room for improvement in pedestrian protection, it’s still a highly reliable and safe midsized SUV.
5. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a reliable choice for families prioritizing safety. However, there is a slight area for improvement in the updated moderate overlap front test, which Honda is likely to address in future models.
6. Toyota Highlander
If you’re looking for a safe midsized SUV, the Toyota Highlander is a solid choice with impressive safety ratings. Though Its strong performance in critical crash tests and front crash prevention makes it a reliable option for families, it needs some improvement in headlights and an updated front crash test.
7. Hyundai Santa Fe
Though the strong safety ratings make the Hyundai Santa Fe a reliable and secure choice for families and safety-conscious drivers, it needs some improvement in a few areas for better safety and protection.
8. Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas has earned recognition as one of the safest midsized SUVs, due to its strong performance in several key safety areas. But It needs improvement, particularly with child seat installation and the updated moderate overlap front tests for better safety.
9. Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport stands out with its strong safety credentials, making it a dependable and secure choice for families. If top-tier crash test performance and good headlights are priorities for you, this SUV is worth considering.
10. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out with its strong safety features, though addressing the highlighted areas could make it even more secure for families and daily commuters.
11. Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a robust midsized SUV with commendable safety features, particularly in crash protection and headlight performance. However it needs improvement in seat belt reminders and updated moderate overlap front crash tests to remain a reliable and safe choice for families and individuals alike.
Safest Large SUV
Jeep Wagoneer
When it comes to safety, the Jeep Wagoneer has several strong points reassuring its capability to protect you and your family, but there are also a couple of areas where it could improve the vehicle’s safety features to ensure even better protection and safety performance.
Choose the Right Car for Safety
To make the best choice in car safety, start by researching crash test ratings from reliable sources like the IIHS and NCAP and check the vehicle performances in both daytime and nighttime safety tests. By doing thorough research and asking the right questions to the vehicle dealers, you can ensure your next car purchase is a safe one.