Saving & Spending Home & Auto

81 Safest Cars on the Road in 2024 Worth Investing In

Testing shows that these cars are the best bets for drivers who make safety their top priority.

By Jenny Cohen

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Buying a car is expensive. However, while getting a good deal on a new vehicle is one of the best financial moves for car owners, safety should also be a top priority.

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) reviews cars based on safety features, crash-test results, and other factors.

Here are some of its best picks for safe vehicles in 12 categories. All received at least a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, and those noted received a Top Safety Pick+. In addition, all models are four-door options.

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Small cars

Acura Integra (Top Safety Pick+)
Hyundai Elantra
Mazda 3 hatchback (Top Safety Pick+)
Mazda 3 sedan (Top Safety Pick+)
Subaru Impreza
Toyota Prius (Top Safety Pick+)
Toyota Prius Prime

Both the Mazda 3 hatchback and sedan earned high marks for protecting drivers and passengers in case of an accident.

The IIHS also noted the ease of use of the LATCH systems for child-seat restraints, including extra LATCH positions.

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Midsize cars

Honda Accord (Top Safety Pick+)
Hyundai Ioniq 6 (Top Safety Pick+)
Hyundai Sonata
Subaru Outback
Toyota Camry

The Honda Accord and Hyundai Ioniq 6 received Top Safety Pick+ rankings. The models held up well in crash tests, protecting drivers and passengers.

Midsize luxury cars

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class was the only midsize luxury car to get a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, which gave it good scores based on crash tests and easy access to LATCH systems.

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Large cars

Toyota Crown

The only large car to receive a Top Safety Pick was the Toyota Crown.

Large luxury cars

BMW 5 Series
Genesis Electrified G80 (Top Safety Pick+)
Genesis G80 (Top Safety Pick+)
Genesis G90 (Top Safety Pick+)

Genesis made a big impression with the IIHS, earning Top Safety Pick+ ratings for all three of its cars in this segment, including both gas and electric models.

Small SUVs

BMW X1
Genesis GV60 (Top Safety Pick+)
Honda CR-V
Honda HR-V (Top Safety Pick+)
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Top Safety Pick+)
Hyundai Kona (Top Safety Pick+)
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
Lexus RZ
Lexus UX
Mazda CX-30 (Top Safety Pick+)
Mazda CX-50 (Top Safety Pick+)
Subaru Solterra

SUVs have replaced sedans as some of the most popular models in terms of U.S. sales. So, it isn’t surprising that so many SUV models are earning safety pick recommendations from the IIHS as more manufacturers try to stay competitive and build in safety features for consumers.

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Midsize SUVs

Ford Explorer (Top Safety Pick+)
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Kia Sorento
Kia Telluride (Top Safety Pick+)
Mazda CX-70
Mazda CX-70 PHEV
Mazda CX-90 (Top Safety Pick+)
Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Nissan Ariya
Nissan Pathfinder (Top Safety Pick+)
Subaru Ascent (Top Safety Pick+)
Toyota Highlander
Volkswagen Atlas
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Volkswagen ID.4

More electric vehicles are making their way into the IIHS ratings for midsize SUVs. The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric vehicle, while the PHEV versions of Mazda SUVs offer both gas-powered and plug-in hybrid options.

This is the fourth year in a row that the ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ rating. However, the ID.4 has dropped to a Top Safety Pick after three years with a Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Midsize luxury SUVs

Acura MDX (Top Safety Pick+)
Acura RDX
Audi Q4
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
BMW X3 (Top Safety Pick+)
BMW X5
Genesis Electrified GV70
Genesis GV70
Genesis GV80 (Top Safety Pick+)
Infiniti QX60
Lexus NX
Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid
Lexus RX
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (Top Safety Pick+)
Tesla Model Y (Top Safety Pick+)
Tesla Model Y AWD
Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90 Recharge

The two midsize SUV categories each have 19 vehicles on the IIHS list, making them the most versatile option if you want a vehicle that prioritizes safety.

Large SUVs

Audi Q7
Audi Q8 e-tron
Audi Q8 sportback e-tron
Jeep Wagoneer
Rivian R1S

Audi dominated the large SUV segment with three models. Both the Audi Q8 and Audi Q8 Sportback are e-tron versions, which will appeal to drivers who want to try a safe EV option for their next vehicle.

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Minivans

Honda Odyssey
Toyota Sienna

Parents may want one of these minivans that can help them get kids to school, activities, and more while also prioritizing safety.

Small pickups

Hyundai Santa Cruz
Toyota Tacoma

Both the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Toyota Tacoma are good choices if you want a small pickup that prioritizes safety.

Large pickups

Rivian R1T (Top Safety Pick+)
Toyota Tundra
Toyota Tundra extended cab

The all-electric Rivian R1T has been a Top Safety Pick+ for three years in a row, while the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tundra extended cab are both Top Safety Picks after earning Top Safety Pick+ ratings last year.

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Bottom line

Getting a safe car should be a top priority, even if it means paying a little more.

If you're worried about costs, try to find other ways to bring down the expense of ownership. For example, if you shop around and compare quotes, you can save money on car insurance.

Finding an affordable car insurance company and purchasing a car that is fuel-efficient can help you save money year after year. That can help offset the cost of buying a more expensive vehicle.

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