WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | April 21, 2025 | Car Accidents
Safety might be the most important consideration to keep in mind when shopping for a new vehicle. In the United States, there are two main organizations that test and rate vehicle safety: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The IIHS gives vehicles either a “Top Safety Pick” or the higher “Top Safety Pick+” award, which shows the best safety choices within each vehicle size during a given year. Similarly, NHTSA uses a 5-star rating system to show how well vehicles protect people in frontal, side, and rollover crashes.
Discover which vehicles boasted the best safety records according to these rating systems in 2024.
The Safest Vehicle Brands in 2024
Based on the number of IIHS awards and NHTSA test selection, the following brands were the safest choices last year:
Toyota
Toyota led the pack with 14 IIHS safety awards and multiple vehicles in NHTSA’s testing program. Its consistent performance shows a company-wide commitment to safety engineering.
Hyundai
Hyundai received 9 IIHS safety awards in 2024. It also has six models undergoing NHTSA evaluation. Hyundai is generally known for its advanced safety integrations.
Mazda, Genesis, and Honda
These three brands have different market positions and price points, but each has 8 IIHS safety awards. They stood out for showing good consistency across their car lineups.
Audi and Subaru
Both brands earned 6 IIHS awards. Subaru maintained its long-standing reputation for building vehicles that perform exceptionally well in vehicle crash tests.
Other Brands
Other brands with strong safety credentials included:
- BMW and Kia, with 5 IIHS awards each
- Ford and Mercedes-Benz, with 4 IIHS awards each
- Chevrolet, with several models in NHTSA’s testing program
These achievements show a commitment to safety across vehicle lineups.
The Safest Car Models by Vehicle Type
Brand reputation is important, but individual models can vary in safety performance. Here are some of the most impressive performers in each category:
Small Cars
These small cars saw top safety recognition in 2024:
- Honda Civic (2025): The sedan earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status, while the hatchback earned Top Safety Pick
- Mazda 3: Both the hatchback and sedan received Top Safety Pick+ awards
- Toyota Prius: It’s among the cars that earned the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+
- Subaru Impreza: This model was selected for NHTSA’s comprehensive testing program
Smaller dimensions are often associated with compromised safety design.
Midsize and Large Cars
The following midsize and large cars stood out for their exceptional safety performance:
- Toyota Camry (2025): Earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition
- Honda Accord: Consistently ranked among the safest midsize sedans
- Genesis G80: Selected for both IIHS and NHTSA evaluation
These family-sized sedans combine spacious interiors with comprehensive safety features, making them excellent choices for everyday transportation.
SUVs and Crossovers
Among small, midsize, and large SUVs, these models demonstrated superior safety characteristics:
- Mazda CX-30 and CX-50: Earned Top Safety Pick+ status
- Hyundai Tucson and Kona: Represented Hyundai’s commitment to SUV safety
- Subaru Forester: Continued the brand’s tradition of safe utility vehicles
- Mazda CX-90: Received top safety ratings in both regular and plug-in hybrid versions
- Tesla Model Y: Combined electric performance with outstanding safety
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Selected for NHTSA’s rigorous evaluation program
These SUVs excelled at protecting passengers while offering the versatility and capability that make this vehicle class so popular.
Trucks and Minivans
For work, family transportation, or adventure, these trucks and minivans led in safety:
- Rivian R1T: Earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ certification
- Toyota Tundra (2025): Achieved Top Safety Pick+ status
- Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna: Received strong safety ratings
These utility-focused vehicles prove that practicality doesn’t have to come at the expense of protection.
The Safest Vehicles of 2024
When shopping for your next vehicle, remember that safety ratings are just one factor to consider alongside your specific needs and budget. Still, choosing one of these safety leaders can give you peace of mind, knowing you have excellent protection on the road.
Contact the Baltimore Car Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
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