Back to GuidesSafest Cars for 2024:
If you are going to pick the safest car for you and your family, you should narrow down your search to vehicles that score the highest in these safety ratings.
All of the vehicles below have won the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ award and if they have been tested by the NHTSA, they have received the top score of five stars. By only picking from these top-rated vehicles, you can make the smartest and safest possible choice for your next car.
1. 2023 Toyota Camry
2. 2023 Honda Accord
3. 2023 Subaru Outback
4. 2023 Genesis G90
5. 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
6. 2023 Tesla Model Y
7. 2023 BMW X1
8. 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
9. 2023 Volvo XC90
10. 2023 Acura Integra
11. 2023 Audi Q7
12. 2023 Kia Telluride
13. 2023 Lexus NX
14. 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
15. 2023 Honda HR-V
Shopping for the Safest Car
1. 2023 Toyota Camry
The midsize sedan segment is not nearly as popular as it once was but with a stalwart like the Toyota Camry, it doesn’t have to be. The standard engine in the 2023 Camry is a 2.5-liter inline-four engine putting out 203 horsepower but this can be upgraded to a hybridized version or a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 301 horsepower. These engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a front-wheel-drive configuration.
The interior of the Camry is similar to the one in the Toyota Corolla and features a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, which can be upgraded to 9 inches, and it features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity with Toyota’s Entune 3.0 software. The 2023 Camry also comes with a wide range of standard safety features including forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2023 Toyota Camry listings here.
2. 2023 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is an absolute favorite when it comes to economy vehicles with a little touch of class. The 2023 Accord features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 192 horsepower as the base engine with an optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 204 horsepower with the help of two electric motors. These are both run through Honda’s continuously variable automatic transmission.
The 2023 Accord’s interior is shared with the Honda Civic and is designed to be as sleek and simple as possible. It comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with an optional upgrade to 12.3 inches and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. The 12.3-inch system is the only one with smartphone connectivity. Like every other vehicle on this list, the 2023 Accord is an IIHS Top Safety Pick and everyone comes with the Honda Sensing package. This is a package of safety technology and driver assistance technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition.
Browse 2023 Honda Accord listings here.
3. 2023 Subaru Outback
When you think about Subaru’s crossovers, you might think about the Legacy but you almost certainly think about the Outback right away. The 2023 Outback features more ground clearance than ever before as well as a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four engine or a turbocharged 2.4-liter putting out 260 horsepower. The Outback also comes with Subaru’s superior all-wheel-drive, which is good for all kinds of terrain.
Inside, the 2023 Outback is the same as the Legacy with comfortable seating and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The base version of the Outback comes with two 7-inch infotainment touchscreens but in the higher trim levels, this is switched with a vertical 11.6-inch touchscreen. All Outback models come with the EyeSight suite of safety features, which includes forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control as well as lane-keeping assist. You can also add blind-spot monitoring and a rear-cross traffic alert system.
Browse 2023 Subaru Outback listings here.
4. 2023 Genesis G90
When it comes to luxury cars, the Genesis G90 is at the top of the heap. On top of extremely good ratings for safety, the G90 comes with a twin-turbocharged V6 putting out 375 horsepower, or a more powerful supercharged version putting out 409 horsepower. Both of these powertrains run through an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive.
The G90’s cabin is meant to be as comfortable and plush as possible with high-quality materials and a sleek design. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every G90 also comes with all kinds of driver-assistance tech like automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control. It also comes standard with a front-crash prevention warning, lane-departure mitigation, and pedestrian detection.
Browse 2023 Genesis G90 listings here.
5. 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Throughout the model years that it has been in production, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been an excellent entry into the automaker’s world. Every 2023 C-Class comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that can either put out 255 horsepower or 275 horsepower with the help of a 48-volt hybrid system. Rear-wheel drive is standard but you can upgrade to Mercedes’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system as well.
Even for a relatively small car, the 2023 C-Class has a spacious cabin with all the amenities and high-quality materials you would expect from the brand. It features an 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the most recent iteration of Mercedes's MBUX software. As far as safety goes, it comes with a wide array of safety equipment including automated emergency braking and all kinds of optional driver-assistance features like a navigation-based adaptive cruise control system.
Browse 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class listings here.
6. 2023 Tesla Model Y
In the new world of electric SUVs, the Tesla Model Y is certainly one of the originators of the segment. With excellent safety ratings and performance that has become legendary, it is a great choice for people who want the best of all worlds with their EVs. The long-range, all-wheel-drive version of the Model Y has a zero-to-60 time of 4.4 seconds but if you upgrade to the Performance trim, this can be brought down to just 3.3 seconds.
The interior of the Model Y is just as spartan as you would expect with everything controlled through the large touchscreen located in the center of the dashboard. On top of its high ranking with the IIHS, the Model Y also comes with a host of standard safety features like automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and its famous Autopilot autonomous driving features.
Browse 2023 Tesla Model Y listings here.
7. 2023 BMW X1
While BMW might be more well-known for its sporty luxury cars, the brand’s luxury SUV, the X1 is just as impressive. The only available engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 241 horsepower, which is more than the previous model year’s power output. This runs through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive configuration.
The inside of the X1 has all the luxurious, comfortable appointments you would want from a BMW including an all-digital dashboard and textured speaker grilles. It comes with the iDrive 8 infotainment system running through that dashboard screen as well as standard navigation and smartphone connectivity. The standard safety equipment includes automated emergency braking and lane departure warning and you can also add adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and a self-parking feature.
Browse 2023 BMW X1 listings here.
8. 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5
On top of perfect crash-test ratings, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has won multiple awards in the last couple of years. You have the option of a single-motor version putting out 168 horsepower or a dual-motor version putting out 225 horsepower. Depending on the version you choose, you can get 220, 266, or 303 miles of range and you can choose between rear- or all-wheel-drive.
The interior of the IONIQ 5 is futuristic and incredibly well-designed. With a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, there is plenty of customizable digital real estate. On top of many optional safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning, you can also get Hyundai’s Highway Driver Assist 2, which is an automated driving assistance system for even more comfort and safety on the road.
Browse 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 listings here.
9. 2023 Volvo XC90
If you are looking for a mid-size luxury SUV on a relatively small budget, you can do no better than the 2023 Volvo XC90. Volvo is known as one of the most safety-minded automakers in the world and the XC90’s test results prove it. The base powertrain is a hybridized 2.0-liter turbocharged engine putting out 247 horsepower but you can upgrade that to 295 or go for the plug-in-hybrid XC90 Recharge, which puts out a massive 455 horsepower.
The XC90’s cabin is absolutely gorgeous with high-quality materials throughout and plenty of convenience features. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system features smartphone connectivity for every platform and it comes with a large suite of standard safety features. These include forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and more.
Browse 2023 Volvo XC90 listings here.
10. 2023 Acura Integra
The Acura Integra is a classic entry-level compact luxury car and its iconic styling continues for the 2023 model year. The 2023 Integra features a 200-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with either a continuously variable automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
The interior is comfortable and roomy with high-end materials throughout. You can either choose from a 7- or 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, depending on the trim level you get. If you choose to get the higher-end model, you get all kinds of features like a wireless charging pad, head-up display, and USB ports. Almost every safety feature you can think of comes standard, including automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2023 Acura Integra listings here.
11. 2023 Audi Q7
When looking for a high-end luxury SUV, the Audi Q7 checks all the boxes, especially if you want a little bit of sporty fun with your family car. The standard powertrain is a 261-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder with a 12-volt hybrid system but this can also be upgraded to a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with a 48-volt hybrid system putting out 335 horsepower if you want a little more excitement.
The interior is just as modern and contemporary as the exterior with plush materials and a straightforward design. The standard 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen is supplemented by another 8.6-inch screen that controls the climate and other settings. There are also all kinds of safety features available such as cruise control with a lane-centering feature, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more.
Browse 2023 Audi Q7 listings here.
12. 2023 Kia Telluride
For those who are looking for a complete package with their SUV, the Kia Telluride is a great choice. With a 3.8-liter V6 putting out 291 horsepower, there is plenty of power to go along with the handsome exterior styling. This engine runs through an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with either a front- or all-wheel-drive configuration.
The interior is fairly upscale for the Telluride’s price point and features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety equipment abounds with included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and much more. Plus, you can add other features like automatic high beams and a 360-degree camera system.
Browse 2023 Kia Telluride listings here.
13. 2023 Lexus NX
The Lexus NX has a similar look and feel as the Toyota RAV4 but with a much more upscale aesthetic throughout. You have four different engine options with the NX including a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 275-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter, a hybridized 2.5-liter four-cylinder putting out 239 horsepower, and a 302-horsepower plug-in hybrid version.
Inside, all the materials and design touches are as classy as possible with a high-quality feel. You also get a 9.8- or 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system depending on the trim level you go with, both of which come with complete smartphone connectivity. All safety features on the 2023 NX are standard including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking.
Browse 2023 Lexus NX listings here.
14. 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
Volkswagen’s three-row entry into the SUV world, the Atlas, is an excellent example of how different can sometimes mean better. With your choice of a 235-horsepower four-cylinder or a 276-horsepower V6, there is plenty of available power. These engines run through an eight-speed automatic transmission and can come with either a front- or all-wheel-drive configuration.
The interior of the 2023 Atlas is massive with plenty of room for adults in the third row, which is more than what most SUVs in its category have to offer. The base model of the Atlas comes with a 6-inch infotainment touchscreen but this can be upgraded to 8.5 inches in the higher trim levels. On top of the Atlas’s five-star NHTSA crash test rating, it also comes with a host of standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and much more.
Browse 2023 Volkswagen Atlas listings here.
15. 2023 Honda HR-V
Along with its larger counterpart, the CR-V, the HR-V delivers excellent cargo space, performance, and style to the SUV market. The 2023 HR-V features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 158 horsepower. This runs through a continuously variable automatic transmission that is available with either front- or all-wheel-drive.
The interior is a redesigned version of the Civic’s cabin with a smart layout and comfortable seating all around. You can either get a 7- or 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, either of which will run Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Standard safety features include everything you can think of including automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2023 Honda HR-V listings here.
Shopping for the Safest Car:
Buying a new car can be difficult no matter what your needs are and what you are looking for. Engine type, reliability, passenger space, and drive configuration are all important considerations that can make your purchase worth it or not.
However, none of these things are nearly as crucial as the safety of a vehicle. Knowing that you and your family will be safe in your new car can give you the peace of mind you need when you are on the road.
When looking for the safest cars, it is important to know what you should be keeping an eye out for. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) both put new vehicles through a variety of crash tests including side crash, forward collision, and rollover crashes.
These tests determine a vehicle’s crashworthiness and how safe you will be in the event of one of these collisions. Then, they give these cars safety rankings that you can use to determine if a vehicle is right for you.
Final Thoughts
Any time you are shopping for a new vehicle, it is crucial that you look for the safest automobiles on the road. By narrowing down your search to the top-rated vehicles by the NHTSA and IIHS, you can be certain that your new car will be as safe as possible and protect you and your family whenever you are behind the wheel. With an understanding of what the safest cars are, you can drive away knowing you made the smartest possible choice.
