The ultimate list of the safest cars in America right now
When it comes to car buying, there are always the top priorities for shoppers: Budget, safety, and reliability. Protecting you and your loved ones is paramount, and shoppers will often choose a safe car over one that’s attractive or technologically advanced.
Each year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) sets the standard by awarding its coveted Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ designations, which are recognized across the industry and coveted by every major automobile manufacturer. These awards help shoppers identify the vehicles that go above and beyond to protect passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. We’ve assembled the list of vehicles that have met the most stringent qualifications and earned the Top Safety Pick+ award.
What is the IIHS?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was founded in 1959 as an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization. Originally supported by three major insurance associations, the IIHS has grown into one of the most influential safety authorities in the world. It continues to cement its reputation in automotive safety by updating its tests and staying abreast of the ever-evolving world of automotive safety and driver-assist technologies.
IIHS testing has become more demanding in recent years. The inclusion of rear-seat passenger safety, nighttime pedestrian detection, and stricter headlight evaluations ensures that automakers don’t just focus on the driver’s safety, but all occupants. The IIHS conducts crash tests, vehicle evaluations, and safety studies from its Vehicle Research Center in Virginia. Cars undergo a battery of crashworthiness tests, including:
Moderate overlap front test (updated)
Small overlap tests (driver’s side and passenger’s side)
Side impact test (updated)
Headlight evaluation
Front crash prevention
Pedestrian crash prevention
Seat belts & child restraints
To earn a Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must score Good in all crashworthiness categories, have at least Acceptable or Good headlights across all trims, and demonstrate Advanced or Superior pedestrian crash prevention for both day and night.
2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winners
The list of top achievers is long, and that's a testament to manufacturers' commitment to safety. It's no small feat to reach this level, and the list is growing even with more stringent safety and technology criteria. Here are the vehicles that earned the highest honor, the Top Safety Pick+, for 2025. Here they are in alphabetical order.
Audi Q6 e-tron
Audi’s new all-electric midsize Q6 e-tron SUV ($63,800) impresses with strong crashworthiness and advanced protection such as standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 ($67,600) midsize luxury SUV remains a strong performer with "Good" ratings across all crash categories and standard rear automatic braking.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave ($46,595) midsize three-row crossover earned a spot for its strong safety engineering and updated safety technology like Blind Zone Steering Assist.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s all-electric Mustang Mach-E ($37,995) crossover maintains its TSP+ status, combining EV innovation with robust safety credentials like a standard blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert.
Genesis G90
The G90 ($92,700) flagship luxury sedan of Genesis earns top marks, combining indulgent comfort with world-class safety like driver attention warning and adaptive cruise control.
Genesis GV60
Genesis GV60 ($53,350), a dedicated EV crossover, received TSP+ for its advanced design and crash avoidance systems like Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist.
Genesis GV70 & Electrified GV70
The Genesis GV70 continues its safety streak with both gas ($47,985) and EV ($66,950 versions of the GV70 compact SUV earning TSP+. Stylish design meets top-tier safety.
Genesis GV80
The larger GV80 ($58,200) also joins Genesis' smaller SUVs, highlighting the brand's commitment to passenger protection in every size SUV. It comes standard with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection.
Honda Accord
The venerable Accord ($28,295) midsize sedan joins the ranks, with top crash scores and reliable collision-avoidance tech in its standard Honda Sensing suite of safety.
Honda HR-V
Honda’s HR-V ($26,200) subcompact crossover joins the safest list, highlighting its improved crash protection and driver-assist features such as Road Departure Mitigation.
Hyundai Elantra
The affordable Elantra ($22,125) is Hyundai’s compact sedan. It finishes strong, offering affordability and outstanding crash protection. It has some of the best headlights in its segment.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The retro-inspired Ioniq 5 EV ($42,600) scored highly in crash tests and offers excellent pedestrian crash avoidance. It has standard rear automatic braking and lane departure warning.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
This sleek electric Ioniq 6 ($37,850) sedan blends aerodynamic style with award-winning safety performance. It earned "Good" in every crash test.
Hyundai Kona
This subcompact SUV proves small doesn’t mean unsafe. The Kona ($25,350) earned "Good" results in all major crash tests and comes standard with lane-keeping assist.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Boldly redesigned for 2024, the Santa Fe ($34,300 midsize SUV makes the cut thanks to its rigid platform, "Good" headlights, and excellent pedestrian crash prevention.
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai’s midsize Sonata sedan ($26,900) continues to show its strong safety engineering. The Sonata comes standard with automatic emergency braking.
Hyundai Tucson
A longtime safety leader, the Tucson ($28,705) compact SUV adds another TSP+ trophy for 2025. The Tucson offers space, efficiency, and a ton of standard safety features.
Kia K4
The new K4 ($21,990) replaces the Forte and immediately earns a TSP+, giving Kia another safety winner. It's not just modern but seriously reassuring thanks to standard features like Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.
Kia Telluride
Kia’s blockbuster Telluride ($36,390) SUV continues to rack up awards. The gas-powered Telluride has been a huge hit with car buyers. and it earns the TSP+ award thanks to standard features like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Intersection Turning Detection.
Kia EV9
The EV9 ($54,900) is one of the few electric family haulers out there, and it combines futuristic style with tons of room. It earns top marks with the IIHS and comes with Highway Driving Assist that's packed with cameras and sensors.
Lincoln Nautilus
Lincoln’s Nautilus ($53,940) is their fresh two-row midsize luxury SUV that makes the IIHS top ranks with strong structural integrity and effective crash-prevention features like Rear Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert.
Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback
Mazda’s compact car, especially in hatchback form ($25,550), has long been a standout for both handling and safety. The 3 in its current generation has been around for years, so this is an impressive achievement.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes’ compact luxury sedan ($48,450) holds its place on the list with consistently strong crashworthiness and features like forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and a driver attention monitoring system.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class & GLC-Class
Both midsize and compact Mercedes SUVs secured TSP+ awards. The GLE ($62,250) and GLC ($49,550) combine luxury with advanced safety, including cutting-edge driver-assist technology and solid crash protection.
Nissan Murano
The Murano ($40,470) was redesigned for this year and passed the safety tests. It also comes with standard lane departure warning and rear automatic braking.
Nissan Pathfinder
The three-row Pathfinder ($36,400) might be long-in-the-tooth design-wise, but its impeccable safety ratings tell a different story. Great standard safety features like blind spot detection help it make a safety mark firmly.
Rivian R1S
The R1S ($76,990) all-electric SUV combines futuristic tech with real-world safety. The R1S scored high in crashworthiness and pedestrian detection, proving EV startups can compete with established brands on safety.
Tesla Model Y
Tesla’s popular Model Y ($37,490) electric crossover earns the TSP+ after performing well in crash tests and featuring strong active safety tech. It also benefits from standard collision avoidance and pedestrian detection.
Toyota Camry
The best-selling sedan in America, the Camry ($28,700), continues to prove it’s also one of the safest. Fully hybrid for the first time, it doesn't sacrifice safety for fuel efficiency.
Toyota Prius
Toyota’s legendary Prius ($28,550 hybrid doesn’t just look good in 2025—it’s also among the safest small cars available, thanks to standard features like Blind Spot Monitor With Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Alert.
Toyota Tundra Crew Cab
Toyota’s full-size Tundra ($41,260) pickup earns TSP+ recognition thanks to strong crash scores and available advanced driver-assistance systems. Its rigid frame and improved safety tech make it one of the safest trucks on sale.
Volvo XC90 & XC90 PHEV
Volvo’s flagship XC90 SUV continues the brand’s legacy of safety leadership. Both the gas ($62,345) and plug-in hybrid ($62,445) versions of the XC90 received TSP+, thanks to outstanding occupant protection and advanced crash-avoidance systems.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Top Safety Pick+ list includes an impressive range of vehicles—from budget-friendly compacts like the Toyota Prius and Hyundai Elantra to luxury flagships like the Genesis G90 and BMW X5. EVs, hybrids, and traditional gas vehicles all share the spotlight, proving that safety transcends fuel type or body style. For consumers, choosing an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ means choosing peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for a family hauler, a daily commuter, or a cutting-edge EV, the safest 2025 vehicles provide both protection and innovation.
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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