Which Cars and Trucks Are the Safest on the Road? What Experts Say

In 2025, vehicle safety reaches new peaks with cutting-edge ADAS, fortified frames, and stringent testing protocols. But which stand out? Informed by the freshest evaluations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and Consumer Reports—alongside automotive authority insights—this roundup spotlights elite crash protection, pedestrian safeguards, and everyday dependability, empowering safer drives.

How Safety Ratings Work: A Quick Primer

Safety transcends crash survival—it’s evasion too. IIHS grants Top Safety Pick (TSP) or TSP+ for crash performance, lighting, and ADAS like AEB. NHTSA’s 5-Star Ratings target frontal, side, and rollover impacts. Consumer Reports fuses these with track tests and surveys for a rounded score.

For 2025, over 120 vehicles snag IIHS TSP honors, stressing pedestrian AEB and revamped side tests. Consensus from pros: Seek NHTSA 5-stars and TSP+ for peak shielding.

Top Safest Cars for 2025

Compact and midsize sedans/hatchbacks rule for nimbleness and hybrids’ tech synergy. Standouts include:

• 2025 Honda Civic: TSP+ (hatchback), TSP (sedan) from IIHS; NHTSA 5-stars. Experts laud its agile dynamics and core safety array.
• 2025 Toyota Prius: TSP+ with stellar AEB and low rollover; NHTSA 5-stars, hybrid prowess.
• 2025 Hyundai Elantra: TSP+ (post-Oct 2024 builds); NHTSA 5-stars, top CR nods for braking.
• 2025 Mazda3: TSP+ hatch/sedan; NHTSA 5-stars, precise handling per Car and Driver.
• 2025 Honda Accord: TSP+; NHTSA 5-stars, blind-spot excellence.
• 2025 Toyota Camry: TSP+; NHTSA 5-stars, refined per IIHS.
• 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6: TSP+ EV; NHTSA 5-stars, swift AEB via CR.

Top Safest Trucks and SUVs for 2025

Bigger rides provide mass advantages but need finesse. Family haulers and haulers top charts with durable builds.

• 2025 Hyundai Tucson: TSP+; NHTSA 5-stars, pedestrian AEB ace per US News.
• 2025 Kia Telluride: TSP+; NHTSA 5-stars, three-row safety benchmark.
• 2025 Mazda CX-50: TSP+; NHTSA 5-stars (4 rollover), headlight prowess.
• 2025 Honda HR-V: TSP+; NHTSA 5-stars, compact family fit.
• 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe: TSP+ (post-Nov 2024); NHTSA 5-stars, spacious CR pick.
• 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E: TSP+ EV; NHTSA 5-stars, top marks all tests.
• 2025 Toyota Tundra: TSP+ crew cab pickup; NHTSA 5-stars, towing stability.

Safety Comparison Table

What Experts Say: Insights from the Pros

Reviewers stress full-spectrum evaluation. “IIHS’s revamped side test revolutionizes protection—models like the Camry now avert rib injuries in T-bones,” per IIHS chief David Harkey. CR’s Jake Fisher notes, “Tucson hybrids excel as safety doesn’t hinder range.”

On trucks, Edmunds’ Ron Kiino states, “F-150’s trailer aids slash hookup mishaps by 20%—though Tundra leads in ratings.” Car and Driver’s team adds on CX-50: “Proof of Mazda’s zoom-zoom with top safety.” Greg Prosmushkin, injury attorney, reflects: “Safety advances turn fatal wrecks into injuries—profound shift.” Pros push ADAS like lane-keep and adaptive cruise for proactive defense.

How to Choose the Safest Ride for You

• Families: Telluride or Santa Fe for LATCH and rear AEB.
• Commuters: Camry or Accord for economy and zip.
• Work Pros: Tundra with reinforced cabs and sway control.
• Budget Buyers: CR’s under-$30K TSP+ like Civic.
• EV Shoppers: Ioniq 6 or Mach-E for green guardianship.

NHTSA data: Safe vehicles spared 50,000+ lives in 2024—pick smart to contribute.

Sources

• IIHS – 2025 Top Safety Picks (web:12).
• NHTSA – 2025 Vehicle Ratings (web:3).
• Consumer Reports – Safest Cars of 2025 (web:13).
• Car and Driver – Safest SUVs 2025 (web:25).
• U.S. News – Safest SUVs (web:14).
• Auto123 – Safest Family Vehicles (web:26).

Disclaimer: Courtesy of Traffic Safety Guide for education. Ratings update; verify IIHS/NHTSA. Test drive for personal match.