Understanding safety ratings and features to help you choose the safest vehicle for you and your family
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides ratings from 1-5 stars based on crash tests in various scenarios.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates vehicles as Poor, Marginal, Acceptable, or Good, with Top Safety Pick designations.
The European New Car Assessment Programme provides ratings for European market vehicles on a 1-5 star scale.
Below are safety ratings for popular models. Always check the latest ratings when shopping for a vehicle.
| Brand | Model | Overall Rating | Crashworthiness | Crash Avoidance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Camry | |||
| Honda | Civic | |||
| Subaru | Outback | |||
| Hyundai | Sonata | |||
| Mazda | CX-5 |
Vehicle safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests that simulate real-world accident scenarios:
Simulates a head-on collision with another vehicle or object.
Evaluates protection when hit from the side by another vehicle.
Assesses how likely a vehicle is to roll over in a single-vehicle crash.
Evaluates protection when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or object.
When shopping for a family vehicle, consider these additional safety features:
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children make car seat installation easier and more secure.
Prevent children from opening doors from the inside while the vehicle is in motion.
Alerts drivers to check the back seat before exiting the vehicle.
Helps prevent back-over accidents, which often involve children.