Safest Car Brands in USA Crash Tests 2026

Choosing a car is no longer just about looks, speed or fuel economy. For most American buyers today, vehicle safety is the number one priority. With millions of cars on US roads and traffic accidents still a major concern, choosing one of the safest car brands in the USA can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.

Independent safety organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conduct detailed crash tests every year. Their ratings help consumers identify which car manufacturers consistently deliver strong crash protection, accident prevention technology and overall safety performance.

In this guide, we break down the safest car brands according to crash tests, based on real data, expert analysis and US safety standards.

How Crash Test Ratings Work in the United States

Before looking at the safest brands, it’s important to understand how safety ratings are determined.

IIHS Safety Testing

IIHS evaluates vehicles using:

• Small overlap front crash

• Moderate overlap front crash

• Side impact crash

• Roof strength and rollover resistance

• Crash avoidance and mitigation systems

Vehicles earning Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards represent the highest level of safety.

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating

NHTSA uses a 5-star system to test:

• Frontal crash protection

• Side crash protection

• Rollover resistance

Cars with 5-star safety ratings are considered among the safest vehicles in America.

1. Volvo – The Safest Car Brand in the USA

When discussing the safest car brands according to crash tests, Volvo consistently ranks at the top.

Volvo’s entire brand identity revolves around safety. The company invests heavily in accident prevention, structural strength and advanced safety software.

Why Volvo Leads in Safety

• Excellent IIHS and NHTSA crash test ratings

• Strong passenger safety cell design

• Advanced driver assistance systems standard on most models

• Industry-leading pedestrian and cyclist protection

Volvo aims to eliminate serious injuries in its vehicles, a goal reflected in its real-world crash performance.

Safest Volvo models in the US:
Volvo XC90, XC60, S60

2. Subaru – Best Safety for Families and Daily Driving

Subaru has earned a strong reputation as one of the safest car brands in the USA, especially among families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Subaru Safety Strengths

• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology standard on most vehicles

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive improves stability in bad weather

• Consistent IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards

Subaru vehicles perform exceptionally well in side impact crash tests and accident avoidance scenarios.

Safest Subaru models:
Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek

3. Toyota – Reliable Safety Across All Price Ranges

Toyota is one of the most trusted car manufacturers in the US, offering safety at affordable prices.

Why Toyota Is One of the Safest Brands

• Toyota Safety Sense included on most vehicles

• High NHTSA 5-star safety ratings

• Excellent long-term reliability

Toyota proves that you don’t need a luxury budget to drive one of the safest cars in America.

Safest Toyota models:
Toyota Camry, RAV4, Corolla

4. Honda – Strong Crash Protection and Smart Technology

Honda continues to rank among the top safest car brands in the USA due to its balanced approach to safety and value.

Honda Safety Highlights

• Honda Sensing driver assistance features

• Strong frontal and side crash protection

• High child occupant safety scores

Honda vehicles are especially popular among commuters and families looking for dependable safety.

Safest Honda models:
Honda Accord, CR-V, Civic

5. Mercedes-Benz – Advanced Safety Innovation

Mercedes-Benz has been a pioneer in automotive safety for decades and remains one of the safest luxury car brands.

Why Mercedes-Benz Is Exceptionally Safe

• Advanced collision prevention technology

• Strong Euro NCAP and IIHS performance

• Highly reinforced vehicle structures

Many modern safety features, such as anti-lock braking systems, were first introduced by Mercedes.

Safest Mercedes models:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, C-Class, GLE

6. Mazda – High Safety Ratings with Stylish Design

Mazda has quietly become one of the safest car brands in America, earning excellent crash test scores across multiple models.

Mazda Safety Advantages

• i-Activsense safety features

• Excellent pedestrian protection ratings

• Strong IIHS crash test results

Mazda offers safety-focused vehicles without sacrificing driving enjoyment.

Safest Mazda models:
Mazda CX-5, Mazda3, CX-50

7. Tesla – Structural Safety and Electric Innovation

Tesla vehicles consistently score well in US crash test ratings, particularly for rollover resistance.

Why Tesla Ranks Among the Safest

• Low center of gravity from battery placement

• Strong structural design

• Excellent NHTSA crash test scores

While driver assistance systems require responsible use, Tesla’s physical safety structure is among the best in the EV segment.

Safest Tesla models:
Tesla Model 3, Model Y

Safest Car Brands in the USA – Quick Comparison

How to Choose the Safest Car for Your Needs

Even within safe brands, safety can vary by model and year. Always:

• Check IIHS and NHTSA ratings for your exact model

• Look for standard driver assistance features

• Consider your driving environment (city, highway, weather)

Choosing one of the top safest car brands significantly improves your protection on US roads.

Final Verdict: What Is the Safest Car Brand in the USA?

There is no single answer for every driver, but based on crash test data and US safety ratings:

• Volvo leads overall safety innovation

• Subaru and Toyota offer the best value for families

• Mercedes-Benz and Tesla excel in advanced safety technology

If safety is your top priority, selecting a vehicle from these manufacturers is one of the smartest decisions you can make.