Safest Car Models of 2025 You Need to See

 safest cars of

Accidents can happen anytime, often when least expected—even during routine trips like school pickups or errands. In contrast, some collisions may be classified as “minor,” but their potential impact can still be significant, especially when passengers, including children, are involved.

That’s why vehicle safety should always be a top consideration. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety technologies, such as reinforced frames, airbags, automatic emergency braking, and collision mitigation systems, which are specifically designed to protect occupants and reduce injury in the event of an accident.

If you're asking yourself what the safest car is to drive in 2025, you're not alone—and you’re asking the right question. In this guide, we’ll show you how to choose models that do more than move you from one place to another. These vehicles protect your life and the lives of the people you love.

What You’ll Discover in This Guide

If you're serious about protecting your family and making a wise investment, this post will help you reduce the noise. Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • How crash safety ratings work

  • Which car brands lead the pack in safety

  • Which 2025 vehicles are worth your attention

Overview

Choosing the safest car in 2025 depends on individual needs and priorities, with options ranging from budget-friendly sedans to luxury SUVs, all offering different levels of protection.


Here's a more detailed breakdown:


Most Reliable SUV with High Safety Marks

These SUVs, such as the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, are known for their robust safety features and consistently high ratings in crash tests.


Safest Family Cars

Sedans like the Hyundai Sonata and Honda Accord provide excellent safety for families, often including advanced driver assistance systems as standard equipment.


Safest Minivan

The Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica offer spacious interiors and a suite of advanced safety technologies, making them ideal choices for larger families that require added protection.


Safest Sedans

Models like the Tesla Model 3 and Mazda 3 prioritize safety with advanced technology and strong crash test performance, appealing to those seeking a balance of safety and efficiency.


Safest Luxury Cars

Vehicles like the Lexus ES and Genesis G80 offer premium safety features and high crash test ratings, along with luxury amenities.


Safe Cars Under $25K

Affordable options like the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla provide essential safety technologies, making them accessible to a broader range of buyers.


Other Notable Safety Considerations

Size isn't always the best indicator of safety, as factors like modern safety features, strong structural design, and effective energy absorption in crashes are equally important.

Most Reliable SUV with High Safety Marks

  • Toyota RAV4

  • Subaru Forester

  • Honda CR-V

Safest Family Cars

  • Hyundai Sonata

  • Kia K5

  • Honda Accord

Safest Minivan

  • Toyota Sienna

  • Chrysler Pacifica

Safest Sedans

  • Tesla Model 3

  • Mazda 3

Safest Luxury Cars

  • Lexus ES

  • Genesis G80

Safe Cars Under $25K

  • Hyundai Elantra

  • Toyota Corolla

Why Safety Is Front and Center in 2025

Consider how driving felt a decade ago. There were fewer screens and distractions, and fewer people attempted to read texts while merging onto the highway. Fast-forward to today, and the roads seem different. They are more crowded and unpredictable, and there are more reasons to pay attention to your car's actions when emergencies arise.

In 2025, safety isn’t only a bonus—it’s a dealbreaker.

The reality is that new cars can also be involved in accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that in the United States, a person dies in a car crash every 12 minutes. An injury happens every 10 seconds, and a crash occurs every 5 seconds. This highlights that the risk of accidents is not solely linked to age or wear; it also depends on factors such as design, safety features, and the car's performance in emergency situations.

How Crash Safety Ratings Work

Crash safety ratings are the best place to start when shopping for the safest car in 2025. But those charts and numbers can feel like a secret code. Here’s what they mean—and why they matter to your family’s safety.

Two Main Safety Authorities

IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

The IIHS is an independent, non-profit organization that reduces deaths, injuries, and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through research, evaluation, and public education. It conducts rigorous crash tests and evaluates vehicle safety features to inform consumers and encourage automakers to build safer vehicles. 

The IIHS uses a qualitative rating system, grading vehicles as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor in various crashworthiness and crash avoidance tests. It often sets more stringent standards than federal requirements to push for continuous safety improvements.

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

The NHTSA is a U.S. federal government agency responsible for ensuring the safety of people on America's roadways by setting and enforcing vehicle safety standards. Its mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes through education, research, safety standards, and enforcement activities, including vehicle recalls and consumer information programs. 

The NHTSA employs a quantitative 5-Star Safety Ratings system for frontal, side, and rollover crash tests, providing an overall vehicle score that consumers can easily compare.

Crash Test Categories

Crash Test Type

What It Measures

Frontal Crash

Head-on crash protection

Side Impact

Passenger protection from side hits

Roof Strength

Safety in rollovers

Head Restraints

Whiplash protection in rear-end crashes

Small Overlap Front

Safety when hitting objects off-center

Rollover Resistance

Likelihood of tipping during sharp maneuvers

Essential Safety Features to Look For in 2025 Cars

Even cars under 25k are starting to include these features, so check closely before buying.

Standard Must-Haves

  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

  • Pedestrian Detection

  • Lane Keeping Assist

  • Blind Spot Monitoring

  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

  • Adaptive Cruise Control

Bonus Features

  • 360-Degree Camera

  • Driver Attention Monitoring

  • Auto High Beam LED Headlights

Which Car Brands Are Leading in Safety for 2025?

Here are the safest car brands you can count on this year:

  1. Subaru: Symmetrical AWD and EyeSight® driver assist standard. These features work in tandem to help drivers avoid accidents and maintain situational awareness.

  2. Tesla: It offers high-tech protection with strong rollover resistance. Its commitment to continuous over-the-air software updates further enhances safety features throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

  3. Mazda: Affordable but safety-first designs. Their vehicles consistently perform well in crash tests, offering a compelling blend of affordability and safety.

  4. Hyundai/Kia: Great value with advanced features, even in cars under 25k. This commitment to value and safety ensures that more drivers have access to essential protective technologies.

  5. Ford: The Bronco's safety rating improved, and the SUVs and trucks were safer overall. Ford's commitment to robust construction and advanced driver-assistance systems makes it a strong contender in the realm of vehicle safety.

Most Reliable SUV with High Safety Marks

Toyota RAV4

IIHS Ratings:

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: Original test - Good (G); Updated test - Marginal (M) (for 2021-2025 models)

    • Side: Original test - Good (G); Updated test - Acceptable (A)

    • Roof strength: Good (G)

    • Head restraints & seats: Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Good (G)

    • Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle: Advanced (A) (Standard system)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian: Good (G) (Standard system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • LATCH ease of use: Good+ (G+)

NHTSA Ratings (2024 Toyota RAV4):

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 4 out of 5 Stars

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Rollover: 4 out of 5 Stars

Key Features:

  • 2.5-liter inline-4 engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque

  • 0–60 mph in 8.3 seconds (TRD Off-Road version tested)

  • Up to 35 mpg highway (FWD) and up to 34 mpg (AWD)

  • Stable and competent handling with strut and multilink suspension setup

Subaru Forester

IIHS Ratings:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: 2025 Subaru Forester (excluding Wilderness trim) earned a 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: Updated test - Acceptable (A)

    • Side: Updated test - Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Good (G)

    • Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle: Good (G) (Standard system)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian: Good (G) (Standard system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • Seat belt reminders: Good (G)

    • LATCH ease of use: Good+ (G+)

NHTSA Ratings (2023 Subaru Forester):

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Rollover: 4 out of 5 Stars

Key Features:

  • Subaru EyeSight driver-assistance suite is standard on all trims

  • 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque

  • 8.3 seconds 0–60 mph performance (Sport trim tested)

  • Optional automatic reverse braking for added parking safety

Honda CR-V

IIHS Ratings:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: The 2024 Honda CR-V earned a TOP SAFETY PICK award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: Original test - Good (G); Updated test - Poor (P)

    • Side: Updated test - Good (G)

    • Roof strength: Good (G) (for 2017-2022 models)

    • Head restraints & seats: Good (G) (for 2017-2022 models)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Good (G)

    • Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle: Advanced (A) (Standard system)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian: Advanced (A) (Standard system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • Seat belt reminders: Good (G)

    • LATCH ease of use: Acceptable (A)

NHTSA Ratings (2024 Honda CR-V AWD):

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 4 out of 5 Stars (Driver: 5 stars, Passenger: 4 stars)

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars (Side barrier: 5 stars, Side pole: 5 stars)

  • Rollover: 4 out of 5 Stars

Key Features:

  • 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine

  • 8.1 seconds 0–60 mph (EX-L model tested)

  • Hill-descent control to assist with steep or slippery slopes

  • Continuous variable automatic transmission (CVT)

Safest Family Cars

Hyundai Sonata

IIHS Ratings:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: The 2024 Hyundai Sonata earned a TOP SAFETY PICK award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: Original test - Good (G); Updated test - Poor (P) (for 2023-2024 models)

    • Side: Original test - Good (G); Updated test - Acceptable (A)

    • Roof strength: Good (G)

    • Head restraints & seats: Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Good (G)

    • Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle: Advanced (A) (Standard system)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian: Good (G) (Standard system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • Seat belt reminders: Good (G)

    • LATCH ease of use: Acceptable (A)

NHTSA Ratings (2021 Hyundai Sonata):

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Rollover: 4 out of 5 Stars

Key Features: 

  • Base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 192 hp

  • High-performance 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in the N Line trim

  • 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in N Line

  • Optional remote smart parking assist (can pull into/out of tight spaces without driver inside – Limited trim)

Kia K5

IIHS Ratings:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick+: The 2023 Kia K5 earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: Original test - Good (G); Updated test - Poor (P) (for 2023-2025 models)

    • Side: Original test - Good (G); Updated test - Marginal (M)

    • Roof strength: Good (G)

    • Head restraints & seats: Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Good (G) or Acceptable (A) (varies by trim/option)

    • Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle: Superior (S) (Standard system)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian: Advanced (A) (Standard system) or Superior (S) (Optional system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • Seat belt reminders: Acceptable (A)

    • LATCH ease of use: Acceptable (A)

NHTSA Ratings (2021 Kia K5):

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Rollover: 4 out of 5 Stars

Key Features:

  • 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-four with 8-speed automatic

  • 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission

  • Blind-spot monitoring is available on upper trims

  • Larger brakes, sport suspension, and 19-inch wheels

Honda Accord

IIHS Ratings:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick+: The 2025 Honda Accord earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: Original test - Good (G); Updated test - Good (G)

    • Side: Updated test - Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Good (G)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian: Advanced (A) (Standard system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • Seat belt reminders: Good (G)

    • LATCH ease of use: Good+ (G+)

NHTSA Ratings (2023 Honda Accord):

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Rollover: 5 out of 5 Stars

Key Features:

  • Base 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder (192 hp / 192 lb-ft) with CVT

  • 2.0L Atkinson-cycle engine + dual electric motors

  • Refined ride and athletic handling with precise steering

  • 0–60 mph in 6.7 seconds with the hybrid powertrain

Safest Minivan

Toyota Sienna

IIHS Ratings:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick+: 2023-2025 Toyota Sienna earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: driver-side: Good (G)

    • Small overlap front: passenger-side: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: original test: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: updated test: Marginal (M) (for 2023-2025 models)

    • Side: original test: Good (G)

    • Side: updated test: Good (G)

    • Roof strength: Good (G)

    • Head restraints & seats: Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Good (G)

    • Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle: Superior (S) (Standard system)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian (day/night): Advanced (A) (Standard system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • Seat belt reminders: Good (G)

    • LATCH ease of use: Good+ (G+)

NHTSA Ratings (2024 Toyota Sienna FWD):

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 4 out of 5 Stars (Driver: 3 stars, Passenger: 4 stars)

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars (Side barrier: 5 stars, Side pole: 5 stars)

  • Rollover: 4 out of 5 Stars (Rollover risk: 14.1%)

Key Features:

  • 2.5L four-cylinder and  2 or 3 electric motors

  • AWD models feature an independent rear electric motor

  • 0–60 mph in 7.5 seconds (AWD Limited trim tested)

  • An optional 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility

Chrysler Pacifica

IIHS Ratings:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica earned a TOP SAFETY PICK award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: driver-side: Good (G)

    • Small overlap front: passenger-side: Good (G) (for models built after August 2020)

    • Moderate overlap front: original test: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: updated test: Marginal (M) (for 2023-2025 models)

    • Side: original test: Good (G)

    • Side: updated test: Acceptable (A)

    • Roof strength: Good (G)

    • Head restraints & seats: Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Acceptable (A)

    • Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle: Superior (S) (Standard system)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian: Advanced (A) (Standard system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • Seat belt reminders: Marginal (M)

    • LATCH ease of use: Acceptable (A)

NHTSA Ratings (2024 Chrysler Pacifica FWD):

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Rollover: 4 out of 5 Stars (Rollover risk: 11.6%)

Key Features:

  • 3.6L V6 with 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque

  • Plug-in hybrid V6 with dual electric motors

  • Safety Sphere Group includes enhanced active safety systems (optional on Select Hybrid, standard on upper trims)

Safest Sedans

Tesla Model 3

IIHS Ratings:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick+: The 2024 Tesla Model 3 earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: driver-side: Good (G)

    • Small overlap front: passenger-side: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: original test: Good (G)

    • Side: original test: Good (G)

    • Roof strength: Good (G)

    • Head restraints & seats: Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Good (G)

    • Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle: Superior (S) (Standard system built after April 2021)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian (day): Superior (S) (Standard system built after April 2021)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • LATCH ease of use: Acceptable (A)

NHTSA Ratings (2024 Tesla Model 3 RWD Long Range):

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Rollover: 5 out of 5 Stars

Key Features:

  • All trims: Direct-drive electric motors with near-instant torque

  • DC fast-charging rate: Up to 250 kW (10–90% in ~30–40 minutes)

  • Optional Full Self-Driving Capability (adds auto lane changes, traffic light recognition, limited autonomous navigation)

  • Eight external cameras and ultrasonic sensors for 360° awareness and collision avoidance

Mazda 3

IIHS Ratings:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick+: The 2024 Mazda 3 sedan/hatchback earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: driver-side: Good (G)

    • Small overlap front: passenger-side: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: original test: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: updated test: Good (G) (for 2024-2025 models)

    • Side: updated test: Good (G)

    • Roof strength: Good (G)

    • Head restraints & seats: Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Good (G) or Acceptable (A) (varies by trim/option)

    • Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle: Superior (S) (Standard system)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian (day): Superior (S) (Standard system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • Seat belt reminders: Good (G)

    • LATCH ease of use: Good+ (G+)

NHTSA Ratings (2024 Mazda 3 4-Door FWD):

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Rollover: 5 out of 5 Stars

Key Features:

  • 191-hp 2.5L four-cylinder (naturally aspirated) and 250-hp turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder (Turbo models only)

  • Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality (available)

  • Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection

Safest Luxury Cars

Lexus ES

IIHS Ratings:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: The 2024 Lexus ES 350 earned a TOP SAFETY PICK award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: driver-side: Good (G)

    • Small overlap front: passenger-side: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: original test: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: updated test: Marginal (M) (for 2023-2025 models)

    • Side: original test: Good (G)

    • Side: updated test: Acceptable (A)

    • Roof strength: Good (G)

    • Head restraints & seats: Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Good (G)

    • Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle: Superior (S) (Standard system)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian (day): Advanced (A) (Standard system)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian (night): Superior (S) (Standard system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • Seat belt reminders: Good (G)

    • LATCH ease of use: Good (G)

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) - 2024 Lexus ES 350 FWD:

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Rollover: 5 out of 5 Stars

Key Features: 

  • 203-hp 2.5L inline-4 with AWD (ES250)

  • 302-hp 3.5L V6 with FWD (ES350)

  • 8-speed automatic on gas models

  • Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) on hybrids

  • Available parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree camera system

Genesis G80

IIHS Ratings:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick+: The 2024 Genesis G80 (built after October 2023) earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: driver-side: Good (G)

    • Small overlap front: passenger-side: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: original test: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: updated test: Acceptable (A) (for 2024-2025 models built after Oct 2023)

    • Side: updated test: Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Acceptable (A)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian: Good (G) (Standard system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • Seat belt reminders: Marginal (M)

    • LATCH ease of use: Acceptable (A)

NHTSA Ratings (2023 Genesis G80 RWD):

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Rollover: 5 out of 5 Stars

Key Features:

  • Turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4 engine with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque (standard)

  • 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth power delivery

  • The advanced driver-assist suite provides semi-autonomous capabilities

  • 360-degree camera system and Smart Park (remote auto-parking assist


Safe Cars Under $25K

Hyundai Elantra

IIHS Ratings:

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: The 2025 Hyundai Elantra earned a TOP SAFETY PICK award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: driver-side: Good (G)

    • Small overlap front: passenger-side: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: original test: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: updated test: Marginal (M) (for 2024-2025 models)

    • Side: updated test: Good (G)

    • Roof strength: Good (G)

    • Head restraints & seats: Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Good (G)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian: Good (G) (Standard system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • Seat belt reminders: Acceptable (A)

    • LATCH ease of use: Acceptable (A)

NHTSA Ratings (2024 Hyundai Elantra FWD):

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Rollover: 4 out of 5 Stars

Key Features: 

  • Standard 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (SE, SEL Sport, SEL Convenience, Limited)

  • 201-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the N Line trim for sportier driving

  • Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection

  • Highway Driving Assist

Toyota Corolla

IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety):

  • IIHS Top Safety Pick: The 2025 Toyota Corolla sedan earned a TOP SAFETY PICK award.

  • Crashworthiness:

    • Small overlap front: driver-side: Good (G)

    • Small overlap front: passenger-side: Good (G)

    • Moderate overlap front: original test: Good (G)

    • Side: updated test: Good (G) (for 2025 models with structural improvements)

    • Roof strength: Good (G)

    • Head restraints & seats: Good (G)

  • Crash Avoidance & Mitigation:

    • Headlights: Good (G)

    • Front crash prevention: pedestrian: Good (G) (Standard system)

  • Seat belts & child restraints:

    • Seat belt reminders: Good (G)

    • LATCH ease of use: Good+ (G+)

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) - 2024 Toyota Corolla FWD:

  • Overall Safety Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Frontal Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Side Crash: 5 out of 5 Stars

  • Rollover: 4 out of 5 Stars

Key Features:

  • 169-hp 2.0L inline-four engine with CVT (standard on gas models)

  • 134-hp hybrid powertrain with available all-wheel drive

  • Dependable braking performance with natural pedal feel

  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard across all trims

Why Bigger Isn’t Always Safer—What to Know About Size and Safety

Large SUVs and trucks may intuitively seem safer due to their mass and imposing presence, but they also come with inherent design characteristics that can introduce specific risks:

  • Longer Stopping Distances: Their greater weight often translates to increased momentum, requiring more distance for braking, especially in emergency situations.

  • More Blind Spots: Taller ride heights and larger body panels, particularly at the rear and sides, can create significant blind spots, making it harder to see smaller vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.

  • Higher Rollover Risk: Due to their higher center of gravity, SUVs and trucks can be more prone to rollovers during sharp turns or evasive maneuvers, especially older models or those with less advanced stability control systems.

  • Increased Danger to Other Road Users: While larger vehicles may offer more protection to their occupants in a collision with a smaller vehicle, they pose a greater risk of severe injury or fatality to occupants of smaller cars, pedestrians, and cyclists due to the sheer force and difference in impact height.

Crash safety relies on innovative design and engineering, not only size or weight. Modern safety features, strong structures, and sound systems for absorbing crash energy are essential. This is why some of the safest sedans and minivans outperform larger vehicles in real-world crash tests. 

Final Thoughts: Understanding Your Needs

Choosing the safest car in 2025 isn't just about picking the largest or most impressive model. It's about selecting a vehicle that provides the best protection. Understanding what keeps you safe both on the road and off is essential. This guide will help you make an informed decision based on reliable data rather than speculation.

Ready to Protect Your New Ride? Let’s Get It Shipped Safely

Now that you know what makes a car safe, don’t leave its protection up to chance when you need to move it.

AmeriFreight Car Shipping provides secure transportation options for your new vehicle. We carefully handle your vehicle, whether it's being transported in an open or enclosed trailer. 

Know more about transporting your vehicle safely. Explore some of our guides:

Get a free quote today. Your safest car deserves a safe start.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which 2025 car brands have the best overall safety record?

Brands like Subaru, Mazda, and Genesis continue to stand out in 2025 for their excellent safety records, earning top scores from both the NHTSA and IIHS. These automakers equip their vehicles with extensive standard driver-assistance features and consistently perform well in crash tests.

Do all 2025 cars have automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection?

Most 2025 models now include automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection as standard or widely available, due to increased regulatory pressure and industry safety commitments. However, a few base trims or low-cost models may still offer it as part of an optional package rather than standard equipment.

Are smaller cars in 2025 as safe as larger cars in a collision?

Smaller cars in 2025 are safer than ever, thanks to advanced crash structures and driver-assistance technologies, but they still generally fare worse in collisions with larger vehicles. The laws of physics—especially those related to mass and momentum—mean that larger cars offer more protection in multi-vehicle crashes.



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