Year by year, technology brings new advancements in safety technologies that make cars safer than ever. With organizations like the Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA introducing more stringent road traffic standards, car manufacturers increasingly prioritize advanced safety features to get the best auto safety ratings and make driving safer.
This guide will help you best understand car safety ratings and highlight 2025’s safest vehicles, whether you’re searching for the safest family vehicle, the safest SUV for your family, or the safest third-row SUV. If you’re looking for a used car, you can ensure its safety by checking the list of safety features and recalls in the Window Sticker by VIN, and reviewing past emission test results by VIN.
How is Safety Assessed?
Understanding how safety is assessed is useful when selecting the right vehicle, as it will give you a better sense of why a car is considered safe. Organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) carry out a range of testing measures and, from these results, provide car safety rankings.
For example, the IIHS performs car crash test evaluations, such as frontal crashes, side crashes, and the updated moderate overlap front test. Their IIHS safety ratings determine whether a vehicle can be considered for IIHS awards and the prestigious IIHS top safety pick distinction.
Meanwhile, NHTSA issues star safety rating scores according to a set of thorough crash simulations, analyzing highway and automobile safety ratings. Additionally, you can check vehicle safety recalls by VIN at no charge.
The Safest Car Brands in 2025
Some car manufacturers are known for their safe car models. Brands like Volvo, Tesla, Subaru, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz have received multiple top safety pick awards and frequently rank high in car safety ranking reports. These companies integrate driver assistance technology and safety systems in their models to get high crash safety ratings and car safety rankings. Let’s break down some of these manufacturers’ top-ranking models of 2025.
The Safest Vehicles of 2025
1. Audi Q6 e-tron EV – Safest SUV 2025
The all-electric Audi Q6 e-tron EV is one of the safest midsize SUVs, receiving a 5-star car safety rating from NHTSA. It beats the competition in car crash test evaluations, including frontal and side crashes, offering strong protection in different crash situations. Ranked high on car safety rankings, it has advanced safety features like pedestrian front crash prevention, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
2. BMW X3 – Safest Small Size SUV
For those looking for the safest small-size SUV, the BMW X3 is a great SUV to consider. With high auto safety ratings, this medium-sized luxury SUV combines highway safety ratings with modern safety technologies like lane departure warning systems, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. With impressive IIHS safety ratings and a robust design, the BMW X3 is without a doubt one of the safest automobiles out there.
3. Ford Explorer – Safest SUV for Family
The 5-star vehicle safety rating approved Ford Explorer is easily one of the safest SUVs for family road trips. With Ford’s proprietary Co-Pilot360™ driver assistance technology, this model offers lane-keeping and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking. Thanks to these modern technologies, this model has earned a top position in car safety rankings. Families searching for the safest family SUV will appreciate the Ford Explorer’s impressive crash safety ratings.
4. Hyundai Palisade – Safest Third Row SUV
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is an excellent option with various IIHS awards and top safety ratings for those looking for the safest third-row SUV. The Palisade has some great features, like blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist. It has also performed impressively in IIHS’s top safety pick tests, making it an fantastic option for families.
5. Toyota Camry Hybrid – Safest Car in the World
For those looking for a sedan, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is easily one of the safest cars in 2025 and potentially one of the safest cars in the world due to its great safety-to-fuel efficiency ratio. It scores top marks in car crash test results, earning a 5-star safety rating while having fantastic fuel economy. Toyota’s Safety Sense™ 2.5+ technology has a range of advanced safety features, like a pre-collision system with pedestrian front crash prevention, showing why this vehicle has a top crash safety rating.
Key Safety Features in 2025 Vehicles
Vehicles in 2025 often have various advanced safety features that lower accidents and increase protection for passengers, such as:
- Pedestrian front crash prevention uses sensors to detect pedestrians and apply automatic braking if necessary.
- Rear cross traffic alert helps drivers to avoid collisions while reversing.
- Lane departure warning and lane keep assist prevent accidental lane drifting.
- Adaptive cruise control adjusts vehicle speed to keep a safe following distance.
- Blind-spot monitoring provides alerts when cars are close to the driver’s blind spot.
- Automatic emergency braking reduces the chance of frontal collisions.
Why Safety Matters
Selecting a vehicle with the best car safety ratings and crash safety ratings ensures everyone is safe when driving. Features like rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian front crash prevention, and safety systems significantly reduce risks on the road. With roadways’ growing complexity, ensuring your car is equipped with highway safety ratings-approved technology is essential for safety.
Final Thoughts
2025’s safest vehicles offer a mix of high crash safety ratings, strong design, and forward-thinking safety technologies. With continuous improvements in driver assistance technology, cars will offer enhanced protection for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Whatever kind of vehicle you are looking for, analyzing NHTSA car safety rankings and IIHS safety ratings will undoubtedly help you decide which car is best for your needs.
Remember, no matter which vehicle you choose, always check for safety recalls and review the vehicle’s condition rating through ClearVin, especially for used cars. By doing so, you can make an informed decision, ensuring you select a safe, reliable vehicle for years to come.
