
Several 2024 and 2025 model year vehicles have achieved the highest possible 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and/or the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Key models include the Civic, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback, Tesla Model Y, and Hyundai Ioniq 6. Securing both top ratings is challenging, as the tests differ. The IIHS evaluates crashworthiness and crash avoidance, while the NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program assesses frontal, side, and rollover crash risk.
For the most reliable guidance, focus on models that have earned accolades from both organizations. The following table lists vehicles from the 2024-2025 period recognized for top-tier safety.
| Vehicle Category | Model Examples (2024-2025 Model Years) | Key Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| Small & Midsize Cars | Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Impreza | IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5-Star |
| Midsize Luxury/Sedans | Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Genesis G80 | IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5-Star |
| SUVs & Crossovers | Subaru Outback, Tesla Model Y, Mazda CX-90, Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V | IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5-Star |
| Electric Vehicles | Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Genesis GV60 | IIHS Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA 5-Star |
The foundation of a 5-star vehicle is its structural integrity. Modern safety cages use ultra-high-strength steel in the passenger compartment, paired with engineered crumple zones that manage crash energy. This physical design is complemented by advanced restraint systems. Beyond front and side airbags, look for side-curtain airbags that cover all rows and front-center airbags to prevent occupant-to-occupant contact.
Active safety technology is now integral to top ratings. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) that detects vehicles and pedestrians is virtually standard on high-rated models. Effective lane departure prevention and blind-spot monitoring systems are also common among top performers. These features work to prevent crashes from occurring in the first place.
It is critical to verify ratings for the exact model, model year, and trim level you are considering. A specific powertrain or wheel size can affect test results. Always cross-reference the official NHTSA website and the IIHS ratings database for the final word on a vehicle’s safety credentials before purchasing.

As a mom of two, my minivan days are over, but safety is non-negotiable. We just switched to a 2024 Outback. What sold me was seeing its report card—five stars from the government and that top “Plus” award from the insurance industry testers. It has airbags everywhere, and the eyesight system beeps if I drift lanes. My advice? Don’t just take the salesperson’s word. I spent an evening on the IIHS site watching crash test videos of the models on our shortlist. Seeing that metal cage hold up made the decision easy.

I’m a tech guy, so I geek out on the sensors. My 2025 Ioniq 6 isn’t just safe in a crash; it’s brilliant at avoiding them. The forward collision warning has kicked in twice in city traffic, spotting pedestrians I didn’t see. The lane-keeping isn’t annoying; it’s subtle but firm. These aren’t just extras; they’re the reason it aced all the tests. If you’re looking at newer cars, prioritize models with the full suite of driver assists. The data shows they reduce low-speed crashes significantly, and that’s what you deal with daily.

Shopping for a safe ? The ratings still matter, but you need to know how they’ve changed. A 5-star NHTSA rating from 2018 is still strong for crash protection. However, the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ standard gets tougher every year. A model that was a top pick in 2020 might not meet the 2024 criteria for headlights or pedestrian AEB. My rule: for used cars, focus on the structural ratings from both groups first—those don’t age. Then, see if the specific trim you’re buying has the optional advanced safety tech. It adds value and real-world protection.

From an perspective, the dual-rating achievement is significant because it confirms safety from multiple angles. My work involves reviewing these test protocols. The NHTSA’s 5-star rating is a government benchmark for crash survival. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+, funded by insurers, evaluates repair costs and crash avoidance, including stricter tests like the updated side-impact and pedestrian avoidance. When a vehicle like the Tesla Model Y earns both, it demonstrates a comprehensive approach: a robust structure for when a crash is unavoidable, and superior prevention tech to stop it from happening. This synergy is the true mark of a modern safe vehicle.


