Top 10 Safest Cars of 2025: Crash Test Ratings & Safety Features

Safety is one of the most crucial factors to consider when buying a car. With the latest advancements in collision avoidance systems, autonomous driving technology, and improved crash protection, 2025 offers some of the safest vehicles ever built.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 safest cars of 2025, based on crash test ratings, safety features, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

How Are Cars Rated for Safety?

Before we dive into the rankings, here’s how safety ratings are determined:

  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Conducts crash tests and rates vehicles on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.

  • Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – Awards Top Safety Pick+ ratings based on crashworthiness and crash prevention technology.

  • Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) – Evaluates adult, child, and pedestrian safety in crash tests.

The cars listed below excel in these safety assessments and come equipped with cutting-edge safety technologies.

1. Volvo XC90 (2025)

Category: Luxury SUV
Safety Rating: 5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Key Safety Features:

  • Advanced Pilot Assist System for semi-autonomous driving

  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection

  • Blind Spot Monitoring with steering assistance

  • Collision Avoidance Technology

  • Side-Impact Protection System (SIPS)

Why It’s Safe:

Volvo is known for prioritizing safety, and the XC90 continues this legacy with industry-leading crash protection and driver assistance systems.

2. Tesla Model Y (2025)

Category: Electric SUV
Safety Rating: 5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Key Safety Features:

  • Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities (beta)

  • 360-degree Cameras for complete situational awareness

  • Automatic Lane Change and Autosteer

  • Ultra-high-strength steel body for crash protection

  • Over-the-air safety updates

Why It’s Safe:

Tesla’s Autopilot system and its active safety features significantly reduce collision risks, making the Model Y one of the safest electric vehicles on the market.

3. Subaru Outback (2025)

Category: AWD Crossover SUV
Safety Rating: 5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Key Safety Features:

  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering

  • Rear Automatic Braking

  • Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for better road grip

  • Reinforced body structure for impact absorption

Why It’s Safe:

Subaru’s EyeSight technology is one of the most advanced driver assistance systems, providing enhanced visibility and accident prevention.

4. Honda Accord (2025)

Category: Midsize Sedan
Safety Rating: 5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Key Safety Features:

  • Honda Sensing Suite (Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation)

  • Traffic Sign Recognition

  • Blind Spot Information System

  • High-strength steel frame for crash protection

  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

Why It’s Safe:

The Accord has one of the most advanced safety suites in its segment, offering excellent crash protection and proactive safety technologies.

5. Mercedes-Benz EQS (2025)

Category: Luxury Electric Sedan
Safety Rating: 5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Key Safety Features:

  • Level 3 Autonomous Driving (Drive Pilot)

  • Intelligent Active Distance Assist

  • Pre-Safe Impulse Side Protection (moves passengers away from impact)

  • Night Vision Assist with pedestrian detection

  • Driver Monitoring System to prevent drowsiness

Why It’s Safe:

The EQS combines luxury with advanced safety, featuring predictive crash mitigation and AI-assisted driving assistance.

6. Toyota Camry (2025)

Category: Midsize Sedan
Safety Rating: 5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Key Safety Features:

  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (enhanced pre-collision system)

  • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

  • Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection

  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

  • Electronic Stability Control

Why It’s Safe:

Toyota’s Camry continues to dominate the safety charts, offering one of the most reliable and affordable safety suites in the industry.

7. Ford Mustang Mach-E (2025)

Category: Electric SUV
Safety Rating: 5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Key Safety Features:

  • Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0

  • Evasive Steering Assist for quick maneuvering

  • Reverse Brake Assist

  • Enhanced Parking Assist with 3D surround view

  • Front and Rear Collision Mitigation

Why It’s Safe:

Ford’s Mach-E brings advanced driver safety to the electric SUV category, ensuring top-tier crash test performance and accident prevention.

8. Audi Q8 e-tron (2025)

Category: Luxury Electric SUV
Safety Rating: 5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Key Safety Features:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go

  • Audi Pre Sense Front and Rear

  • Intersection Assist for cross-traffic warnings

  • Traffic Jam Assist with partial autonomy

  • Side-Impact Airbag System

Why It’s Safe:

Audi’s Q8 e-tron offers superior crash protection and smart safety systems, making it one of the most secure SUVs for families.

9. Hyundai Ioniq 6 (2025)

Category: Electric Sedan
Safety Rating: 5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Key Safety Features:

  • Highway Driving Assist 2.0

  • Lane Following Assist

  • Blind-Spot View Monitor

  • Driver Attention Warning

  • Enhanced Impact Protection Frame

Why It’s Safe:

The Ioniq 6 integrates next-gen safety tech with cutting-edge driver monitoring and autonomous features.

10. BMW X5 (2025)

Category: Luxury SUV
Safety Rating: 5 Stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Key Safety Features:

  • BMW Active Protection System

  • Traffic Jam Assistant for semi-autonomous driving

  • Frontal Collision Warning with Brake Intervention

  • Head-up Display for reduced driver distraction

  • Automatic Side Collision Avoidance

Why It’s Safe:

BMW’s X5 combines luxury with top-tier safety, offering multiple layers of protection and proactive safety enhancements.