Every year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) identifies the safest cars on the road with its prestigious “Top Safety Pick” and “Top Safety Pick+” awards. These designations indicate that a vehicle has performed well in rigorous crash tests and has a strong record of preventing crashes. Owning a car on this list can significantly lower your risk of serious injury in an accident. However, remember that even the safest car is only as safe as its driver, and always practicing safe driving habits is the most effective way to avoid a motor vehicle crash.
Sadly, negligent drivers are a constant threat on our roadways and are responsible for countless devastating accidents. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a major crash, the car accident attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law can help you get justice through a compensation claim.
For a free and confidential consultation, call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free at (800) 444-5000.
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What Are the Safest Cars to Drive?
The list of the safest cars to drive varies, depending on who you ask. Various organizations put out safety lists. But according to the IIHS, the following cars are the safest cars to drive in 2025.
Small Cars
- Acura Integra 4-Door Hatchback
- Honda Civic 4-Door Hatchback
- Honda Civic 4-Door Sedan
- Hyundai Elantra 4-Door Sedan
- Kia K4 4-Door Sedan
- Mazda 3 4-Door Hatchback
- Mazda 3 4-Door Sedan
- Toyota Prius 4-Door Hatchback
Midsize Cars
- Honda Accord 4-Door Sedan
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 4-Door Sedan
- Hyundai Sonata 4-Door Sedan
- Toyota Camry 4-Door Sedan
Midsize Luxury Cars
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4-Door Sedan
Large Luxury Cars
Small SUVs
- Genesis GV60 4-Door SUV
- Honda HR-V 4-Door SUV
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 4-Door SUV
- Hyundai Kona 4-Door SUV
- Hyundai Tucson 4-Door SUV
- Mazda CX-30 4-Door SUV
- Mazda CX-50 4-Door SUV
- Subaru Forester 4-Door SUV
- Subaru Solterra 4-Door SUV
- Toyota bZ4X 4-Door SUV
Midsize SUVs
- Ford Explorer 4-Door SUV
- Hyundai Palisade 4-Door SUV
- Kia Telluride 4-Door SUV
- Nissan Pathfinder 4-Door SUV
- Subaru Ascent 4-Door SUV
- Toyota Highlander 4-Door SUV
- Volkswagen ID.4 4-Door SUV
Midsize Luxury SUVs
- Acura MDX 4-Door SUV
- Acura RDX 4-Door SUV
- Infiniti QX60 4-Door SUV
- Lexus NX 4-Door SUV
- Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid 4-Door SUV
- Lexus RX 4-Door SUV
- Lincoln Nautilus 4-Door SUV
- Tesla Model Y 4-Door SUV
- Volvo XC90 4-Door SUV
- Volvo XC90 Recharge 4-Door SUV
Large SUVs
Minivans
- Honda Odyssey Minivan
- Toyota Sienna Minivan
Large Pickups
- Rivian R1T Crew Cab Pickup
- Toyota Tundra Crew Cab Pickup
- Toyota Tundra Extended Cab Pickup
Remember that even the safest car can become dangerous when a negligent driver is behind the wheel. If a negligent driver has harmed you, call (713) 973-8888 for a free consultation and to learn about your options for compensation.
The Most Dangerous Cars to Drive
The concept of a “most dangerous car” can be misleading. While no government agency or reputable organization publishes a list of the “most dangerous” cars, vehicles with poor safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the IIHS are generally considered to be less safe than their top-rated counterparts.
The list of cars with the highest driver death rates is often a point of reference. However, these lists are based on older vehicle models and can be outdated, as a vehicle’s design and safety features often change with new model years. A car’s safety also depends on its size and weight relative to other vehicles, as well as the driving behavior of its operator. The most important factor in a car’s safety is the driver’s awareness and adherence to traffic laws.
What Car Safety Features Are Required by Law?
Over the years, many life-saving safety features have been invented, significantly reducing crash injuries and fatalities. While not all features are mandatory, the following have become federal requirements in new vehicles sold in the United States.
- Airbags: Since 1999, frontal airbags have been mandatory for all passenger cars and light trucks.
- Backup Cameras: As of 2018, all new vehicles sold in the U.S. must be equipped with a backup camera.
- Seat Belts: Seat belts have been a mandatory safety feature for decades and are arguably the most important. They can reduce the risk of injury by up to 65% and prevent occupants from being ejected from the vehicle.
- Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS): ABS became mandatory in new light vehicles in 2012. This system prevents wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC has been a mandatory feature since 2011. It helps prevent a car from spinning out or sliding by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and/or reducing engine power when a loss of control is detected.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): While many vehicles already have this technology, it is in the process of becoming a mandatory feature for all new light vehicles sold in the U.S. by September 2029.
- LATCH: The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system has been mandatory on all U.S. cars since September 1, 2002. This system provides a secure and standardized way to attach child safety seats.
The Role of NHTSA and Car Safety in Texas
The NHTSA works to keep America’s roadways safe for the public. When it comes to the role of NHTSA and car safety in Texas, it means working with state and local authorities to ensure that Texas vehicles and roadways meet certain safety standards. By enforcing these standards, the incidences of injury and death decrease, as do the economic losses commonly associated with car crashes.
FAQs About Safest & Most Dangerous Cars
The following Q&A on car crashes and the safest and most dangerous cars to drive contains important information. If you have any other questions, please call us now for answers.
+ How do you know what is the safest car to drive?
The IIHS and other groups review crash-report data and data acquired during crash testing to determine which vehicles are the safest around.
+ Do I need a lawyer if I was in a car crash?
If you are interested in maximum compensation for the losses caused by your accident, you should hire a lawyer. Without a lawyer, you have a low chance of getting a compensation payout that does justice for your losses.
+ How much do car accident lawyers charge?
Car accident lawyers charge a percentage of the amount of compensation they win for you. For instance, if your attorney recovers $100,000 for you and their fee percentage is 33%, they will receive $33,000. If they are unsuccessful and recover zero, you owe zero.
+ Can I sue the automobile manufacturer?
Potentially, yes. Faulty automobiles or automobile parts are sometimes the cause of car accidents. To be successful, your attorney will have to identify the dangerous fault and show that it caused your accident.
+ How long do car accident claims take?
It depends on the facts and circumstances of the case. If a car accident case is relatively simple, the victim could get their compensation payment in as quickly as a few months. However, if complexities and major issues are involved, it could take over a year or longer to settle the case or try it in a court of law.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we work diligently to settle claims in a timely fashion but never accept lowball offers from insurance companies.
Speak with a Car Accident Attorney Now
We’re Ready to Help
Even if you drive the safest car and are the safest driver, a negligent motorist can still force a crash upon you. If this ever occurs, Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law is ready to help you explore your compensation options.
Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential consultation with a car accident attorney and learn what you can do to get justice.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
