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The Safest Cars in 2024: Models You Can Count On

Key Takeaways

  • If you’re driving an older car, the biggest reason to upgrade is enhanced safety
  • Toyota, Tesla, Mazda, Subaru and Honda make the safest cars in 2024
  • It’s not just crash tests; headlight performance and driver assistance matter too

In 2023, nearly 6 million car crashes occurred in the U.S., with 40,000 resulting in fatalities. As accident rates rise, vehicle safety matters more than ever. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts crash tests on dozens of car and truck models annually. From front and side-impact crashes to simple headlight performance, every aspect of the vehicle is scrutinized with one thing in mind: safety. The most recent IIHS tests found these 5 models to be some of the safest cars on the road in 2024. 

The Safest Cars in 2024

All of these cars are rated ‘Top Safety Pick Plus‘ by the IIHS in 2024. The Institute’s ratings are based on the most recent crash testing and available safety features.

Note that the IIHS tests models when a new generation arrives, so if you see that the most recent test was a few years ago, that simply means that 2024’s model is the same car structurally. From EVs to SUVs, there’s something for everyone.

In the overviews below, we’ve included links to IIHS testing. A green rating of ‘G‘ indicates the highest possible score of ‘Good‘, and a yellow ‘A‘ represents ‘Acceptable‘ ratings.

1. Tesla Model Y

It’s the best-selling EV in America, and the safest too. Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy explained that absorbing as much energy as possible during a collision was a goal from the start of the vehicle’s design. The Model Y has one of the lowest probabilities of injury from an accident of any car on sale today. 

Here are the key safety results from the Model Y IIHS testing:

safest cars 2024: Tesla Model Y

Other available safety features

  • Standard blind spot detection
  • Standard lane departure warning & prevention

Consumer Reports rates the Model Y 72 out of 100 points. See their full review. 

Learn more about the Model Y at Tesla.com, or see used Model Y listings with market data

2. Subaru Ascent

If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV with all-wheel drive, the Subaru Ascent might be the perfect fit. It’s got space for up to eight passengers, which are well-protected considering the Ascent’s 5-star safety ratings.

Here are the key safety results from the Subaru Ascent IIHS testing:

safest cars 2024: Subaru Ascent

Other available safety features

  • Optional blind spot detection
  • Standard lane departure warning & prevention

Consumer Reports rates the Ascent 79 out of 100. See the full review.

Browse Subaru Ascent listings with local market data

3. Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is arguably the best sedan on sale today. It’s safe, fuel efficient, good looking, and handles better than the competition. Not to mention you get all of this and more for under $30K. The IIHS gave the Accord the coveted ‘Top Safety Pick Plus’ top honors after the latest crash tests. 

Here are the key safety results from the Honda Accord IIHS testing:

safest cars 2024 - Honda Accord

Other available safety features

  • Optional blind spot detection
  • Standard lane departure warning & prevention

Consumer Reports gave the 2024 Accord 78 out of 100 points. See their full review.

Browse Honda Accord listings with local market data

4. Toyota Prius

The legendary Prius has come a long way from its humble, economical beginnings. In 2024, it’s a sharp-looking car that turns heads. Of course the Prius will save you on fuel with 57 miles per gallon, but it’s also the safest hybrid car in 2024. 

Here are the key safety results from the Toyota Prius IIHS tests:

safest cars 2024 - Toyota Prius Hybrid

Other available safety features

  • Standard blind spot detection
  • Standard lane departure warning & prevention

Consumer Reports gave the redesigned Prius 80 out of 100 points. See their full review.

Browse Toyota Prius listings with local market data

5. Mazda CX-50

How does peppy driving dynamics, high ground clearance, and room for the family for well under $35,000 sound? The 2024 Mazda CX-50 is winning over plenty of fans as Mazda’s U.S. market share climbs. On top of the all-weather capabilities and well-powered engine, the CX-50 is one of the safest cars on the market.

Here are the key safety results from the Mazda CX-50 IIHS tests:

Safest cars 2024: Mazda CX-50

Other available safety features

  • Standard blind spot detection
  • Standard lane departure warning & prevention

Consumer Reports rates the 2024 CX-50 77 out of 100 points. See their full review.

Browse Mazda CX-50 listings with local market data

CarEdge Is Here to Help

Car buying is NOT fun. At least that’s been the case until now. As you consider these top safety picks for your next ride, remember this: you CAN skip the dealership hassles to save time, stress, and money. 

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Last updated Jul 23, 2024

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