“Top safety-rated vehicles in the USA”

Top Safety-Rated Vehicles in the USA: 2024 Guide

Introduction

In an era where safety has become a paramount concern for car buyers, the importance of understanding which vehicles offer the best protection on the road cannot be overstated. As automotive technology continues to advance, manufacturers are equipping their vehicles with cutting-edge safety features designed to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top safety-rated vehicles in the USA for 2024, based on rigorous testing by trusted safety organizations, including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

1. Understanding Vehicle Safety Ratings

a. The Role of IIHS and NHTSA

Before diving into the list of top safety-rated vehicles, it’s important to understand the organizations responsible for evaluating vehicle safety. The IIHS and NHTSA are the two primary bodies in the United States that conduct vehicle safety testing.

• IIHS: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit organization funded by the insurance industry. It conducts crash tests and evaluates vehicles on various safety criteria, including crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and mitigation. The IIHS awards vehicles with designations such as Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ based on their performance in these tests.
• NHTSA: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a federal agency that conducts crash tests and rates vehicles on a five-star scale. NHTSA’s ratings focus on how well a vehicle protects occupants during a crash and its ability to prevent accidents through advanced safety features.

b. Key Safety Features to Look For

When evaluating the safety of a vehicle, several key features and technologies play a critical role:

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): These systems include features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. ADAS helps prevent accidents by alerting the driver to potential hazards and, in some cases, taking corrective action.
• Crashworthiness: This refers to how well a vehicle protects its occupants during a crash. It includes the strength of the vehicle’s structure, the effectiveness of airbags, and the design of the seat belts.
• Crash Avoidance & Mitigation: These are features designed to prevent or mitigate the severity of a crash. They include technologies such as forward collision warning, electronic stability control, and automatic high beams.
• Pedestrian Safety: As pedestrian accidents become more common, vehicle safety ratings increasingly consider how well a vehicle protects pedestrians. This includes features like pedestrian detection and auto-braking systems.

With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the top safety-rated vehicles across different categories in the USA for 2024.

2. Top Safety-Rated Sedans

a. 2024 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord continues to be a top contender in the midsize sedan segment, known for its reliability, comfort, and, most importantly, safety. For 2024, the Accord earns the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, thanks to its robust crashworthiness and extensive suite of standard safety features.

• Safety Features: The Accord comes equipped with Honda Sensing®, a comprehensive package of safety and driver-assist technologies. This includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
• Crash Test Performance: The Accord performed exceptionally well in IIHS crash tests, earning the highest ratings in all six crashworthiness categories, including small overlap front and side crash tests. It also received a superior rating for its front crash prevention system.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Honda Accord earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with top marks in frontal and side crash tests.

b. 2024 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has long been a favorite among American car buyers, and its reputation for safety is a significant factor in its popularity. For 2024, the Camry also earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, reinforcing its status as one of the safest vehicles on the road.

• Safety Features: The Camry comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, which includes features like pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control.
• Crash Test Performance: The Camry received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, particularly excelling in the small overlap front test. It also received a superior rating for its vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Toyota Camry earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with high scores in both frontal and side crash tests.

c. 2024 Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy is another midsize sedan that stands out for its commitment to safety. Subaru’s renowned EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is standard on the 2024 Legacy, helping it secure a spot on the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list.

• Safety Features: EyeSight® includes features such as adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Additionally, the Legacy offers blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Crash Test Performance: The Legacy earned top marks in IIHS crash tests, particularly in the roof strength and side impact categories. It also received a superior rating for its front crash prevention system.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Subaru Legacy received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, performing well in both frontal and side impact tests.

3. Top Safety-Rated SUVs

a. 2024 Volvo XC90

Volvo has long been synonymous with safety, and the 2024 Volvo XC90 continues that tradition. This luxury midsize SUV is not only stylish and comfortable but also one of the safest vehicles on the market, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

• Safety Features: The XC90 is equipped with Volvo’s Intellisafe system, which includes a comprehensive suite of safety features such as collision avoidance, lane keeping aid, and blind spot information with steer assist. The SUV also offers Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system.
• Crash Test Performance: The XC90 performed exceptionally well in IIHS crash tests, receiving the highest ratings across all crashworthiness categories. It also earned superior ratings for both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Volvo XC90 earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with top scores in all tested categories.

b. 2024 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is a top choice for families seeking a safe and spacious SUV. For 2024, the Ascent continues to impress with its robust safety features and excellent crash test performance, earning it the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation.

• Safety Features: The Ascent comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane keep assist. Additionally, the Ascent offers a driver focus system to help reduce distracted driving.
• Crash Test Performance: The Ascent earned top ratings in all IIHS crashworthiness tests, including the challenging small overlap front tests. It also received superior ratings for its front crash prevention systems.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Subaru Ascent received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, performing particularly well in side crash tests.

c. 2024 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade has quickly become a favorite in the midsize SUV segment, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and safety. For 2024, the Palisade earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, thanks to its strong safety credentials.

• Safety Features: The Palisade is equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of safety technologies that includes forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist. It also offers a surround view monitor for added safety.
• Crash Test Performance: The Palisade received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, particularly excelling in the side impact and roof strength categories. It also earned superior ratings for its front crash prevention systems.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Hyundai Palisade received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with high scores in both frontal and side impact tests.

4. Top Safety-Rated Trucks

a. 2024 Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 is not only one of the best-selling vehicles in the USA, but it’s also one of the safest trucks on the road. For 2024, the F-150 earns top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, making it a top choice for those seeking a reliable and secure pickup.

• Safety Features: The F-150 comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360™, which includes features such as pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping system, and rear view camera. The truck also offers adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and a Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ system.
• Crash Test Performance: The F-150 performed exceptionally well in IIHS crash tests, particularly in the side impact and roof strength categories. It also earned superior ratings for its vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Ford F-150 received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with top scores in all crash test categories.

b. 2024 Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is another popular pickup truck that excels in safety. For 2024, the Ram 1500 earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, highlighting its strong crash test performance and advanced safety features.

• Safety Features: The Ram 1500 comes equipped with a variety of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with active braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection. The truck also offers a 360-degree surround-view camera system.
• Crash Test Performance: The Ram 1500 received top ratings in IIHS crashworthiness tests, particularly excelling in the moderate overlap front and side impact categories. It also earned superior ratings for its front crash prevention systems.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Ram 1500 received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with strong performance in both frontal and side crash tests.

c. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is known for its ruggedness and reliability, and it also ranks highly in safety. For 2024, the Silverado 1500 earns solid safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, making it a dependable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

• Safety Features: The Silverado 1500 is equipped with a range of safety technologies, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and a following distance indicator. The truck also offers a rear camera mirror for enhanced visibility.
• Crash Test Performance: The Silverado 1500 performed well in IIHS crash tests, particularly in the side impact and roof strength categories. It also earned good ratings for its front crash prevention systems.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with strong scores in both frontal and side crash tests.

5. Top Safety-Rated Electric Vehicles (EVs)

a. 2024 Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 has been a game-changer in the electric vehicle market, and it also ranks among the safest vehicles on the road. For 2024, the Model 3 earns top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, making it a standout choice for those looking to go electric without compromising on safety.

• Safety Features: The Model 3 comes standard with Tesla’s Autopilot system, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The vehicle also offers a unique over-the-air update system that allows Tesla to improve safety features remotely.
• Crash Test Performance: The Model 3 performed exceptionally well in IIHS crash tests, particularly in the small overlap front and side impact categories. It also earned superior ratings for its front crash prevention systems.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Tesla Model 3 received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with top scores in all crash test categories.

b. 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that combines performance, style, and safety. For 2024, the Mach-E earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, thanks to its strong crash test performance and comprehensive safety features.

• Safety Features: The Mach-E comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360™, which includes features like pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping system, and blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert. The vehicle also offers adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering.
• Crash Test Performance: The Mach-E received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, particularly excelling in the side impact and roof strength categories. It also earned superior ratings for its front crash prevention systems.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, performing well in both frontal and side impact tests.

c. 2024 Audi e-tron

The Audi e-tron is a luxury electric SUV that offers a combination of advanced technology, comfort, and safety. For 2024, the e-tron earns high safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, making it a top choice for safety-conscious EV buyers.

• Safety Features: The e-tron comes standard with Audi pre sense® basic and pre sense® front, which include features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The SUV also offers a top view camera system and adaptive cruise assist.
• Crash Test Performance: The e-tron performed well in IIHS crash tests, particularly in the moderate overlap front and side impact categories. It also earned superior ratings for its front crash prevention systems.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Audi e-tron received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with strong scores in both frontal and side impact tests.

6. Top Safety-Rated Luxury Vehicles

a. 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a benchmark in the luxury sedan segment, known for its refinement, performance, and safety. For 2024, the E-Class earns top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, making it a top choice for luxury car buyers.

• Safety Features: The E-Class comes standard with Mercedes-Benz’s Pre-Safe® system, which prepares the vehicle for an imminent collision by tightening seat belts and closing windows. The vehicle also offers active brake assist, attention assist, and adaptive high beam assist.
• Crash Test Performance: The E-Class performed exceptionally well in IIHS crash tests, particularly in the small overlap front and side impact categories. It also earned superior ratings for its front crash prevention systems.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with top scores in all crash test categories.

b. 2024 BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is another luxury sedan that excels in safety, offering a blend of performance, technology, and protection. For 2024, the 5 Series earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, reinforcing its reputation as a safe and reliable choice.

• Safety Features: The 5 Series comes standard with BMW’s Active Driving Assistant, which includes features like lane departure warning, active blind spot detection, and front collision warning with city collision mitigation. The vehicle also offers adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
• Crash Test Performance: The 5 Series received top ratings in IIHS crash tests, particularly in the side impact and roof strength categories. It also earned superior ratings for its front crash prevention systems.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 BMW 5 Series received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with strong performance in both frontal and side crash tests.

c. 2024 Lexus ES

The Lexus ES is a luxury sedan that combines comfort, reliability, and safety. For 2024, the ES earns high safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, making it a popular choice among safety-conscious luxury car buyers.

• Safety Features: The ES comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes features like pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and all-speed dynamic radar cruise control. The vehicle also offers blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
• Crash Test Performance: The ES performed well in IIHS crash tests, particularly in the moderate overlap front and side impact categories. It also earned superior ratings for its front crash prevention systems.
• NHTSA Rating: The 2024 Lexus ES received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with high scores in both frontal and side impact tests.

Conclusion: Choosing the Safest Vehicle for You

When it comes to selecting a vehicle, safety should always be a top priority. The vehicles listed in this guide represent some of the safest options available in the USA for 2024, offering a combination of advanced safety features, strong crash test performance, and a commitment to protecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Whether you’re in the market for a sedan, SUV, truck, electric vehicle, or luxury car, the options highlighted in this article provide a starting point for making an informed decision. By choosing a top safety-rated vehicle, you can drive with greater confidence, knowing that you’re well-protected on the road.