Back to GuidesWhen shopping for a new car, there are a lot of things that you have to take into consideration. Exterior style, powertrain options, and interior comfort will all come into play when deciding on a new vehicle. While all of these things are important, safety should always be a top priority, especially if you are getting a car to drive your family around. Choosing from the safest cars on the market is a great way to narrow down your search.
There are several ways to determine if a vehicle will be a safe choice or not. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are both trusted organizations that give vehicles safety ratings based on crash tests and design. By choosing from the below list of vehicles, which all have a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, you can find a vehicle that you can feel confident in every time you get behind the wheel.
1. 2023 Subaru Legacy
Subaru has long been known as an automaker that prioritizes safety over almost anything else with their vehicles. The 2023 Subaru Legacy continues in that tradition while also delivering rugged styling and excellent comfort. The Legacy features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Subaru’s signature horizontally-opposed configuration putting out 182 horsepower through a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The interior of the Legacy is comfortable and functional and has a variety of tech and safety features that come standard. It has dual 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a four-speaker stereo system. Every trim level also comes with safety features like automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering.
Browse 2023 Subaru Legacy listings here.
2. 2023 Honda Civic
Honda is a trusted automaker and the Civic has been lauded for years for having excellent safety ratings and an economical design. For the 2023 model year, the Civic continues with the redesign it got last year with an available sedan or hatchback body design. Base models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 158 horsepower while upgraded versions had a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that puts out 180 horsepower through a CVT transmission.
Inside, the Civic has a clean design with crisp lines and a modern, contemporary feel. Every model comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that can be upgraded to 9.0 inches and also with a 10.2-inch digital gauge display. The standard safety features that come with every model include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2023 Honda Civic listings here.
3. 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5
In the world of electric vehicles, it can be easy to overlook certain safety aspects in favor of excellent savings on fuel. However, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a rare situation where you don’t have to sacrifice either. The rear-mounted motor puts out 168 horsepower with a standard-range battery but this can be upgraded to a longer-range battery that puts out 225 horsepower with 258 pound-feet of torque.
The Ioniq 5 is designed to look as retro-futuristic as possible and the interior is no exception. The dashboard is completely digital and the materials used for the upholstery are eco-friendly and all-natural. Tech features include a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment screen as well as a 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster. Safety features include a unique driver-assistance mode called Highway Driver Assist 2, which allows the Ioniq 5 to drive on the highway nearly on its own.
Browse 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 listings here.
4. 2023 Mazda 3
Compact cars are generally sought-after for their responsive handling and excellent fuel efficiency. However, the 2023 Mazda 3 also comes with excellent safety scores and a top-notch vehicle safety rating from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. The available powertrains for the Mazda 3 include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder putting out 191 horsepower and a 250-horsepower turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder available in both front- and all-wheel drive.
In the cabin, the Mazda 3 is impeccably designed and features excellent tech as both standard equipment and available add-ons. Every model comes with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as a host of standard and optional safety technology. This includes things like automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and available adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2023 Mazda 3 listings here.
5. 2023 Tesla Model 3
For years now, the Tesla Model 3 has been one of the leaders in EV technology and as an affordable entry into this world, it remains an excellent choice for all kinds of drivers. The Model 3 features Tesla’s signature acceleration with a zero-to-60 time of just 5.1 seconds and the base rear-wheel-drive model has a range of 272 miles with many different charging options including Tesla’s Superchargers.
If you want something different for your vehicle’s interior, you could do no better than the Model 3. Inside, it is sparse and futuristic with a massive touchscreen right in the center of the dashboard. It also comes with a host of standard tech features like navigation, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity with tons of entertainment options. Safety is also a huge consideration with the Model 3 and it comes with features like automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2023 Tesla Model 3 listings here.
6. Toyota Camry
When it comes to midsize sedans, the Toyota Camry is one of the leaders and for the 2023 model year, it continues to innovate. The 2023 Camry comes with one of three powertrains: A 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 206 horsepower, a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 301 horsepower, and a four-cylinder hybrid that makes a total of 176 horsepower. Both of the gas engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid uses a CVT.
The Camry’s interior can be either basic or luxurious depending on which variant you decide on. The touchscreen infotainment system that comes with every trim level runs on Toyota’s Entune 3.0 system and is incredibly responsive while also offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Toyota also includes all of its safety tech standard on all Camry models including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2022 Toyota Camry listings here.
7. Honda Insight
The Honda Insight was designed to succeed the Civic Hybrid but it has its own set of incredible features and performance specs. The Insight comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor putting out a combined 151 horsepower and it can run on the electric motor itself for around a mile at low speeds. The Insight also has a more responsive brake feel than many other hybrids.
The finish of the Insight’s interior rides a fantastic line between practical and premium. The battery is mounted underneath the rear seat, so there is no loss of cargo space in the trunk like with other hybrids. The standard infotainment touchscreen is 8.0 inches and connects using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with the comprehensive Honda Sensing safety tech including forward collision warning for front crash prevention, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
Browse 2022 Honda Insight listings here.
8. 2023 Nissan Maxima
The exterior styling of the Nissan Maxima makes it one of the most unique-looking cars on the market. With a sloping profile and an interesting roofline, it is a great choice if you are looking for something different. The engine that comes with the Maxima is a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 300 horsepower through a continuously variable automatic transmission and even has better acceleration than other sport sedans like the Dodge Charger.
There is enough room for five people in the Maxima’s cabin and it comes with generous tech and safety equipment. This includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system which gives you access to things like vehicle monitoring and emergency services. Standard safety features include automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning with available adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2023 Nissan Maxima listings here.
9. 2023 Kia EV6
When trying to save money using fuel economy, you can’t do any better than an electric car. The stylish and unique-looking Kia EV6 is a great way to get the best of both the efficiency and performance worlds. The EV6 comes with an electric motor on the rear axle that can put out either 320 or 576 horsepower if you opt for the all-wheel-drive version. The base model has a rear-wheel drive configuration and puts out either 167 horsepower or 225 horsepower, depending on the size of the battery.
The design of the EV6’s interior is fairly simple and easy to use. The dashboard is completely digitized and comes with a 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as well as a 12.0-inch digital gauge display. There is also a wide range of standard safety features like blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. This, combined with its excellent safety tests and automatic high beams, make it a fantastic choice for a safe EV.
Browse 2023 Kia EV6 listings here.
10. 2023 BMW X3
BMW’s luxury SUV offering, the X3, is a fantastic choice for people who want all the comfort and performance you would expect from a high-end automaker with a little more practicality and versatility. The base version of the X3 features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 248 horsepower while the higher trim levels come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 382 horsepower.
The interior of the X3 is just as comfortable and premium as any other BMW with power-adjustable front seats and plush materials. It comes with a 10.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity but this can be upgraded to 12.3 inches if you want. On top of its stellar safety tests, the X3 also comes with standard automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning and is available with adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2023 BMW X3 listings here.
11. 2023 Audi Q5
As a manufacturer of high-end luxury vehicles, Audi’s compact SUV, the Q5, lives up to its reputation. With excellent build quality and top-notch features all around, it is a great choice for people who want it all with their SUV. Powertrain options include a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 201 horsepower through a seven-speed automatic transmission and this can be upgraded to either a higher output version putting out 261 horsepower or a plug-in hybrid version that puts out a combined 362 horsepower.
The interior of the Q5 is comfortable and spacious with premium features and materials throughout. The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system has a Wi-Fi hotspot as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Plus, it has a host of standard safety features like automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2023 Audi Q5 listings here.
12. Honda Accord
For those looking for an affordable and dependable vehicle, the 2023 Honda Accord is one of the best options on the market. This model year starts a brand new 11th generation of the Accord and includes a base powertrain of a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder putting out 192 horsepower with FWD and a CVT transmission. This can be upgraded to a hybridized 2.0-liter four-cylinder putting out 204 combined horsepower with the help of two electric motors.
The Accord’s cabin is nicely-designed and full of features that have become emblematic of Honda, such as the honeycomb pattern that adorns the dashboard and hides the HVAC vents. It comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but there is an available 12.3-inch one as well, and all models come with a 10.2-inch digital gauge display. The Honda Sensing suite comes standard as well and includes automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition.
Browse 2022 Honda Accord listings here.
13. 2023 Lexus ES
One of the things that set the Lexus ES apart from other vehicles in its category is its top-notch ride quality. This, combined with your choice of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder putting out 203 horsepower or a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 302 horsepower, makes it a great choice for those who want it all. You can also get a hybrid version that pairs with an electric motor for a combined output of 215 horsepower.
Inside, the ES is everything you would want from such a well-known luxury automaker. It features sleek styling and premium materials, even at the most basic trim level. It also comes with a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which can be upgraded to 12.3 inches. The ES also comes with Lexus's Safety System+ 2.5, which includes automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Browse 2022 Lexus ES listings here.
14. 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
When looking for a luxury car that you can feel comfortable and safe in, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of your best options. It comes with your choice of a turbo four-cylinder putting out 255 horsepower or a turbo inline-six with a 48-volt hybrid system putting out 362 horsepower that can come with either front- or all-wheel drive. Plus, you get Mercedes’ signature responsive handling on top of optional air suspension.
The details of the cabin are impeccable with premium materials throughout. It also comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While some of the more complex driver assistance features are optional, the E-Class comes standard with emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring on top of its perfect ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.
Browse 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class listings here.
15. 2023 Volvo S60
For many years, Volvo has been known as an automaker that creates safety-minded vehicles, and their sedan, the S60 is no exception. As a competitor to the Genesis G70 and other entry-level luxury sedans, it is a fantastic choice.
The powertrain options include a turbo four-cylinder putting out 247 horsepower, a hybrid version that has a combined output of 400 horsepower, and a plug-in hybrid putting out 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque.
The build quality of the S60’s interior is top-notch with outstanding details and comfortable seating. The tablet-size infotainment touchscreen uses a Google operating system and comes with voice assistance as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Plus, there is a wide variety of safety features including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.
Browse 2022 Volvo S60 listings here.
Final Thoughts
When shopping for a new car, finding something that will keep you safe while also delivering excellent performance can be difficult. Knowing which cars have the best safety ratings can help you find the right vehicle for you and your family. With a vehicle that is designed to be as safe as possible, you can have the confidence you need whenever you are out on the road.
