Safety should always be a priority when picking out a car, and the best way to determine that is through numerous crash tests. For our picks, we’ve decided to look at the latest models released in 2024 that are dubbed the safest cars. All these cars are tested and approved by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
1. Genesis Electrified G80
The Genesis Electrified G80 is the electric version of the G80 luxury sedan. It has everything consumers love about the G80 but in a silent, environmentally friendly package.
The car received a “Good” rating in all its IIHS crash tests. The only marginal performance category is in its child seat anchors.
2. Mazda 3
Both the hatchback and sedan versions of the Mazda 3 did very well in the safety crash tests. However, due to visibility issues with their low beam headlight projections, they received a yellow “Acceptable” rating for their headlight levels.
If that doesn’t really bother you, the Mazda 3 is a great pick in all areas.
3. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a spacious, mid-size SUV with three rows and a safe rating. It was rated below average in only one category: seatbelt reminders. The volume, duration, and initiation time need to be improved.
If you don’t mind that minor detail, the Ford Explorer checks all the boxes for safety in a crash
4. Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a good option for those looking for an economical hatchback. It has high safety ratings across the board. Two categories received an “Acceptable” rating: the headlights test and the moderate overlap front crash test.
The latter is due to issues with the rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics, which showcases that rear passengers may not be entirely safe in a crash.
5. Tesla Model Y
Another electric car with good safety ratings is the Tesla Model Y. It’s bigger and more spacious than the Model 3, which is essentially a luxury SUV version of that model.
The Tesla Model Y has good safety scores overall. Its one flaw is the child seat anchors, similar to the Genesis Electrified G80. On that front, it receives an “Acceptable” rating.
6. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has always been a sensible choice for most consumers, and the 2024 version is no different. This model’s crash test rating is all green except in one category: front crash prevention for pedestrians.
During the test, the vehicle failed to slow or issue a warning before collision when using its low beams at night, which garnered an “Acceptable” rating.
7. Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 does well in all safety categories except for the headlights, child seat anchors, and moderate overlap front test.
Each test in these categories scored a yellow “Acceptable” rating. The moderate overlap front test reported issues with the back passenger seatbelts, which may cause passengers to be injured during a collision.
8. Acura Integra
This small hatchback passed all the IIHS crash tests and is supposed to be an upscale version of the Civic.
It performed acceptably in three tests and marginally in one, which is the seatbelt reminders test. The three tests with acceptable performance are headlights, child seat anchors, and the moderate overlap front test.
9. Honda HR-V
As a small SUV, the Honda HR-V is quite spacious, has user-friendly controls, and an overall good safety rating.
In addition to the usual safety features, the vehicle has daytime running lights, optional blind spot detection, and standard lane departure prevention. All of this could ease your worries and make driving easier.
10. Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is another SUV with a great safety rating. The Kona is a redesigned model with more space for cargo and passengers.
The only yellow rating this model received is for the child seat anchors. It also has minor issues with the performance of its low-beam headlights at night.
11. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a mid-size SUV eight-seater with room to spare. The Telluride checks all the safety boxes and receives a green rating for all tests.
So, if you want a larger vehicle with the best safety rating for your family and loved ones, this is a strong contender.
12. Acura MDX
The Acura MDX is larger than the Integra and didn’t do as well in the safety belt reminders test.
The vehicle also has two “Acceptable” ratings for the moderate overlap front test and front crash prevention for pedestrians test. Both issues are identical to the ones we’ve mentioned before for other models.
13. BMW X3
The BMW X3 received green safety ratings in all categories but fell short on the two child safety tests. This includes the seatbelt reminders and child seat anchors test, both of which received an orange marginal rating.
If you’re not planning to have children or transport any in your car, this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. If safety in all areas is important to you, you may want to consider another model.
14. Mazda CX-30
Like the Kia Telluride, the Mazda CX-30 received a green rating in all safety tests. It’s also an economical fuel-saving option with responsive handling. There are many features that come standard that aren’t always available in a vehicle in its class.
The Mazda CX-30 is smaller than the Kia Telluride but is excellent for a small SUV.
