High Safety Scores, Low Prices: Cars That Deliver Both
Finding a car that’s safe and affordable is easier than ever. These models earned top marks from the IIHS and NHTSA for crash protection and safety tech. Results can vary by trim and model year - check the latest ratings before you buy - but these are the safest bets for your money.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 proves that safety doesn’t have to be boring. This compact car couples a sporty drive with a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status. It’s agile, efficient, and stylish enough to make your morning commute feel like less of a chore without gouging your wallet.
Honda Civic
A household name for good reason, the Honda Civic continues to be the overachiever of compact cars, with near-perfect crash test results and a cabin full of driver assists. Affordable, durable, and delightfully fuel-efficient - it’s the car your practical side marries after a fling with a sports coupe.
Toyota Prius
The Prius is still the hybrid that started it all, and it’s no slouch in a collision. With its latest redesign, it’s both handsome and heroic, earning IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors. You’ll spend less at the pump and sleep better knowing you’re cocooned in one of the safest hybrids on the road.
Toyota Camry
Dependable, composed, and built like a polite tank - the Toyota Camry consistently lands top safety scores. Toyota’s Safety Sense suite comes standard, helping you stay out of trouble before physics has to get involved. It’s the midsize sedan equivalent of a seatbelt itself: reliable and absolutely essential.
Honda Accord
Refined yet accessible, the Accord makes grown-up driving look good. Its crash test performance is stellar, while Honda Sensing technology keeps your hands steady and your conscience calmer. Whether you’re commuting or cruising, it’s the kind of car that whispers, “responsible can still be stylish.”
Hyundai Sonata
Once a budget pick, now a bold statement; the Hyundai Sonata blends sleek design with serious safety chops. A five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick status make it more than just a pretty face. Affordable comfort meets cutting-edge protection, all wrapped in that oh-so-satisfying warranty.
Hyundai Kona
Cute, compact, and unexpectedly capable! The Kona’s crash test results punch well above its price tag. With excellent driver-assist features and a fun, upright driving position, this small SUV makes you feel big and secure on the road. It’s the affordable guardian angel of urban traffic.
Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 blends Mazda’s zippy spirit with luxury-grade safety. It aces every major crash test and comes standard with an impressive suite of assists. Equal parts sensible and spicy, it’s proof that being safety-conscious doesn’t mean giving up personality.
Honda HR-V
Honda’s smallest SUV plays in the big leagues of safety. With a roomy cabin, strong crash results, and the latest Honda Sensing tech, the HR-V makes an excellent case for practicality with a pulse. It’s the crossover equivalent of a golden retriever: loyal, dependable, and impossible not to like.
Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is what happens when style, safety, and sanity meet in one SUV. A Top Safety Pick+ winner with futuristic looks, it offers smart tech without the premium price. It’s spacious enough for road trips but efficient enough for daily life.
Kia K4
Sleek, safe, and surprisingly fun, the Kia K4 is a compact sedan that punches above its weight. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ certified, it keeps passengers cocooned while adding just enough flair to make a commuter’s morning feel less mundane. It’s affordable, modern, and makes safety look effortless.
Kia Sportage
The Sportage proves small SUVs can play big when it comes to protection. With strong crash ratings and a suite of smart assists, it keeps drivers confident and passengers happy. Stylish lines and solid fuel economy make it an accessible choice for families and first-time SUV buyers alike.
Subaru Impreza
Subaru’s Impreza isn’t just safe - it’s clever. Symmetrical all-wheel drive plus IIHS Top Safety Pick+ accolades mean it handles winter roads and fender-benders with equal grace. Affordable, practical, and surprisingly comfortable, it’s the sedan/hatchback that quietly says, “Don’t underestimate me just because I cost less.”
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is the SUV everyone trusts, and for good reason. It’s a top performer in crash tests, brimming with Toyota Safety Sense tech. From city streets to weekend adventures, it balances budget and protection with ease.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 turns small SUV practicality into an art form. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ certified, it combines nimble handling, a premium-feeling interior, and advanced driver assists. Driving it feels a little indulgent - like knowing you can have both chocolate and kale in your lunch without judgment.
Honda CR-V
Reliable, roomy, and smartly equipped, the CR-V continues its reign as a safety superstar. Top crash test scores, standard Honda Sensing tech, and able to fit into the budget, it’s a go-to choice for anyone craving peace of mind and it’s solid enough to last years.
Subaru Forester
The Forester blends rugged SUV vibes with refined safety flex. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star ratings highlight Subaru’s commitment to protecting passengers, while symmetrical all-wheel drive keeps the drive stable. It’s the car you bring home when you want safety without sacrificing adventure.
Toyota Highlander
A midsize SUV that balances comfort, space, and protection. The Highlander consistently earns top crash ratings and comes with a suite of active safety features. Perfect for growing families, weekend road trips, or anyone who appreciates a quiet, reassuring presence on the road.
Nissan Rogue
The Rogue combines affordability with confidence. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings, intelligent driver assists, and a smooth ride make it a practical choice for commuting or hauling kids. It’s the SUV that doesn’t need to scream luxury to feel premium - it just quietly excels at safety.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Ioniq 6 shows that electric cars can be both affordable and exceptionally safe. With sleek styling, advanced safety tech, and strong crash-test credentials, it’s the EV for cautious drivers who still want a touch of futuristic flair. Efficiency, protection, and style, all wrapped into one understated package.
Kia Telluride
The Telluride’s a family-friendly SUV that’s both spacious and exceptionally safe. With top crash ratings and a full suite of driver-assist features, it’s the kind of vehicle that quietly inspires confidence. Affordable for its class, it balances practicality, comfort, and style, like a drivable well-tailored suit.
Subaru Outback
The Outback turns rugged adventure into a safe, everyday experience. With symmetrical all-wheel drive and top IIHS ratings, it’s equally at home on highways or dirt trails. Affordable enough to be sensible, yet packed with tech that makes life easier, it keeps you protected while letting your inner explorer breathe.
Toyota Avalon
The Avalon is a large sedan that feels like a security blanket with horsepower. Crash-tested to the highest standards and brimming with Toyota’s active safety suite, it’s comfortable, roomy, and dependable. The Avalon proves size, luxury, and protection can coexist affordably.
Volvo V60
Volvo built its reputation on safety, and the V60 is a sterling example. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ certified, it blends Swedish elegance with protective engineering. Compact enough to feel nimble, spacious enough for passengers, it’s the wagon that whispers sophistication while shouting safety.
Volvo S60
The S60 continues Volvo’s safety legacy in a stylish sedan form. Top-notch crash ratings and advanced driver-assist features make it a guardian angel on four wheels! It’s affordable compared to other luxury sedans and lets you enjoy refined handling without sacrificing peace of mind.
Chevrolet Equinox
A practical compact SUV that doesn’t compromise on protection, the The Equinox has IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition, solid build, and plenty of tech for driver confidence. Affordable, approachable, and reliable, it’s the SUV that quietly gets the job done while keeping passengers safe.
GMC Terrain
The Terrain blends compact SUV convenience with real-world safety. Top crash-test ratings and available driver assists make it a solid pick for families and solo drivers alike. Practical without being boring, it’s the kind of car that says, “I’m responsible, but I still enjoy the ride.”
Ford Edge
Mid-size comfort meets high safety standards in the Ford Edge. It consistently earns strong crash-test scores and offers a robust suite of active safety features. Roomy, stylish, and affordable, it’s a practical choice for drivers who want reassurance behind the wheel without sacrificing fun for protection.
Infiniti QX60
Luxury doesn’t have to be reckless! The QX60 pairs refined comfort with excellent crash-test ratings, so it’s a safe, upscale choice. Standard safety tech ensures peace of mind, while the spacious cabin keeps passengers happy. It’s an example of elegance and protection affordably sharing the same lane.
Mazda CX-9
Mazda’s answer to the family SUV that drives like a car, the CX-9 boasts Top IIHS ratings, smart driver-assist tech, and a stylish interior that make it feel more premium than its price suggests. Safe and surprisingly fun to drive, it balances peace of mind with excitement.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe keeps drivers and passengers secure without the sticker shock. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ certified, it comes with comprehensive safety tech and roomy interiors. Practical, stylish, and approachable, it’s a midsize SUV that proves you don’t need to overpay to protect your family.
Toyota Sienna
The Sienna minivan combines family-friendly practicality with strong crash-test performance. Standard safety suites, top ratings, and versatile seating make it the perfect choice for parents who want peace of mind on every trip. Affordable for its size and utility, it delivers both protection and everyday convenience.
Nissan Murano
The Murano strikes a balance between style, comfort, and safety with strong crash-test results and advanced driver-assist features, making it a practical SUV that doesn’t feel bland. Affordable enough for budget-conscious buyers, it’s a vehicle that quietly earns trust behind the wheel, one safe mile at a time.
Kia Niro Hybrid
Eco-friendly, efficient, and safety-savvy - the Niro Hybrid hits all the marks. IIHS Top Safety Pick+ certified and packed with driver-assist tech, it’s a hybrid that protects as much as it conserves fuel. Affordable and practical, it proves green choices can be responsible and reassuring.
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla remains a compact icon for good reason: it checks all the boxes! Its high safety ratings, reliability, and efficiency make it a smart, budget-conscious choice for keeping you safe, your wallet happy, and your daily commute stress-free. Bonus: Toyota Safety Sense tech comes standard across trims.
