IIHS crash-test data · Updated 2026-09-16

Safest Cars of 2026

All 136 new vehicles with full IIHS crash-test ratings, ranked using one consistent formula.

The safest car of 2026 is the 2027 Tesla Model Y, scoring 98.6/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It leads 136 current models with complete IIHS crash-test records. The same formula scores every vehicle, and vehicles matching on both score and injury-measure average share a rank.

Every vehicle uses the same formula: IIHS test results contribute 90% of the score and class-level fatality data contributes 10%. Models missing required results remain searchable but are excluded from the ranking. Read the full methodology to see the exact weights and scoring rules.

Safest at every price

Safest car at every price

This table identifies the highest-scoring model at each price point, starting around $21,700. Prices are approximate base-trim MSRPs.

Safest choiceTypeScoreStarting around
2026 Chevrolet Trax Small SUVs 66.2 ~$21,700
2026 Kia K4 (Sedan) Small cars 92.1 ~$22,290
2026 Nissan Sentra Small cars 92.2 ~$22,600
2026 Hyundai Elantra Small cars 94.1 ~$22,625
2026 Mazda CX 5 Small SUVs 94.2 ~$29,990
2026 Subaru Forester Small SUVs 94.3 ~$29,995
2026 Kia SorentoAward applies only to vehicles built after September 2025 Midsize SUVs 95.4 ~$32,390
2026 Ford Mustang Mach E Midsize SUVs 95.6 ~$37,795
2026 Hyundai PalisadeAward applies only to vehicles built after November 2025 Midsize SUVs 96.8 ~$38,935
2027 Tesla Model Y Midsize luxury SUVs 98.6 ~$39,990

Starting MSRPs are approximate base-trim prices excluding destination charges. Verify current pricing with your dealer. Prices last checked 2026-09. Budget-specific rankings: under $30,000, under $40,000, under $50,000.

Top five safest cars of 2026

When overall scores tie, the average of the detailed IIHS injury ratings breaks the tie. Vehicles matching on both share a rank. Switch the view if rear-seat protection matters most to you.

Showing: Main all-occupant ranking

Main ranking: balanced protection for all occupants.

RankVehicleClassIIHS awardScoreInjury measures
#12027 Tesla Model YMidsize luxury SUVsTSP+98.6100.0
#22026 Genesis GV80Midsize luxury SUVsTSP+98.699.38
#32026 Lincoln NautilusMidsize luxury SUVsTSP98.099.38
#42026 Infiniti QX60Midsize luxury SUVsTSP+97.396.88
#52026 BMW X3Midsize luxury SUVsTSP+97.2100.0

Every current vehicle ranked by safety

All 136 current models with a complete IIHS record. Where two vehicles score the same, the last column breaks the tie: it averages every injury measure IIHS published inside the three crash tests. Vehicles matching on both share a rank.

Leading models

Start with these leading models, then compare the individual test results on each vehicle page. Matching ranks indicate a tie, which can continue into the next group.

RankVehicleClassIIHS awardPrimaryDetailsScoreInjury measures
#12027 Tesla Model YMidsize luxury SUVsTSP+100.0100.098.6100.0
#22026 Genesis GV80Midsize luxury SUVsTSP+100.0100.098.699.38
#32026 Lincoln NautilusMidsize luxury SUVsTSP100.097.598.099.38
#42026 Infiniti QX60Midsize luxury SUVsTSP+100.095.097.396.88
#52026 BMW X3Midsize luxury SUVsTSP+97.5100.097.2100.0
#62026 Genesis GV70Midsize luxury SUVsTSP+97.5100.097.298.75
#72026 Genesis Electrified GV70Midsize luxury SUVsTSP+97.5100.097.297.5
#82027 Kia TellurideAward applies only to vehicles built after June 2026Midsize SUVsTSP+100.0100.096.8100.0
#82026 Hyundai IONIQ 9Midsize SUVsTSP+100.0100.096.8100.0
#82026 Hyundai PalisadeAward applies only to vehicles built after November 2025Midsize SUVsTSP+100.0100.096.8100.0

More models to compare · group 2

Rear-seat restraint performance can differ even between vehicles with similar overall scores. Use the rear-seat-priority switch above to compare how a larger weight on that result changes the order.

RankVehicleClassIIHS awardPrimaryDetailsScoreInjury measures
#82026 Kia EV9Midsize SUVsTSP+100.0100.096.8100.0
#122026 Honda PassportMidsize SUVsTSP+100.0100.096.899.38
#132026 Rivian R1SLarge luxury SUVsTSP+97.5100.096.599.38
#132026 Volvo EX90Large luxury SUVsTSP+97.5100.096.599.38
#152026 Tesla CybertruckLarge pickupsTSP+100.0100.096.598.75
#162027 Audi Q6 e-tronMidsize luxury SUVsTSP+100.090.096.199.38
#162027 Audi Q6 Sportback e-tronMidsize luxury SUVsTSP+100.090.096.199.38
#182026 Audi Q5Midsize luxury SUVsTSP+97.595.096.098.12
#182026 Audi Q5 SportbackMidsize luxury SUVsTSP+97.595.096.098.12
#202026 Ford Mustang Mach EMidsize SUVsTSP100.095.095.698.75
#212026 Mazda CX 70Midsize SUVsTSP+97.5100.095.4100.0
#212026 Mazda CX 70 PHEVMidsize SUVsTSP+97.5100.095.4100.0
#212026 Mazda CX 90Midsize SUVsTSP+97.5100.095.4100.0
#212026 Mazda CX 90 PHEVMidsize SUVsTSP+97.5100.095.4100.0
#252026 Kia SorentoAward applies only to vehicles built after September 2025Midsize SUVsTSP+97.5100.095.499.38
#252026 Nissan MuranoMidsize SUVsTSP+97.5100.095.499.38
#272026 Lexus NXMidsize luxury SUVsTSP+100.085.094.896.88
#282026 BMW X5Midsize luxury SUVsTSP+97.590.094.799.38
#292026 Audi A5Midsize luxury carsTSP+100.090.094.797.5
#302026 Subaru ForesterSmall SUVsTSP+100.095.094.398.75
#302026 Subaru OutbackMidsize SUVsTSP+100.090.094.398.75
#322026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportMidsize SUVsTSP100.0100.094.398.12
#332026 Ford ExplorerMidsize SUVsTSP100.090.094.397.5
#342026 Mazda CX 5Small SUVsTSP+97.5100.094.299.38
#352026 Genesis GV60Small SUVsTSP+97.5100.094.298.12
#362026 Infiniti QX80Large luxury SUVsTSP100.085.094.197.5
#372026 Hyundai ElantraSmall carsTSP100.097.594.196.25
#382026 Mercedes-Benz GLCMidsize luxury SUVsTSP100.090.093.698.75
#392026 Volvo XC90Midsize luxury SUVsTSP100.090.093.697.5
#392026 Volvo XC90 Plug-in HybridMidsize luxury SUVsTSP100.090.093.697.5
#412026 Audi A6Large luxury carsTSP+97.590.093.598.12
#422026 Mercedes-Benz C ClassMidsize luxury carsTSP97.5100.093.397.5
#432026 Mazda CX 30Small SUVsTSP+100.090.093.198.75
#442027 BMW X1Small SUVsTSP+100.090.093.197.5
#442026 Subaru AscentMidsize SUVsTSP+100.085.093.197.5
#462026 Hyundai IONIQ 5Small SUVsTSP+97.595.093.097.5
#472026 Toyota Tundra (Crew cab)Large pickupsTSP97.5100.092.696.88
#482026 Nissan ArmadaLarge SUVsTSP97.585.092.498.12
#492026 Hyundai Santa FeMidsize SUVsTSP+97.587.592.395.62
#502026 Nissan SentraSmall carsTSP+100.090.092.298.75

More models to compare · group 3

Awards and our score answer different questions. IIHS awards require specific test results and equipment availability; this ranking applies the published weights to every eligible record.

RankVehicleClassIIHS awardPrimaryDetailsScoreInjury measures
#512026 Kia K4 (Sedan)Small carsTSP+97.595.092.196.88
#522026 Hyundai SonataMidsize carsTSP+100.090.091.998.12
#532026 Volkswagen AtlasMidsize SUVsTSP100.090.091.897.5
#542027 Honda HR VSmall SUVsTSP+97.590.091.798.12
#542026 Mazda CX 50Small SUVsTSP+97.590.091.798.12
#562026 Hyundai TucsonSmall SUVsTSP+97.590.091.797.5
#562026 Kia SportageAward applies only to vehicles built after May 2025Small SUVsTSP+97.590.091.797.5
#582026 Nissan PathfinderMidsize SUVsTSP+97.585.091.796.88
#592026 Hyundai KonaSmall SUVsTSP+97.590.091.796.25
#592026 Tesla Model 3Midsize luxury cars90.0100.091.796.25
#612026 Audi Q7Large luxury SUVsTSP97.590.091.598.75
#622027 Audi A6 Sportback e-tronLarge carsTSP+97.5100.091.298.75
#632026 Honda AccordMidsize carsTSP100.097.591.298.12
#642026 Mercedes-Benz GLE ClassMidsize luxury SUVs100.0100.091.197.5
#652026 Subaru Crosstrek HybridSmall carsTSP+100.085.091.096.88
#662027 Buick EnclaveMidsize SUVsTSP100.085.090.696.88
#672026 Volvo XC60Midsize luxury SUVs90.0100.090.694.38
#682026 Toyota CamryMidsize carsTSP+97.587.589.998.12
#692026 Mazda 3 (Hatchback)Small carsTSP+97.585.089.697.5
#692026 Mazda 3 (Sedan)Small carsTSP+97.585.089.697.5
#712026 Toyota Grand HighlanderMidsize SUVs90.092.589.496.88
#722026 Honda Civic (Hatchback)Small carsTSP100.087.589.196.25
#732026 Toyota PriusSmall carsTSP+97.582.589.097.5
#742026 Nissan LeafSmall cars92.590.088.197.5
#752026 Nissan RogueSmall SUVs92.585.087.796.25
#762027 Cadillac LyriqMidsize luxury SUVs90.087.587.597.5
#772026 Genesis G80Award applies only to vehicles built after June 2025Large carsTSP+97.585.087.497.5
#782027 Chevrolet EquinoxSmall SUVs92.582.587.196.25
#792026 Acura MDXMidsize luxury SUVs92.570.087.097.5
#802027 Chevrolet Blazer EVMidsize SUVs90.090.086.395.62
#812026 Hyundai Santa CruzSmall pickups92.585.086.294.38
#822026 Honda PilotMidsize SUVs92.570.085.297.5
#832026 Honda PrologueMidsize SUVs90.082.584.495.62
#842026 BMW 3 SeriesMidsize luxury cars90.070.084.297.5
#852026 Acura ADXSmall SUVs92.570.084.093.12
#862026 Subaru SolterraSmall SUVs85.082.583.093.75
#862026 Subaru TrailseekerSmall SUVs85.082.583.093.75
#862026 Toyota BzSmall SUVs85.082.583.093.75
#862026 Toyota Bz WoodlandSmall SUVs85.082.583.093.75
#902027 Chevrolet TraverseMidsize SUVs92.565.081.496.25

More models to compare · group 4

These models use the same scoring rules as the leaders. Open a model page to see which results contribute to its score and check the equipment on the trim you are considering.

RankVehicleClassIIHS awardPrimaryDetailsScoreInjury measures
#902027 GMC AcadiaMidsize SUVs92.565.081.496.25
#922026 Toyota Corolla CrossSmall SUVs90.065.081.395.0
#932026 Rivian R1TLarge pickups90.060.081.096.25
#942026 Acura IntegraSmall cars90.065.080.595.0
#952026 Honda Civic (Sedan)Small cars92.567.580.095.0
#962026 Audi A3Midsize luxury cars75.085.079.791.25
#972026 Nissan FrontierSmall pickups85.075.079.594.38
#982026 Genesis G90Large cars90.065.078.395.62
#992026 Jeep GladiatorSmall pickups82.5100.076.995.62
#1002026 Jeep WranglerMidsize SUVs82.595.075.994.38
#1012026 Nissan KicksSmall SUVs77.570.075.793.75
#1022026 Toyota HighlanderMidsize SUVs75.070.075.693.75
#1032026 GMC CanyonSmall pickups75.080.075.391.88
#1042026 Toyota Crown SigniaMidsize SUVs77.562.575.193.75
#1052026 Toyota Corolla (Sedan)Small cars77.570.074.993.12
#1062026 Ford MaverickSmall pickups75.065.074.092.5
#1072026 Audi Q8Large SUVs75.070.073.895.0
#1082026 Subaru CrosstrekSmall cars77.565.073.693.75
#1092026 Subaru ImprezaSmall cars77.565.073.692.5
#1102026 Toyota TacomaSmall pickups75.060.072.895.62
#1112026 Toyota Land CruiserMidsize SUVs70.070.072.894.38
#1122026 Ford BroncoMidsize SUVs70.0100.072.893.75
#1132027 Honda OdysseyMinivans67.585.072.790.62
#1132026 Chrysler PacificaMinivans67.585.072.790.62
#1152026 Kia K4 (Hatchback)Small cars75.065.072.293.12
#1162026 Lexus RXMidsize luxury SUVs70.060.072.189.38
#1172026 Toyota SiennaMinivans77.560.071.994.38
#1182026 Ford Bronco SportSmall SUVs70.070.071.690.0
#1192026 Toyota SequoiaLarge SUVs67.567.571.593.12
#1202026 Buick EnvistaSmall SUVs62.595.071.291.88
#1212026 Audi Q4 e-tronMidsize luxury SUVs67.570.070.793.12
#1212026 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tronMidsize luxury SUVs67.570.070.793.12
#1232026 Kia EV6Small SUVs75.055.070.693.75
#1242026 Volkswagen TiguanMidsize SUVs67.560.068.990.62
#1252026 Mercedes-Benz E ClassLarge cars75.070.068.895.0
#1262026 Subaru WRXSmall cars67.565.068.191.25
#1272026 Ram 1500Large pickups67.555.067.391.25
#1282027 Honda CR VSmall SUVs70.060.066.691.88
#1292026 Chevrolet TraxSmall SUVs62.595.066.291.88
#1302026 Ford F 150 (Crew cab)Large pickups67.550.066.186.88

More models to compare · group 5

These models use the same scoring rules as the leaders. Open a model page to see which results contribute to its score and check the equipment on the trim you are considering.

RankVehicleClassIIHS awardPrimaryDetailsScoreInjury measures
#1312026 Kia SeltosSmall SUVs60.075.064.886.88
#1322026 Volkswagen TaosSmall SUVs60.072.559.288.12
#1332026 Jeep CompassSmall SUVs45.085.059.182.5
#1342026 Honda RidgelineSmall pickups55.057.551.284.38
#1352026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500Large pickups30.050.043.080.62
#1362026 Nissan AltimaMidsize cars45.040.041.681.25

What the score means

The Composite Safety Score is a comparison aid, not a model-specific fatality prediction. The balanced all-occupant formula combines:

55%
Primary IIHS tests
Small-overlap front, updated moderate-overlap front, updated side, and headlights. Good = 100, Acceptable = 75, Marginal = 25, Poor = 0.
25%
Selected protection details
Rear restraints/kinematics (10%), rear head protection (5%), structure/safety cage (5%), and front occupant restraints/kinematics (5%).
10% + 10%
Pedestrian braking and class context
IIHS pedestrian front crash prevention: Good = 100, Acceptable = 75, Marginal = 25, Poor = 0. The other 10% is damped class-level driver-death-rate context, not a model-level risk estimate. Award status is shown but not weighted.

A vehicle must have all four primary and all selected detail results reported to enter the main ranking. Missing results are never assumed to pass; they remain visible below as provisional records. Read the full formula and limits →

62 current models are not ranked yet because a selected IIHS result is missing

They are searchable and their reported results remain on their detail pages. They are not placed in either ranked view because missing evidence should not be converted to a favorable or unfavorable rating.

VehiclePrimary results reportedDetail components completeIIHS award
2026 Lincoln Aviator3/44/4
2026 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid3/43/4
2026 Acura RDX3/43/4
2027 BMW X23/43/4
2027 Mini Countryman3/43/4
2027 BMW 5 Series3/43/4
2026 Volkswagen ID.43/43/4
2026 Toyota Tundra (Extended cab)3/43/4
2026 Ford F 150 (Extended cab)3/43/4
2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid3/43/4
2026 BMW X62/42/4
2026 Toyota Crown3/43/4
2026 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid3/43/4
2026 Toyota Corolla (Hatchback)3/43/4
2026 BMW i43/43/4
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 63/44/4
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander3/43/4
2027 GMC Terrain2/43/4
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee2/43/4
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L2/43/4
2026 Buick Encore GX2/43/4
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid3/43/4
2026 Volvo XC403/44/4
2026 Chevrolet Colorado3/44/4
2026 Volvo V60 Cross Country2/42/4
2026 Chrysler Voyager3/43/4
2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer3/44/4
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer3/43/4
2026 Volvo EC402/42/4
2026 Subaru BRZ2/42/4
2026 Toyota GR862/42/4
2026 Volvo EX401/42/4
2026 Volkswagen Jetta2/43/4
2026 Subaru Uncharted2/42/4
2026 Toyota C HR2/42/4
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI1/42/4
2026 Volkswagen Golf R1/42/4
2026 Chevrolet Blazer1/42/4
2026 Genesis G702/42/4
2026 Ford Escape4/44/4
2026 Audi A6 Allroad2/42/4
2026 Volvo V90 Cross Country2/42/4
2026 Toyota 4Runner3/43/4
2026 Kia Carnival3/44/4
2026 Hyundai Venue2/42/4
2026 Lexus Is3/43/4
2026 Ford Ranger4/44/4
2026 Lexus TX1/42/4
2026 GMC Sierra 15002/43/4
2026 Lincoln Corsair3/43/4
2026 Chevrolet Tahoe3/44/4
2026 Lexus UX3/43/4
2026 Ford Expedition3/44/4
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross3/44/4
2026 Kia K53/44/4
2026 Cadillac XT51/41/4
2026 Ford F 150 Lightning2/42/4
2026 Cadillac CT53/43/4
2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia0/41/4
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport0/41/4
2026 Ford Mustang0/41/4
2026 Dodge Durango0/41/4

Where editorial judgment belongs

Recommendations for a specific need (three rows, a small car, a budget, three car seats) are useful, but they should never override the data ranking or hide behind a secret formula. We keep them on separate pages such as family SUVs and three car seats, and every non-score consideration is spelled out there. For example, the Audi Q7 is still a useful three-row SUV to compare, but its published rear-passenger restraints/kinematics subscore is Acceptable, and that result has an explicit numerical effect in both rankings. You can also compare any two vehicles directly.

Questions people ask

What is the safest car in 2026?

The 2027 Tesla Model Y is #1 in our 2026 ranking with a score of 98.6/100 and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It leads 136 current models that have a complete IIHS crash-test record. Every vehicle is scored with the same published formula, and vehicles matching on both score and injury-measure average share a rank.

What is the safest car in the world?

Crash testing standards vary by region, so vehicle ratings differ between the US, Europe, and Australia. IIHS, Euro NCAP, and ANCAP run different protocols on regional specifications. This page ranks US-market vehicles on IIHS results, where the 2027 Tesla Model Y is #1. Our Euro NCAP page covers the European results. See the Euro NCAP results.

What is the safest car brand?

Real-world driver fatality rates add context to a brand's crash-test results, but also reflect the vehicles and drivers in the study. Our brand safety page grades every major automaker using real-world death rates, while our annual report compares current IIHS award shares. See the brand safety grades.

How is the safety score calculated?

The score is 55% primary IIHS tests (small-overlap front, updated moderate-overlap front, updated side, and headlights), 25% selected occupant-protection details, 10% IIHS pedestrian front crash prevention, and 10% damped class-level driver-death-rate context. Good = 100, Acceptable = 75, Marginal = 25, Poor = 0. Vehicles must complete all required tests to qualify for our rankings—we never assume an untested vehicle passed. Read the methodology.