What are the Safest Vehicles of 2025?
Safety matters more than ever when you're choosing a new ride. In this article, you'll discover data-driven insights, real-world stories, and expert observations on the top safety performers of 2025. We'll cover everything from family-friendly SUVs to rugged pickups and from luxury crossovers to cutting-edge electric vehicles. Along the way, you'll see how organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rate these models. We'll pepper in human anecdotes—such as how a Chicago mom found peace of mind in a snowy HR-V—and highlight the technologies that make a real difference on the road. Ready to find your next safe ride? Let's jump in.
Family-Friendly SUVs
Family haulers must strike a balance between space, comfort, and crash protection. For instance, the Kia Telluride earned top marks in IIHS moderate-overlap front tests and NHTSA rollover resistance evaluations. One Seattle parent I spoke with praised Telluride's blind-spot monitoring when changing lanes on wet freeways. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, although technically classified as crossovers, offer impressive crash-avoidance technology and pedestrian detection systems. Those EVs earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status thanks to features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking that respond to cyclists as well as cars. The Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 round out this group with stellar side-impact protection thanks to reinforced door beams and a forward collision warning system that proved its worth during a deer encounter on a Vermont back road. When you're ferrying kids to soccer or loading groceries, these SUVs combine utility with bulletproof safety.
Safe Pickups
Pickups have traditionally trailed sedans and SUVs in crash protection. That picture changed in 2025 as manufacturers prioritized safety tech. The Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T not only deliver electric power but also pack advanced driver-assist packages. In NHTSA crash tests, the F-150 Lightning scored five stars across all categories, while Rivian's R1T impressed with its lane-keep assist that corrected a drifting semi on I-80 outside Omaha. Text messages from a Wyoming rancher confirmed that the R1T's automatic emergency braking saved him from a head-on collision with a moose. Beyond electrified trucks, veteran models like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 now come standard with front pedestrian detection—an upgrade prompted by federal safety regulations in early 2025. Across the board, pickups are shedding their tough-but-unsafe image and becoming viable choices for drivers who need bed space without sacrificing protection.
Focus on Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 remains a benchmark for luxury and safety. IIHS awarded it the 2025 Top Safety Pick+ thanks to its suite of standard safety equipment. Its automatic emergency braking system features intersection assistance, which senses oncoming cars when turning left—a rarity in this segment. I recall a Los Angeles driver who credits the Q7's rear cross-traffic alert for preventing a costly scrape in a crowded mall lot. The NHTSA gave the Q7 a perfect five-star overall rating, with particular praise for its side crash and rollover performance. That success stems from a rigid, ultra-high-strength steel frame, which absorbs energy in a collision rather than transmitting it to occupants. Audi's Pre-Sense system also pre-tensions seatbelts and closes windows when sensors detect an imminent collision. Taken together, these features make the Q7 a standout choice for shoppers who want refined comfort and uncompromised safety.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
An electric crossover wearing the Mustang badge might surprise purists, but the Mach-E has won over safety advocates. The NHTSA awarded it five stars for overall safety, and the IIHS granted it a Top Safety Pick for its combination of crashworthiness and headlights. The Mach-E's hands-free BlueCruise system uses over-the-air updates to refine lane-centering and speed-adjustment capabilities on highways. Early adopters in Texas report that the Mach-E's collision mitigation braking system intervened when cows wandered out of a pasture at dawn. Ford's firewall-to-firewall camera and radar system tracks the road ahead and behind you at speeds up to 80 mph. That technology, paired with standard adaptive cruise control, keeps this EV competitive with luxury peers. If you want a fun drive that doesn't compromise your family's safety, the Mustang Mach-E deserves a close look.
Genesis GV60 and GV80
Genesis has become synonymous with luxurious safety at a reasonable price. The GV80 SUV and the all-electric GV60 earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards in 2025. Both models come equipped with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which includes pedestrian and cyclist detection, a feature that surpasses many competitors. On a rainy evening in Seoul, a friend using the GV80 recounted how the system braked automatically when a delivery scooter cut across an intersection. NHTSA hasn't tested the GV60 yet, but the GV80 achieved a five-star overall rating, with a stellar four-star rollover rating—a common weak spot for tall crossovers. Genesis also includes a safe exit warning that alerts passengers to oncoming cyclists or cars when doors open. That human-centered feature reflects an understanding that crashes can happen off the road as easily as on it. With its blend of style, comfort, and tech, Genesis proves that safety doesn't have to feel clinical.
Honda HR-V
Compact crossovers, such as the Honda HR-V, are popular among urban and suburban drivers. Honda Sensing, the suite of safety and driver-assist technologies, is standard across the lineup. In 2025 IIHS testing, the HR-V achieved Good ratings in all crashworthiness categories. Its collision mitigation braking system even detected pedestrians at night, well beyond the typical detection range. A Chicago mom shared that the HR-V's lane-keep assist made her daily commute less stressful, especially on snowy mornings when lane markers were buried under slush. The NHTSA rates the HR-V five stars overall, acknowledging its robust roof strength—a factor that protects occupants in rollover accidents. Honda's decision to include adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition in even the base trim shows a commitment to broad access to safety. For small families or solo commuters, the HR-V offers peace of mind without a luxury price tag.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6
Hyundai broke new ground with the Ioniq 5, and its sedan sibling, the Ioniq 6, continues that momentum in 2025. IIHS recognized both models as Top Safety Pick+ thanks to standard forward collision-avoidance and pedestrian detection systems. Hyundai SmartSense also offers safe-exit assist, which prevents rear passengers from opening doors into oncoming traffic. In Norway, one Ioniq 5 driver told me how the car braked automatically when a crosswalk ad appeared too late. NHTSA awarded the Ioniq 6 five stars overall, applauding its advanced curtain airbags that deploy faster than industry norms. These EVs also include a multi-collision brake system that stops the car if a secondary impact is imminent. That feature makes a difference in dense urban centers where accidents often involve multiple vehicles. If you're eyeing an electric vehicle that prioritizes safety, both Ioniq models deserve serious consideration.
Kia Telluride
The Telluride has been a crowd-pleaser since its 2020 debut, and 2025 brings further safety refinements. IIHS once again named it a Top Safety Pick+ for its excellent crash avoidance and strong crashworthiness. Its Highway Driving Assist pairs lane-keeping with stop-and-go adaptive cruise control for relaxed road trips. A family friend in Toronto recounted how the Telluride braked for a jaywalker stepping off a curb too quickly on Queen Street. NHTSA's five-star ratings emphasize the vehicle's solid roof structure, which helps limit cabin intrusion in the event of a rollover. Kia offers an available safe-exit warning that uses radar to detect cyclists, another example of real-world foresight. Its attention to passenger safety extends beyond technology: the Telluride's high-strength steel construction and multiple airbag layers create a cocoon of protection.
Mazda CX Series
Mazda continues to refine safety through engineering rather than relying solely on electronics. The CX-5 and CX-50 earned IIHS Top Safety Pick honors in 2025 thanks to their precise crash structures and excellent headlights. Their Smart Brake Support system applies full braking when a collision is predicted based on radar information. A California enthusiast shared with me a harrowing experience when Smart Brake Support prevented her CX-5 from striking a stalled electric vehicle in Diablo Canyon. The NHTSA awarded both models four stars overall, with a slight deduction in rollover tests, a common occurrence for compact SUVs. Mazda's focus on chassis rigidity and a human-machine interface that displays warnings reduces driver confusion. If you appreciate mechanical excellence combined with thoughtful safety features, the CX series offers an engaging yet secure drive.
Tesla Model S
The Model S remains a safety flagship in the EV world. NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, citing its exceptionally low center of gravity and robust battery pack crash structure. IIHS granted commendable ratings for its front crash avoidance, even auto-braking for stationary objects at highway speeds. Owners report that Tesla's Full Self-Driving Beta alerted them to emergency vehicles approaching from behind—a feature still rare in 2025. A driver in Miami credited Model S's side-collision warning for preventing a scrape during a tight garage exit. Over-the-air updates continue to refine these safety systems long after they are purchased. While some controversy surrounds the legality of fully autonomous modes, the core safety hardware and software earned real-world acclaim and high crash-test scores. For tech-savvy buyers who prize cutting-edge protection, the Model S raises the bar.
Conclusion
Choosing a vehicle in 2025 means balancing design, performance, and, above all, safety. From family-oriented SUVs like the Telluride to trail-ready pickups like the F-150 Lightning, manufacturers are pushing the envelope in collision prevention and occupant protection. Luxury models like the Audi Q7 and Genesis GV80 lead the way with advanced crash avoidance and sturdy structures. Meanwhile, compact crossovers and EVs bring these innovations to drivers on tighter budgets. Real-world stories—from encounters with deer to jaywalkers—underscore how these systems perform when it matters. As you shop for your next ride, focus on crash-test ratings, available driver-assist packages, and the experiences of actual drivers. After all, the best safety features are the ones you never have to test for real.
