For American car buyers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 5-Star Safety Rating and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards are the gold standards.
However, not all 5-star ratings are created equal. NHTSA’s overall score can sometimes mask weaker performance in specific crash tests or, more commonly, overlook the critical importance of crash avoidance features.
A truly safe vehicle needs a fortress-like structure and the intelligent systems to avoid the crash in the first place. Here, we dissect five vehicles that represent the pinnacle of modern crash protection and five where the 5-star rating comes with significant caveats.
The Gold Standard: Uncompromising 5-Star Protection
n a market saturated with safety claims, the term “5-star rated” can be diluted. The true leaders, however, distinguish themselves through a commitment to excellence that leaves no detail to chance.
The following vehicles represent the “gold standard” because their safety is not a mere feature, but a core design principle.
They go beyond the basic government score by achieving the highest possible accolades from independent safety watchdogs, demonstrating superior performance in crash tests and offering a sophisticated layer of standard driver-assist technology that sets them apart from the pack.
Also Read: 5 Engines That Handle Stop-and-Go Traffic vs 5 That Break Early
2024 Mazda CX-90
First, consider the 2024 Mazda CX-90, which is not just 5-star rated but also an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+. It aced all crashworthiness tests, including the difficult updated side-impact test, and earns superior ratings for its standard front crash prevention systems.
Mazda has engineered the CX-90 with a mission to move upmarket, and safety is its cornerstone, featuring a standard i-Activsense suite and a structure designed to manage crash energy with exceptional efficiency for all three rows of occupants.
The Mazda CX-9 crossover, now discontinued, had long been a favorite among our staff; however, the larger and more premium 2024 CX-90 three-row SUV has moved the company’s biggest SUV further up the luxury mountain.
Mazda’s premium ambitions are clearly evident here, with the highest-grade versions of this three-row, eight-seater vehicle offering a greater number of luxury features than the brand’s current assortment of SUVs.
The CX-90 is a new nameplate for the Mazda brand that replaces the CX-9 for the 2024 model year.
The CX-90 is the first Mazda vehicle to utilize a new turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine that is augmented by a 48-volt hybrid system. Mazda states the powertrain is good for 280 horsepower in non-S trims and 340 in S trims.
An inline-six-cylinder engine is a hallmark of SUVs such as the BMW X5 and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, signaling Mazda’s desire to move its brand even more toward the premium end of the market.
All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and, much like the rest of the Mazda SUV lineup, the CX-90 has all-wheel drive standard. During our initial test drive, we sampled the top-spec S model, which offered plenty of power for city and highway driving.
The 340-hp inline-six is particularly smooth, but we weren’t satisfied with the lagginess of the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and found it best to let the eight-speed automatic shift for itself.
At our test track, the CX-90 with the inline-six hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds but exhibited some unrefined sounds that didn’t match the engine’s otherwise smooth-running nature.
Nonetheless, it delivered refined road manners with the athleticism Mazdas are known for. We have signed up a CX-90 Turbo S for long-term duty, and intend to find out how it holds up to 40,000 miles of road trips, grocery runs, school field trips, and home improvement errands.
2024 Genesis G90
Another standout is the 2024 Genesis G90, a flagship luxury sedan that holds a 5-Star NHTSA rating and the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. It receives top marks in every crash test, and its standard front crash prevention system is rated “Superior.”
The G90 is a rolling showcase of Hyundai Motor Group’s safety technology, coming standard with 10 airbags, a Highway Driving Assist II system, and a meticulously designed body structure that creates a survival cell for passengers.
Having undergone a complete redesign just last year, the 2024 Genesis G90 continues its tenure as the automaker’s flagship and most luxurious sedan.
Its exterior styling shares a family resemblance with the G80 sedan and GV80 SUV, mainly through its distinctive stacked headlamps and a modified pentagonal grille, yet the G90 maintains several unique design elements to signify its top-tier status.
Motivation comes from a 375-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6, though a high-output 409-horsepower version, which adds an electric supercharger to the turbochargers, is available for buyers seeking maximum thrust.
Unexpected amenities include an onboard fragrance diffuser, capable of filling the cabin with a relaxing scent, while a complementary air purifier works to prevent external odors from filtering inside.
The G90 provides a ride-and-handling balance worthy of an executive sedan, though its chassis tuning is marginally less sharp than the finest offerings from Europe. Despite this, we saw fit to add it to our 2024 Editors’ Choice list.
The price of the 2024 Genesis G90 starts at $90,450 and goes up to $100,750 depending on the trim and options.
A significant price increase accompanied the G90’s 2023 redesign, yet it still manages to undercut European competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz S-class and most BMW 7-series models.
Furthermore, both G90 variants come fully equipped, making exterior and interior colors the primary considerations for buyers. The principal decision for a G90 purchaser is whether to opt for the more powerful turbocharged and supercharged version or to remain with the base model.
Naturally, we would select the latter. The approximate $10,000 upcharge represents about 10 percent of the total purchase price, which in this ambitious segment is a remarkable deal.
With the previous G90’s 5.0-liter V-8 engine no longer available, the 2024 model is equipped with a twin-turbo V-6 offered in two states of tune: 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque in the base version, and 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet in the E-supercharged model.
The latter employs an electric supercharger and a 48-volt hybrid system to generate the additional power. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
With the higher-output engine under its hood, the G90 rocketed to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, an impressive feat for such a substantial sedan. Having all 405 pound-feet of torque available from a low 1300 rpm makes quick work of maneuvering the G90’s heft around town.
Also Read: 9 Engines Fleet Managers Swear By for 400,000-Mile Service
2024 Subaru Outback
The 2024 Subaru Outback is a perennial safety leader, boasting a 5-Star NHTSA rating and the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. It has excelled in crash tests for years, including the challenging passenger-side small overlap front test.
Subaru’s commitment to safety is core to its brand, with every Outback coming standard with the acclaimed EyeSight driver assistance technology and the added active safety of standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive.
Shoppers in the midsize crossover segment appear undeterred by the 2024 Subaru Outback’s unconventional form factor; it is plausible that its distinctive high-riding wagon shape is a central part of its enduring appeal.
Subaru first introduced the Outback in the mid-1990s, and this unique vehicle has since become one of the brand’s best-selling models. The inclusion of standard all-wheel drive further solidifies its adventurous and versatile reputation.
The current generation Outback went on sale for the 2020 model year and received a comprehensive refresh for 2023. Consequently, the changes for the 2024 model year are minimal.
It is little surprise that the Outback remains such a popular model for Subaru. Stylistically, its wagon-like body is a refreshing departure from its more hulking SUV competitors.
This form factor enables a versatile interior with a generous amount of space for both people and cargo. The combination of standard all-wheel drive and a host of safety features further enhances the Outback’s value proposition.
From a driving perspective, the 2024 Outback is about as inoffensive as it is inspiring. Perhaps its best dynamic attribute is its ride quality, which does a superb job of smoothing out road chatter and minor imperfections.
The standard engine can feel somewhat pokey, though it is adequate for daily tasks, and a more powerful turbocharged option is available for those seeking greater performance.
Regardless of the choice, both engines produce a fair amount of vibration, a characteristic not improved by the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Inside the cabin, despite the large infotainment touchscreen’s modern and impressive presentation, it absorbs too many functions that would be easier and more intuitive to operate as physical controls.
Furthermore, while Subaru’s driver-assist technology generally functions well, its excessive caution and propensity to issue audible alerts can become irksome over time. Ultimately, though, these criticisms are largely nitpicks.
The Outback’s remarkable breadth of capability, combined with its undeniable adventurous spirit, makes it an easy crossover to recommend to a wide range of buyers.
2024 Tesla Model Y
The 2024 Tesla Model Y has achieved a 5-Star NHTSA rating in every category and sub-category, a rare feat. Its low center of gravity from the floor-mounted battery makes it exceptionally resistant to rollovers.
The rigid, fortified battery pack and the absence of a large engine block create a uniquely strong passenger cage, while its standard Active Safety Features use a sophisticated suite of cameras and sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Finally, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, engineered specifically for the North American market, earned a 5-Star Overall NHTSA rating and is an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+. It performs excellently in all crash tests, and its standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system earns high marks.
Toyota designed this three-row SUV with family safety as a priority, reinforcing its structure to protect third-row occupants and including a comprehensive suite of standard features like Proactive Driving Assist.
5-Star Ratings with Important Caveats
While the previous vehicles set the benchmark for safety, a 5-Star Overall rating from NHTSA does not automatically guarantee universal or best-in-class protection. The following vehicles serve as a crucial reminder for buyers to look beyond the top-line score.
In this category, the prestigious rating often comes with significant qualifications, whether it’s a configuration-specific result that doesn’t apply to all models, a lack of testing from the more stringent IIHS, or the dangerous omission of standard crash-avoidance technology.
Understanding these nuances is essential, as they reveal the potential compromises hidden behind an otherwise impressive badge, ensuring your investment is as safe in reality as it appears on paper.
2024 Jeep Wrangler
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler holds a 5-Star Overall NHTSA rating, but this is misleading as it received only 4 stars in the critical Frontal Crash test.
Its IIHS rating is poor, with marginal scores in the driver-side small overlap test, revealing that its off-road-focused design, with solid front axles and a body-on-frame construction, is not optimized for modern crash energy management like unibody crossovers.
This represents a broad pricing spectrum, where the base Sport trim caters to off-road purists on a budget, while the top-tier Rubicon 392 is engineered for all-terrain performance enthusiasts.
For buyers seeking to stay true to the Wrangler’s simple roots while maintaining a price point toward the lower end of the range, we would recommend starting with the two-door model, which comes standard with a removable cloth top.
Beyond that, we would specify the 270-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for its 295 pound-feet of torque, which offers 35 pound-feet more than the standard V-6.
This four-cylinder engine also comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, a powertrain combination that should provide low-stress performance during trail driving.
The standard 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 from the previous-generation Wrangler carries over under the hood of the current JL model and can be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is available as an option and teams up with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to provide additional low-end power.
Beyond the standard V-6 and the optional turbocharged four-cylinder, the Wrangler is also offered with a 3.6-liter V-6 paired with a plug-in hybrid system (4xe), a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6, and a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter V-8 in the Rubicon 392 model.
Wranglers are born off-road ready, so part-time four-wheel drive is standard across the entire model range and is typically controlled by a lever on the center console.
Although its on-road handling has improved over generations, it remains trucklike in comparison with today’s more refined SUVs and pickups. The ride in the four-door model is acceptably smooth over rough surfaces, but we noted inconsistent braking distances between our different test vehicles.
2024 Nissan Frontier
The 2024 Nissan Frontier boasts a 5-Star Overall NHTSA rating, but this applies specifically to the crew cab 4×2 model. More importantly, it has not yet been rated by IIHS, leaving its performance in more rigorous tests unknown.
In a segment where competitors have earned IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK awards, this lack of data is a significant red flag for a buyer seeking the best possible protection.
2024 Chevrolet Trax
The new, affordable 2024 Chevrolet Trax has a commendable 5-Star Overall NHTSA rating, but the caveat lies in its standard equipment. Key active safety features like Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking are not standard on the base LS trim.
This means a buyer on a tight budget might unknowingly purchase a version that lacks crucial crash-avoidance technology, which is a major compromise.
The newly redesigned Chevrolet Trax has gained significant space and size, delivering even greater value than its predecessor. Its dazzling exterior redesign and enhanced suite of safety features dramatically improve upon what was once a dreary subcompact offering.
Every Trax is configured with front-wheel drive and is powered by a 137-horsepower turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It borrows this powertrain from the smaller Trailblazer, while its bold styling inspiration is drawn from the mid-size Blazer.
This new-generation Trax offers more rear legroom and cargo space than the model it replaces, and, in an unusual move, its starting price is actually lower.
Positioned as one of the most affordable crossovers on the market today, behind only the subcompact Kia Soul and Hyundai Venue, the Trax is a wise choice for buyers seeking to maximize their budget.
After a brief hiatus, the Chevy Trax returns to the market with more standard features than before. Completely new inside and out, the Trax sits on a longer wheelbase, resulting in more rear legroom and increased cargo capacity.
For this generation, the Trax is offered in five distinct trim levels rather than just two. Chevrolet has equipped it with the 137-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder from the Trailblazer, which gives the new Trax 18 fewer horsepower than the previous model, a significant reduction from an already modest starting point of 155 ponies.
However, the engine’s torque is delivered low in the rev range, which means the Trax has enough initial power to get off the line with some vitality. Despite this, its overall acceleration is ultimately limited by the sluggish response of its conventional transmission.
2024 Ford Mustang
The 2024 Ford Mustang holds a 5-Star Overall NHTSA rating, but its IIHS ratings are mixed. While it earns “good” scores in most crash tests, its headlights are rated “Marginal” or “Poor,” preventing it from earning any IIHS safety award.
For a sports car often driven at night, subpar headlights are a major safety compromise, as a driver cannot avoid what they cannot see.
The arrival of an all-new Mustang heralds a fresh era for the American performance pony car. The 2024 Mustang debuts with new engines, refreshed styling, and a significant infusion of modern technology.
Still offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, this latest generation carries the internal S650 chassis code, succeeding the previous S550 model. It continues to compete in a segment of gas-powered, rear-drive sports cars that includes the Dodge Challenger and Toyota GR Supra.
The 2024 model year introduces a host of substantial updates. These include newly developed 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 and 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four powertrains.
For driving enthusiasts, an electronic drift brake is included with the available Performance Pack, and overhead USB ports are provided for dash cameras. A novel Remote Rev function on the key fob allows the driver to start and rev the engine from outside the vehicle.
The S650-generation Mustang should not be dismissed as a minor update. While it utilizes an evolution of the previous model’s S550 platform, Ford has undertaken serious work to modernize its iconic car.
The steering, ride quality, and overall handling are markedly improved over the outgoing generation.
Driving enthusiasts will undoubtedly want to equip the Performance package, which adds steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual gear selection, more powerful brakes, a Torsen limited-slip differential, revised suspension spring rates, 19-inch wheels wrapped in summer tires, and the unique electronic drift brake.
It is worth noting that the Mustang convertible lacks the structural solidity of its hardtop counterparts, even though it provides an inimitable open-air driving experience.
When we sampled the new Mustang GT, we were impressed with its composed demeanor on winding canyon roads.
However, our instrumented testing of a 2024 GT manual equipped with the Performance package illustrated that while this latest version is excellent, it does not necessarily outperform past iterations in every metric.
The steering can feel somewhat detached, and an over-reliance on the new central touchscreen for basic functions can be a distraction.
That said, we greatly appreciate the GT’s buttoned-down, controllable nature and the thrilling, howling character of its V-8 powertrain. It delivers a driving experience that is consistently engaging and true to the Mustang formula of the past.
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
Lastly, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage holds a 5-Star Overall NHTSA rating, which is impressive for such a small, inexpensive car. However, the caveat is one of physics and real-world compatibility.
This rating means it protects its occupants well for a vehicle of its size and weight. In a collision with a much larger, heavier vehicle, the occupants of the smaller, lighter Mirage are at a significant physical disadvantage, and its standard safety technology is barebones compared to class leaders.
When shopping for a new vehicle, the NHTSA 5-Star rating is an excellent starting point. But the smartest buyers will dig deeper.
Furthermore, understand the tests by looking at the sub-scores, not just the overall rating, and remember that no rating can completely overcome the laws of physics, as larger, heavier vehicles generally offer more protection in multi-vehicle collisions.
By looking beyond the simple 5-star label, you can make an informed choice that truly prioritizes safety.
