When it comes to selecting a vehicle, preferences vary widely. Some buyers focus on financial considerations like cost or fuel efficiency, while others prioritize spacious interiors, cutting-edge technology, or sleek designs. However, one factor stands above the rest: safety. Regardless of how stylish or feature-packed a car might be, its value diminishes significantly if it fails to protect its passengers in an accident.
As leading collision repair experts in Kansas City, we’ve witnessed firsthand the aftermath of countless accidents. This experience underscores the importance of prioritizing vehicle safety. To guide you in making an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of 2024’s safest cars, SUVs, and trucks. These vehicles are backed by rigorous safety evaluations conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Decoding IIHS Safety Awards
The IIHS has been awarding its Top Safety Pick honors for nearly two decades. These awards reflect a vehicle’s performance in crashworthiness and crash prevention tests. Cars undergo rigorous evaluations, receiving ratings of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.
For 2024, vehicles vying for Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ status were assessed across five key categories:
- Small overlap front crash tests – Simulating a collision with a narrow object like a tree or pole.
- Moderate overlap front crash tests – Evaluating the impact of larger frontal collisions.
- Side crash tests – Measuring protection during side impacts.
- Headlight performance – Ensuring visibility and safety in low-light conditions.
- Pedestrian front crash prevention – Assessing a vehicle’s ability to avoid hitting pedestrians.
Vehicles excelling in these categories offer robust protection for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. With this framework in mind, let’s explore the standout performers in 2024.
Cars with Exceptional Safety Ratings
2024 Toyota Prius
Known for its eco-friendly credentials, the Toyota Prius surprises as a Top Safety Pick+ winner. It achieved Good ratings in small overlap, moderate overlap, and side crash tests. Although the updated moderate overlap test resulted in an Acceptable score, its performance remains impressive. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system enhances frontal crash prevention, earning a Good rating in that category. Additionally, its rear child seat anchors received a Good+ rating, making it an excellent choice for families.
2024 Honda Accord
Honda’s Accord continues its legacy of safety excellence, securing Good ratings across all IIHS testing categories. Its superior headlights ensure reliable visibility in all conditions, enhancing its appeal. With decades of safety accolades, the Accord remains one of the most trusted choices for drivers seeking a dependable, secure sedan.
2024 Hyundai IONIQ 6
Proving that electric vehicles can compete on safety, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 earned the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ rating. Its performance in the pedestrian frontal crash prevention test stands out, thanks to advanced driver-assistance systems and high beam assist. As a sibling to the IONIQ 5, it sets a high standard for EV safety.
The Safest SUVs for Families and Everyday Drivers
2024 Honda HR-V
Honda’s HR-V shines as one of the safest crossovers in its class. It earned Good ratings in small overlap, moderate overlap, and side crash tests. Standard across all trims, the Collision Mitigation Braking System bolsters frontal crash prevention. The HR-V’s compact size and excellent safety scores make it a versatile and family-friendly choice.
2024 Nissan Pathfinder
Designed with families in mind, the Nissan Pathfinder excels in safety. Its standard automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection ensures ample stopping distance to prevent collisions. Child seat anchor options include two in the second row and one in the third row, earning it a Good+ rating for child safety. With the capacity to transport up to eight passengers securely, the Pathfinder is a top choice for large families.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Following a redesign, the Jeep Grand Cherokee reclaims its status as a safe and reliable SUV. While it fell short in the updated moderate overlap test, its robust safety cage and structural integrity earned Good ratings in other crash categories. Combining rugged capabilities with modern safety, the Grand Cherokee is an excellent all-around vehicle.
2024 Subaru Ascent
With its family-focused design, the Subaru Ascent stands out as one of the safest SUVs on the road. It achieved a perfect score in the small overlap test and near-perfect results in moderate overlap and side impact tests. Subaru’s EyeSight crash prevention technology and four LATCH anchor positions make the Ascent a favorite among parents and safety-conscious drivers alike.
Trucks and Minivans Offering Top Safety
2024 Toyota Sienna
Minivans are a staple for families, and the Toyota Sienna delivers exceptional safety features. It earned Good ratings in small overlap and side crash tests, and its headlights and high beams performed reliably. The Sienna also received a Good+ rating for its LATCH system, offering six locations for car seat installation, making it one of the safest minivans available.
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Hyundai’s compact pickup truck, the Santa Cruz, is the only vehicle in its category to win a Top Safety Pick award in 2024. It achieved Good ratings across all crash tests and earned high marks for headlight performance, showcasing its blend of functionality and safety.
2024 Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra stands out as the only non-electric large truck to secure multiple Top Safety Pick awards in 2024. Both its crew cab and extended cab variants earned Good ratings in crashworthiness tests. Most trims also received high marks for headlight quality, ensuring reliable performance in all lighting conditions.
Why Safety Ratings Matter
Safety ratings provide crucial insights into a vehicle’s ability to protect passengers during an accident. The IIHS conducts rigorous evaluations to simulate real-world collisions, offering an objective measure of crashworthiness and prevention technologies. Choosing a car with a strong safety rating not only safeguards passengers but also reduces the likelihood of severe injuries in accidents.
As vehicles incorporate advanced driver-assistance systems and stronger structural designs, safety continues to improve across all categories. From compact cars to large trucks, the 2024 lineup showcases impressive advancements in crash prevention and occupant protection.
Safety should always be a top consideration when purchasing a vehicle. The IIHS’s Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ ratings provide valuable guidance, highlighting vehicles that excel in crashworthiness and prevention.
Whether you’re in the market for a compact car, a family-friendly SUV, or a robust truck, 2024 offers plenty of options with exceptional safety features. From the efficient Toyota Prius and reliable Honda Accord to the rugged Toyota Tundra and versatile Subaru Ascent, these vehicles prioritize occupant protection without compromising on style or performance.
By selecting a vehicle with proven safety credentials, you invest in peace of mind for yourself and your passengers, ensuring that every journey is as secure as possible.