As safety standards become more stringent for 2025, our selection of the year’s safest vehicles is smaller than in previous years. However, there are still plenty of options available that guarantee you’re choosing a modern and secure car.
In response to the increasingly rigorous Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) standards, automakers continue to enhance vehicle safety, and it’s a positive trend we’re pleased to witness.
Safest Cars
In this compilation of the safest cars for 2025, we feature models that have earned a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick award from IIHS, as well as those that have undergone testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and received an overall five-star rating.
5. 2025 Honda Civic
Even Honda’s smallest and most affordable car the iconic Civic comes equipped with an impressive array of safety features. Among these are front automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams.
In terms of safety ratings, all versions of the 2025 Civic Hatchback (with the exception of the unrated Type R version) have earned a five-star overall safety score from NHTSA.
However, in IIHS testing, only the Civic hatchback was awarded the Top Safety Pick+ rating, while the sedan variant received the Top Safety Pick designation.
Is the humble Honda Civic one of the best cars currently available? While it may not be exotic, luxurious, or particularly unique, its overall functionality is simply outstanding.
The Civic provides something for nearly every type of driver. Its design is attractive yet subtle, and the interior strikes a balance between style and practicality.
Those seeking an uncomplicated car will appreciate what the Civic offers, but driving enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either especially in the energetic Civic Si or the extraordinary Type R. The newly introduced hybrid powertrain is excellent, and we would likely choose the Civic Hatchback.
The 2025 Honda Civic is priced between $24,250 and $31,750. This price range reflects the Base MSRP across different trim levels, not including options or additional fees. The Civic is available both as a sedan and a hatchback, offering buyers flexibility depending on their needs.
A notable highlight is the Civic’s strong performance, earning it a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Buyers will find plenty to like, whether it’s the roomy interior, practical design, or the variety of engines offering either excellent fuel economy or sporty performance.
Although it is one of the more expensive models in the compact car class, Edmunds notes that the overall value you get justifies the higher cost.
For 2025, the Honda Civic remains the #1-ranked small sedan out of eight in its class, and it holds a 4.5 out of 5-star rating based on 78 owner reviews. It delivers an impressive 36 mpg combined fuel economy and has a low estimated monthly fuel cost of $109.
If you’re shopping, you can browse 2025 Civic models for sale nationwide, with options to also explore model years from 2020 to 2026. For reference, the LX trim starts at a $25,345 MSRP, but the national average price comes in slightly lower at $23,209.
Among the Civic’s strengths are its sharp handling that makes it fun to drive, the addition of a hybrid powertrain that delivers excellent mpg, spacious seating and cargo capacity, and user-friendly technology features. However, there are some downsides.
Road noise on highways is noticeable, the front seats could use better lumbar support, and pricing is higher compared to many competitors in the segment. The 2025 model year brings several updates. Most notably, a new hybrid powertrain is now part of the lineup.
There’s a refreshed grille and front-end styling, and the top trim level now offers a Google-based infotainment system, marking a shift toward deeper tech integration. These updates continue to build on the 11th-generation Civic platform that was introduced back in 2022.
When it comes to daily ownership costs, estimates based on North Dakota gas prices ($3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded) show the Civic LX will cost about $109 per month to drive, compared to $160 per month for the average midsize car. These estimates assume 15,000 miles driven annually with a 55% city, 45% highway mix.
One of the biggest changes for 2025 is the addition of the Civic hybrid. This new hybrid model delivers 200 horsepower—the same as the Civic Si—but produces 20% more low-end torque.
While the Civic Si still benefits from performance hardware like sport suspension, larger brakes, and a manual transmission, it suggests the hybrid could match it in straight-line acceleration.
Plus, the hybrid boasts an impressive 49 mpg in combined driving. The tradeoff for this new addition is that Honda has discontinued the previously available 180-hp turbocharged engine.
Along with the new hybrid, 2025 models feature subtle design tweaks and a Google-integrated infotainment system, including a voice assistant capable of adjusting vehicle settings.
While the 2025 Civic sets a high benchmark in the compact sedan class, there are several competitors worth considering. The Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla offer strong value propositions and sportier variants that compete directly with the Civic Si and Type R.
The Mazda 3 stands out for its refined interior and sharp handling, while the Kia Forte delivers excellent overall value and a lower price point.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Edmunds’ test team spent a full year living with a Civic Si to better understand its real-world daily performance. Although their long-term test focused on a 2022 model, many of the insights and observations still apply to the current 2025 Civic lineup.
Also Read: 10 Vehicles With Best Long-Term Fuel Economy That Save You Money Year After Year
4. 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6
For 2025, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA five-star overall ratings.
This electric vehicle comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, side and rear cross-traffic alert, front automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beams.
Higher-end models are also equipped with blind-spot view cameras and intersection collision avoidance technology.
Considering its similarities to the Ioniq 5 SUV, it’s no surprise that the Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan proves to be an excellent electric vehicle.
It offers rapid recharging capabilities and provides approximately 300 miles of driving range, depending on the configuration.
When compared to the Tesla Model 3 which does not qualify as one of the safest cars for 2025 the Ioniq 6 stands out by being more comfortable, offering a longer range, charging faster, and delivering an enjoyable driving experience.
However, if given the choice, we would opt for the Ioniq 5 due to its more appealing design, superior interior quality, and additional space.
Since its debut as a 2022 model, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has consistently appeared on our 10Best, Editors’ Choice, and EV of the Year awards lists. It’s attractively styled, value-packed, priced right, and fun to drive. In short, it’s an electric SUV that’s easy to love.
The Ioniq 5 offers both single- and dual-motor powertrains, with outputs ranging from 168 horsepower to 320 ponies. There’s also the high-performance Ioniq 5 N, which packs 641 horsepower and handling to match, although that model is reviewed separately.
The driving range for the Ioniq 5 is decent, with the most efficient model estimated to deliver over 318 miles per charge. However, if you opt for the more powerful 320-hp version, you’ll need to charge more frequently.
Fortunately, the Ioniq 5’s charging times are among the quickest in the industry, making it easier and less time-consuming to juice up during road trips compared to many other EVs.
Its stylish interior is comfortable, packed with tech, and offers more space than rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5 is one of those rare automobiles that fulfills its mission comprehensively, delivering a wealth of strengths but no significant weaknesses.
3. 2025 Mazda 3
Whether configured as a sedan or hatchback, the 2025 Mazda 3 achieves top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.
Every model comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear occupant reminder, and adaptive cruise control.
Though this generation of the Mazda 3 was first introduced in 2019 and may not be the newest option in the compact car category, it continues to be one of the safest and most enjoyable vehicles to drive.
From behind the wheel, the Mazda 3 exhibits a smooth and balanced driving experience. We appreciate the availability of a manual transmission, but we believe a hybrid powertrain would enhance the vehicle further.
The exterior and interior design suggest the car could be priced higher, but the cabin, while stylish, lacks spaciousness and sound insulation.
Additionally, Mazda’s infotainment system falls short compared to those found in newer competitors. Instead of prioritizing sheer practicality, the Mazda 3 is designed for those who value a refined driving experience and elegant design.
Since its introduction in 2019 as part of the fourth generation, the Mazda 3 has stood out as a compelling option in the compact car market.
Available as both a sedan and a hatchback, it may not have the top numbers on paper compared to its competitors, but it excels in key areas, particularly in driving enjoyment and interior quality.
The Mazda 3 offers premium interior design and materials, setting it apart from others in its class, and its confident handling makes it fun to drive. The car is also available with all-wheel drive and features quick acceleration when equipped with the turbocharged engine.
However, some drawbacks include mediocre legroom in the back seat and less cargo capacity compared to other small cars in its category.
For 2025, Mazda has made the entry-level 2.5 S trim available in the hatchback body style and introduced a new Alexa Built-in voice assistant in the 2.5 S Select Sport models and above.
This voice assistant can control the car’s temperature and change radio stations via voice commands, and it can also connect to Alexa-powered smart devices at home. Additionally, Mazda has added over-the-air map updates for the onboard navigation system.
The Mazda 3 competes with several other compact sedans and hatchbacks, including the Honda Civic sedan, Toyota Corolla sedan, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, and Volkswagen Jetta.
For those interested in a hatchback, it rivals the Civic hatchback and Subaru Impreza, as well as high-performance models like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Toyota GR Corolla when comparing to the top trim of the turbocharged Mazda 3.
We spent a year with a 2020 Mazda 3 sedan, and while the non-turbo engine didn’t impress, we were still impressed by its upscale interior and the comfort of its seats. Although some editors noted the stiff ride and limited trunk space, the Mazda 3 remained a fine road-trip companion.
2. 2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
For 2025, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class introduces a center airbag between the front seats and retains its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status. However, it has not been tested by NHTSA.
The standard safety features on the C-Class include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beams, and parking sensors.
Similar to other luxury brands, Mercedes-Benz offers desirable features like lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control as optional add-ons at an extra cost. As always, the C-Class offers a more affordable entry into the Mercedes-Benz brand experience.
It incorporates many of the design elements, technological features, and interior luxuries found in its more expensive counterparts, although some of the interior materials may feel less premium.
In its base configuration, the C-Class emphasizes comfort over sportiness and isn’t particularly engaging to drive. The AMG versions are considerably faster, but their four-cylinder engines don’t offer much excitement. Nevertheless, the C-Class still maintains the feel of a genuine Mercedes-Benz.
These days, Mercedes-Benz’s mid-size executive sedan, known for its Three-Pointed Star, takes a backseat to the GLC and GLE SUVs in terms of popularity, and it often finds itself in close competition with the smaller A-Class range in terms of sales.
The latest (W206) model of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which launched in Australia in 2022, has seen a streamlined range as part of the brand’s shift to an agency model. Along with this change, prices have increased as well.
The Mercedes-Benz C300 Sedan, in particular, remains a premium option in the segment. Priced at $96,900 before on-road costs, it has experienced a $6500 price hike over the last couple of years, pushing its on-road cost well beyond $100,000 before adding any optional colours or packages.
As sedan sales continue to decline, the equivalent GLC300 SUV now costs nearly $10,000 more than this mid-spec C-Class. This raises the question: is this luxury staple still worth considering?
Despite only mild electrification and growing competition from mass-market electric vehicles (EVs) of similar size, the C-Class still has a lot to offer to the typical Mercedes-Benz buyer.
When comparing the C-Class to similarly sized vehicles, you’ll find several competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 6, Mazda 6, BMW i4, BMW i5, and Alfa Romeo Giulia among others.
As for the price of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it has continued to rise. Since the last review of the model, the C300 Sedan on test has increased by another $1000 in the past six months, bringing the base price to $96,900 before on-road costs.
Other models in the C-Class range include the C200 Night Edition ($86,900), C200 ($91,400), and C300 ($96,900).
Additionally, the high-performance variants like the Mercedes-AMG C43 Edition R 4MATIC are priced at $112,600, with the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance 4MATIC+ commanding a hefty $190,900.
This means that, for the C300, you’ll be paying over $100,000 drive-away before considering any optional paint or packages. For reference, its competitor, the BMW 330i, starts with a $4000 advantage at $92,900.
Also Read: 5 Cars That Are Best for Long Drives and 5 That Aren’t
1. 2025 Toyota Camry
The immensely popular Toyota Camry has been fully redesigned for 2025, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation this year. However, as of this writing, it has not yet been evaluated by NHTSA.
The new Camry comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite as standard, which includes front automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, and automatic high-beams.
Additionally, the Proactive Driving Assist feature offers subtle braking and steering adjustments in response to surrounding traffic.
Higher-end models of the 2025 Camry also come with front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and a low-speed hands-free driving assistant designed for traffic jams.
The 2025 redesign of the Toyota Camry brings a fresh look, with a slightly bolder exterior, a tech-packed interior, more engaging driving dynamics, and a standard hybrid powertrain.
However, the new Camry retains all of the qualities that made its earlier generations so popular. It remains a straightforward, reliable, and affordable choice in the midsize sedan segment.
While this may be the best version of the Camry yet, the updates are not so significant as to deter those who are simply looking for a normal, fuel-efficient, and safe vehicle.
The starting price of the Camry has risen slightly, thanks to the new hybrid-only lineup. However, the base LE model is priced lower than the previous-generation hybrid.
Among the four models Toyota offers at launch, the LE boasts the best fuel economy estimates due to its smaller wheels, but we’d recommend opting for the slightly sportier SE.
The SE features a firmer suspension setup, more standard features, and provides many desirable add-ons—such as the larger infotainment screen and the more powerful all-wheel-drive powertrain—as optional extras.
For the 2025 Camry Hybrid, two hybrid powertrains are available: one for front-wheel-drive models and one for all-wheel-drive models.
Front-wheel-drive versions feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 225 horsepower. All-wheel-drive models add a third motor to drive the rear axle, increasing the total output to 232 horsepower.
Both powertrains come with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). These hybrid setups are similar to those found in the Toyota Prius, but with a 2.5-liter gas engine replacing the Prius’ 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
During our initial test drive, we found the hybrid system to be responsive around town, thanks to the strong push from the electric motors. However, none of the 2025 Camry models are as quick as the old V-6 version, which we will miss.
The SE and XSE models feature sportier suspension tuning, which provides tighter body control in the corners, as we noticed during our XSE test drive. That said, we weren’t fans of the steering, as it lacks feedback.
At our test track, the 2025 Camry XSE AWD reached 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, making it quicker than the previous hybrid model, though still not as fast as the Honda Accord Hybrid.
New Cars That Will Crumble
Today, it’s easy to argue that cars have reached a higher standard than ever before. For one, the vehicles available today prioritize storage space more than ever.
Whether we’re talking about sedans, hatchbacks, or SUVs, most of them feature rear seats that fold down with ease, providing a larger cargo area.
At the same time, modern cars are engineered with enhanced safety in mind. A number of advanced safety features have now become standard.
These include rear blind spot detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and many others.
Additionally, there are optional features that offer immediate assistance when needed.In addition to being safer, today’s vehicles are also designed with greater comfort in mind.
They now come with amenities such as heated steering wheels, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and more generous rear legroom, all contributing to a more enjoyable driving experience.
All these impressive advancements suggest that today’s cars are undoubtedly superior to their predecessors, right? Well, not necessarily.
Despite the significant improvements in safety and other features, some cars continue to fall short of expectations.
Rather than surpassing consumer hopes, some models have become a source of frustration and disappointment. Even worse, these vehicles are predicted to degrade within just five years.
5. 2019 Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR represents the automaker’s attempt to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing compact SUV market. Unfortunately, this model has not met expectations.
According to a report from Car Buzz, the sales of the C-HR have consistently fallen short of the anticipated 5,000 units per month.
The C-HR’s market struggles are believed to stem from the fact that it was not originally designed as a Toyota. It was initially intended to be a Scion model, but that plan was eventually abandoned.
Furthermore, the 2019 C-HR has already faced two recalls, one of which addresses issues related to the powertrain.
Toyota’s smallest crossover, the C-HR, made a notable entrance when its striking design arrived at dealer lots in 2018, and it returns for another run. With its low-profile body and available two-tone color options, the C-HR certainly catches the eye.
However, when it comes to performance and practicality, it falls behind some of its competitors. Powered by a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the C-HR sends power to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), though all-wheel drive is not offered.
Toyota has positioned the C-HR as a value-oriented option, equipping it with standard features such as automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
For 2019, the C-HR lineup expands from a single trim to three distinct versions: LE, XLE, and Limited. Each trim offers progressively more equipment and features.
The XLE trim now offers an option for new gray-fabric seats, while the Limited trim comes with leather upholstery in either black or brown, the latter being paired with black-cloth panels.
The Radiant Green Mica exterior color from the previous year has been replaced by a new shade called Blue Flame, and a black-contrasting roof option is now available, which can be paired with body colors such as Silver Knockout Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Blue Flame. Apple CarPlay is now a standard feature across the lineup.
The 2019 Toyota C-HR starts at $22,265, with prices rising up to $27,320 depending on the trim level and options selected. The three available trims are LE, XLE, and Limited, priced as follows: LE at $22,265, XLE at $24,300, and Limited at $27,320.
Among the three trims, the midrange XLE is the best choice, in our opinion. It offers desirable upgrades such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 18-inch wheels, a proximity key with passive entry, blind-spot monitoring, and heated exterior mirrors, all for a modest price increase over the base LE.
Additionally, we recommend adding the Entune Audio Plus package, which includes HD radio with SiriusXM, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and Toyota’s Safety Connect telematics system, which comes with a complimentary three-year trial.
4. 2019 Kia Cadenza
The 2019 Kia Cadenza is a solid sedan, offering a respectable 290 horsepower from its 3.3-liter V6 engine. However, not every aspect of the car is exceptional, particularly its ride quality.
As noted by Consumer Reports, the ride is “not particularly plush.” If you desire leather seats and a more comfortable surface, you’ll need to opt for the higher trim versions, which are priced over $40,000.
Additionally, reviews of the Cadenza highlight its lackluster handling, and another frequent criticism is its disappointing fuel efficiency.
3. 2019 Nissan Titan XD
The 2019 Nissan Titan XD ranks poorly among available pickup trucks. Despite its “extra duty” (XD) label, many reviews have been lackluster, and it has even earned the unfortunate distinction of being labeled as the “worst overall” vehicle among 2019 models by Consumer Reports.
Reviewers have pointed out several disappointments with the Titan XD, notably its diesel powertrain and underwhelming towing capacity.
Additionally, the truck lacks the safety technology found in many comparable models. Perhaps most concerning, its fuel economy leaves much to be desired. For these reasons and more, we recommend considering a different truck for your investment.
2. 2019 Honda Clarity
The 2019 Honda Clarity offers three variants: a plug-in hybrid, an all-electric model, and a fuel cell version. While this may sound appealing, it’s important to note that the 2018 model of the Clarity was subject to a recall in December 2018 due to a significant issue that had previously been problematic.
According to the NHTSA, “The previous software remedy may have been incomplete. As a result, the fuel cell control unit (FC-ECU) may misinterpret a small cell voltage drop, causing the vehicle to have a partial or complete loss of power.” There is a strong possibility that this issue persists in the 2019 model.
Typically, the Clarity runs exclusively on an electric motor that generates 181 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. This electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. A four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 103 horsepower only activates when necessary.
It serves two purposes: extending the driving range when the battery charge is low and providing extra acceleration when the accelerator is pressed beyond a certain point. The combined system output totals 212 horsepower.
In Hybrid Drive mode, the gasoline engine drives a motor-generator to produce electricity, which then powers either the electric motor or recharges the battery pack. In Engine Drive mode, power is transmitted directly from the engine to the front wheels.
The Clarity automatically switches between electric, hybrid, and engine systems based on the driving conditions. However, there are four selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and HV.
In Eco mode, the engine engages later than it would in Sport mode, where it kicks in more readily for a performance boost. Selecting HV mode preserves the battery’s charge, and holding this button for a longer period allows the battery to recharge significantly.
During my daily commute, when the battery was running low, I regained over 26 electric miles before a message appeared, reminding me to plug in if I wanted to extend the electric range.
On the test track, the Clarity accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, with its fastest time achieved in Normal mode. This time is only a tenth of a second slower than the 2017 Volt we tested.
In city traffic or when merging onto highways, the Clarity feels somewhat sluggish when accelerating from a stop, whether in EV or HV mode. However, once you’re already moving, the Clarity becomes significantly more responsive when extra power is needed.
Honda designed the Clarity to maintain the feel of a traditional sedan. The brakes deliver a more confident response than you might expect from a hybrid, although our test team did notice some initial travel before they fully engaged.
The Clarity took 121 feet to come to a complete stop from 60 mph, doing so with good body control and minimal dive. Regenerative braking is smooth and unobtrusive.
Even in Sport mode—despite the name—the steering feels a bit lacking in precision. Testing director Kim Reynolds, who is highly experienced with electric vehicles, described the Clarity’s handling as “benign” during the figure-eight test.
“This car is about efficiency and comfort, not performance,” he remarked. “It behaves itself well enough, which is the main point.”
1. 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
Typically, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD is known for being a reliable pickup truck. However, Consumer Reports has flagged significant “trouble spots” with the 2019 model, including the drive system, steering, and the fuel or emissions system.
In addition, the truck’s onboard comfort has received disappointing reviews. One review on Edmunds criticized the truck’s performance, stating, “Due to excessive driveshaft vibration GM has also LIMITED the max speed to 98mph.
My older truck would beat the brand new one – that’s sad. I’ve resorted to driving this POS around like it has a switch instead of a gas pedal. There is no launch, no power, no tire spin.”