When it comes to choosing a vehicle, prioritizing safety is crucial. Today’s modern cars are designed with advanced safety features aimed at protecting occupants during a collision.
Despite these advancements, the level of protection can vary significantly from one vehicle to another. Therefore, if you’re in the market for a dependable and secure car, it’s vital to choose a model that boasts top crash safety ratings.
Japanese car manufacturers have long been recognized as leaders in both crash test performance and innovative safety technology.
Whether you’re interested in a sedan, an SUV, or a hybrid, this guide will showcase the highest-rated Japanese vehicles known for their outstanding crash safety scores.
Cars With Great Crash Ratings
When it comes to choosing a car, safety is always a top priority. While style, performance, and fuel efficiency are important, nothing matters more than knowing you and your loved ones are protected on the road.
That’s where crash ratings come in. These ratings, determined by rigorous testing and safety protocols, offer valuable insight into how well a car performs in the event of an accident.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best cars on the market that not only shine in performance but also boast top-tier crash safety ratings, giving you peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel. From family-friendly SUVs to sleek sedans, these vehicles are designed to keep you safe when it matters most.
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Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry consistently earns top safety ratings from respected organizations such as the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NCAP (New Car Assessment Program).
This sedan is equipped with a range of advanced safety technologies that provide exceptional protection for both drivers and passengers.
Key safety features include Toyota Safety Sense with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and a high-strength body structure designed to enhance crash absorption.
The 2025 Toyota Camry enters its ninth generation with a fresh redesign that includes updated exterior styling, a reworked interior, and a new lineup of exclusively hybrid powertrains.
Pricing for the 2025 Camry starts at $29,835 and reaches up to $36,035, depending on the trim level and options selected. The base LE trim is priced at $29,835, the SE at $32,135, the XLE at $34,835, and the top-tier XSE at $36,035.
While the starting price is slightly higher due to the hybrid-only lineup, the base LE remains more affordable than the previous generation’s hybrid model. The LE trim offers the highest fuel economy, thanks to smaller wheels, but the SE trim is a better choice for those looking for a sportier feel, as it includes a firmer suspension and more standard features.
It also offers several desirable options, such as a larger infotainment screen and a more powerful all-wheel-drive powertrain. The 2025 Camry Hybrid comes with two available hybrid powertrain options: one for front-wheel drive and another for all-wheel drive.
The front-wheel-drive models feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, generating a combined 225 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive models add a third motor that powers the rear axle, boosting the total output to 232 horsepower.
Both powertrains are mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission, which is similar to the setup found in the Toyota Prius, though with a larger 2.5-liter engine instead of the Prius’ 2.0-liter engine. In initial test drives, the hybrid system provided strong, responsive acceleration around town, especially thanks to the electric motors.
However, no version of the 2025 Camry is as quick as the previous V-6 model, which is missed. The SE and XSE trims feature sportier suspension tuning, with the XSE offering tighter body control in corners, although the steering lacks feedback, which is a drawback.
On the test track, the 2025 Camry XSE AWD accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, faster than the old hybrid model but slower than the Honda Accord Hybrid.
In terms of fuel economy, the most efficient version of the 2025 Camry Hybrid is the LE front-wheel-drive model, which is rated for 53 mpg city and 50 mpg highway, or 51 mpg city and 49 mpg highway with all-wheel drive.
The dashboard is highlighted by a sleek trim piece that stretches from the passenger side to the infotainment display. Standard features include cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear air vents.
The higher trims, XLE and XSE, add leather upholstery, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, acoustic-laminated glass, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and adjustable rear-seat headrests.
For infotainment, the standard display is an 8.0-inch unit, but the SE trim offers a 12.3-inch screen as an option, and this larger screen is standard on the XLE and XSE trims.
Both screen sizes run Toyota’s latest intuitive software interface. All models come with a digitized gauge display, but the top two trims get the larger, fully digital 12.3-inch version. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims, making connectivity seamless.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that offers outstanding crash protection without compromising on fuel efficiency or everyday practicality.
It comes equipped with the Honda Sensing safety suite, which is designed to maximize accident prevention and driver assistance.
Key safety features include adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking, blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert, as well as a rigid frame combined with an advanced airbag system.
The 2025 Honda CR-V is unexpectedly enjoyable to drive, particularly for a mainstream SUV that doesn’t focus on performance. It handles corners with ease and exhibits minimal body roll during the process.
The steering is light yet responsive, providing a good amount of road feedback. The suspension of the CR-V ensures a smooth and comfortable ride over most road surfaces.
Under the hood, the CR-V is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) comes standard on all models.
While front-wheel drive is the base option, all-wheel drive is available. While the engine’s power output may not be overwhelming, it is more than sufficient for daily driving and for accelerating to highway speeds.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2025 Honda CR-V stands out as one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs available. The front-wheel-drive model achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
If you opt for all-wheel drive, these estimates drop slightly to 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Additionally, there is a more fuel-efficient Honda CR-V Hybrid, which is reviewed separately.
Inside, the 2025 CR-V offers a clean, practical interior that’s more functional than flashy. While there are some hard plastics used throughout the cabin, they’re incorporated in a way that doesn’t detract from the overall design. The two-row CR-V accommodates five passengers, and all seats are comfortable, with no bad seats in the vehicle.
Both front and rear passengers will find the seats supportive and comfortable, although the rear seats lack some of the adjustability found in the front. Legroom and headroom are plentiful in the rear, and the reclining second-row seats add to the comfort during long drives.
For cargo space, the CR-V provides a generous 39.3 cubic feet behind the second row. By folding down the rear seats, the total cargo space expands to 76.5 cubic feet, making it one of the roomiest cargo areas in its class.
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a sleek and stylish SUV that excels in both safety and durability. It consistently earns five-star crash ratings thanks to its advanced driver-assist technologies and sturdy chassis design.
Key safety features include Smart Brake Support and pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition and lane-keeping assist, along with side-impact protection provided by reinforced doors.
Mazda doesn’t rely on turbochargers to enhance the performance of its petrol engines. While the CX-5’s 162bhp 2.0-litre e-Skyactiv-G mild-hybrid offers slightly more power than the Nissan Qashqai’s 158bhp engine on paper, you need to work it harder to achieve a respectable pace.
This is because it lacks the low-end torque of turbocharged rivals, making it less flexible and requiring more frequent downshifting to keep up with traffic. However, it remains our favorite engine in the lineup.
The 191bhp 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv-G mild-hybrid petrol engine doesn’t offer a significant performance increase, although it comes with a responsive automatic transmission as standard, which reduces the need for constant gear shifting. Additionally, it features four-wheel drive.
There is also a diesel option available, the 182bhp 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D engine, which provides stronger pulling power than the petrol engines from around 1500rpm and revs freely up to the red line. The 0-62mph time in the manual version is 9.3 seconds.
In terms of suspension and ride comfort, the CX-5 features relatively firm suspension, which can make it feel more jarring over sharp bumps compared to competitors like the Citroën C5 Aircross or the Nissan Qashqai.
However, the CX-5 remains level and composed in most driving situations, with less pitching when handling larger bumps. For the smoothest ride, we recommend opting for the entry-level Centre-Line trim, which comes with smaller 17-inch wheels instead of the 19-inch wheels found on higher trims.
The firmer suspension in the CX-5 has the advantage of improving body control compared to more comfort-oriented rivals, such as the C5 Aircross and Qashqai. The steering is precise and responsive, quicker than you might expect in a vehicle of this size, giving you the confidence to handle it with ease.
However, the relatively low levels of grip can limit how enthusiastically you can push the car, which means the CX-5 isn’t as composed as some of its competitors, like the Kia Sportage or Volkswagen Tiguan.
When it comes to noise and vibration, the CX-5 does a good job of keeping road and engine noise to a minimum, with slightly less wind noise on highways compared to the Qashqai.
The diesel engine can sound a bit rough at low revs, but this quickly fades into the background, and it remains smooth when pushed harder. The brake pedal has a natural response, making it easy to bring the car to a smooth stop.
The six-speed manual gearbox is a highlight, offering a precise, sporty feel similar to the fantastic gearbox in the Mazda MX-5. The automatic transmission, which comes standard with the 2.5-litre petrol and is available as an option with the other two engines, shifts smoothly and efficiently.
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Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is an all-wheel-drive crossover that stands out for its impressive off-road capabilities and outstanding crash safety.
It is a popular option among families and outdoor adventurers who prioritize maximum protection on the road.
Key safety features include EyeSight Driver Assist with adaptive cruise control, advanced rollover protection and stability control, and a strong frame engineered for effective impact absorption.
The standard engine in most Subaru Outback trims is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
While this engine is adequate for everyday driving around town, it struggles with the Outback’s heavy body, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of approximately eight and a half seconds. This is fine for regular driving, but it feels strained and underpowered when the vehicle is loaded or when towing.
On the other hand, the XT trims are equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering a robust 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This upgrades the Outback’s 0-60 time to around six seconds, which is significantly faster.
The top speed is limited to about 117 mph, though this is of little concern in a vehicle like the Outback. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive.
The Outback boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to venture off-road quite effectively, but the Wilderness trim, with 9.5 inches of clearance, is better suited for tougher terrains. When it comes to towing, the base engine can handle 2,700 pounds, although it struggles under the load. The XT trims, however, are capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.
The Outback’s suspension is designed for comfort, making it highly effective at smoothing out bumps and potholes, ensuring a smooth and relaxing ride for passengers, even on rough surfaces.
The cabin remains quiet and peaceful, allowing for stress-free driving both in the city and on highways, as long as you drive at a moderate pace. However, the Outback is less responsive when pushed harder.
While it can manage corners without much lean, it doesn’t feel designed for spirited driving and lacks fun or feedback when navigating twisty roads. The CVT further contributes to this lack of excitement, as it takes time to respond to the driver’s commands.
This issue is even more apparent with the base engine, which often needs to rev loudly up the tachometer to provide sufficient performance, especially when climbing hills or overtaking on the highway. The turbocharged engine, however, offers significantly more power, and the CVT is better able to utilize its mid-range torque, though some turbo lag still remains.
Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is a fuel-efficient compact SUV that consistently earns high marks for crash safety.
It is built to provide a comfortable driving experience while emphasizing passenger protection through a range of advanced driver assistance technologies.
Key safety features include ProPILOT Assist for semi-autonomous driving, rear automatic braking and pedestrian detection, as well as reinforced side-impact crash zones.
The 2025 Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that stands out with its spacious interior, ample cargo space, and impressive fuel efficiency. While it lacks some driving precision and overall comfort, it remains a highly appealing option in its class.
Ranked #7 among small SUVs, the Rogue offers a combined fuel economy of 33 mpg and an affordable $119/month cost to drive, making it a cost-effective choice for many drivers.
Pricing for the 2025 Nissan Rogue starts at $29,980 MSRP, with a national average price of $26,814, based on sales in North Dakota through May 19, 2025.
The Rogue is built with a focus on both functionality and style, featuring a roomy cabin with comfortable front seats and an upscale interior. The large, versatile cargo area further enhances its practicality, making it an excellent choice for drivers who value convenience and utility.
What’s new for 2025 is the addition of the Rock Creek trim, which brings an off-road-oriented design to the Rogue, complete with standard all-wheel drive, 17-inch satin black wheels, all-terrain tires, and reinforced lower-body trim.
This trim, although not aimed at hardcore off-road enthusiasts, adds an extra layer of ruggedness for outdoor lovers. A tubular roof rack with crossbars allows for the transportation of extra gear and accessories.
For those who spend more time on highways, the Rogue now offers the ProPilot Assist 2.1 system, enabling hands-free driving on compatible roads. While drivers must still pay attention to the road, this system makes long highway stretches or heavy stop-and-go traffic much easier to handle.
The 2025 Nissan Rogue is part of the third-generation model, which was initially introduced in 2021. With its combination of comfort, utility, and modern tech features, the Rogue continues to be an excellent choice for a variety of drivers.
Cars That Don’t Inspire Confidence
Euro NCAP is rarely anything but candid when it comes to evaluating car safety. So it’s telling that, in its announcement of the safest cars of 2024, there was no direct mention of the year’s lowest performers.
Still, knowing which models landed at the bottom remains valuable information.
With that in mind, we reviewed the list of 44 vehicles crash-tested by the European safety authority in 2024 to identify the lowest-ranking models.
Below, you’ll find the five vehicles that scored the lowest overall.
That said, it’s important to highlight that each of these vehicles still received a three-star Euro NCAP rating.
Considering the demanding standards of the 2024 testing process, this suggests that none of them are complete failures in terms of safety.
In fact, one of them can even be upgraded to a four-star rating with the addition of an optional safety pack. Read on for more details.
Ford Tourneo Custom
Ford’s large van-based MPV actually performs quite well in terms of child protection.
Euro NCAP generally does not crash-test vans, but since the Tourneo Custom people carrier is built on the Transit Custom platform, this result also provides useful insight into the safety of the UK’s most popular light commercial vehicle.
While it only achieves a three-star rating, Euro NCAP notes that the body structure is strong and stable.
The individual safety segment scores for the Ford Tourneo Custom are 75 percent for Adult Occupant, 86 percent for Child Occupant, 77 percent for Vulnerable Road Users, and 53 percent for Safety Assist.
These figures indicate that the Tourneo Custom offers solid protection for children.
Furthermore, if you choose the Driver Assistance Pack with Navigation, Euro NCAP states the vehicle becomes a four-star car, with improvements in the Vulnerable Road User score to 83 percent and Safety Assist to 62 percent.
Ford Tourneo Courier
Ford’s smaller van-based MPV doesn’t quite match the safety levels of its larger sibling.
Another Ford van-based people carrier with a three-star Euro NCAP rating, the Tourneo Courier unfortunately scores lower in child safety, which is disappointing given that it appears to be a more typical choice for families.
Adult test dummies also performed notably worse, receiving a ‘poor’ rating for head protection in the rear seats.
The individual safety scores for the Ford Tourneo Courier are as follows: Adult Occupant at 62 percent, Child Occupant at 80 percent, Vulnerable Road Users at 81 percent, and Safety Assist at 54 percent.
While the Vulnerable Road Users score stands out positively, the Euro NCAP report highlights a concern: “Analysis of the deceleration of the impact trolley during the test, and analysis of the deformable barrier after the test, revealed that the Ford Tourneo Courier would be a somewhat aggressive impact partner in a frontal collision.”
So, it’s best to avoid being hit by one. Despite this, the vehicle’s practicality and driving experience remain appealing.
Jeep Avenger
Parent company Stellantis should surely be aiming higher than this.
The Jeep Avenger is a typical compact SUV from one of the world’s most recognizable car brands, so it feels somewhat disappointing to find it ranked among the three worst Euro NCAP crash-test performers of 2024.
Here are the individual safety scores for the Jeep Avenger: Adult Occupant at 79 percent, Child Occupant at 70 percent, Vulnerable Road Users at 59 percent, and Safety Assist at 53 percent.
Some issues raised include the absence of systems designed to prevent adult occupants from colliding with each other during a crash and to avoid secondary road collisions.
The vehicle also received several ‘poor’ ratings in child protection and pedestrian impact.
Additionally, pedestrians and cyclists were not well protected by the active safety systems, and the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) received marginal or poor marks. Ouch.
Dacia Duster
It’s no secret that Dacia doesn’t prioritize Euro NCAP scores.Dacia and Euro NCAP have never been the best of friends.
The brand focuses on keeping costs as low as possible, which means it doesn’t invest in the latest safety technologies to the same extent as other manufacturers.
Euro NCAP, on the other hand, has previously assigned low ratings to multiple Dacia models without testing each one individually. So, it’s hardly surprising that the Duster receives only a three-star rating.
The individual safety ratings for the Dacia Duster are as follows: Adult Occupant at 70 percent, Child Occupant at 84 percent, Vulnerable Road Users at 60 percent, and Safety Assist at 57 percent.
Considering Dacia’s general approach to active safety, it’s actually bad news for the Jeep Avenger that the Duster outperforms it in this area.
It’s worth noting that the Duster scores well for child protection, which will be reassuring for family buyers. However, a 70 percent score for adult occupant protection isn’t impressive for a mainstream SUV.
While we appreciate the brand’s straightforward, no-nonsense philosophy, it does come with certain compromises.
Suzuki Swift
According to Euro NCAP, this is the least safe car it tested in 2024. To reiterate, given the rigorous nature of modern Euro NCAP testing, a three-star rating is not necessarily a poor result, especially for a small, deliberately lightweight vehicle.
However, when the 2024 test scores are arranged by rating, the Suzuki Swift ranks lowest among them all.
The Suzuki Swift’s individual safety scores are: Adult Occupant at 67 percent, Child Occupant at 65 percent, Vulnerable Road Users at 76 percent, and Safety Assist at 62 percent. These statistics aren’t very encouraging, particularly the occupant protection scores.
According to the Euro NCAP report, adult occupants are likely to experience significant leg injuries, and the child protection section includes too many poor and marginal ratings for comfort. Additionally, the eCall emergency system fails to meet the testing authority’s standards.
Suzuki has been drawing inspiration from Porsche in recent years, not in terms of rear-engined supercars, but rather in how the new Swift Hybrid has evolved from its predecessor. The changes made to the Swift are subtle, focusing on tweaks and updates to improve upon the existing model. This results in a refreshingly simple small car that remains true to its roots.
You can liken the Swift to the Custard Cream of the small car world. While it’s not the most thrilling option and there are certainly more daring alternatives, the Custard Cream is a dependable, solid choice that doesn’t come with the hefty price tag of fancier options. Similarly, the Suzuki Swift is reliable, straightforward, and affordable.
Visually, the Suzuki Swift clearly builds upon the previous model’s design. The overall shape remains similar, but it has been given a more refined look with a more pronounced grille and a smoother, more rounded bonnet.
Inside, the dashboard is simple and logically arranged. While the materials may feel cheaper compared to competitors like the Renault Clio, the Swift gives off a sense of durability. It features a freestanding touchscreen, simple dials for the driver, and physical climate control switches that are easy to operate while driving.
In terms of space, the Swift offers a surprising amount of room for a small car. Four adults can sit comfortably, though five passengers may feel cramped due to the narrow middle seat.
The boot provides 265 litres of space, which isn’t the largest, but it’s more spacious than that of an MG3, offering enough room for a decent-sized grocery shop.
While the Swift may not be the most refined option in its class, it offers great value for money. The efficient engine helps keep running costs low, making it an affordable choice for those looking to save on fuel.
Under the hood, the Swift features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Although it carries the hybrid badge, its 48-volt mild hybrid system doesn’t allow it to run on electric power alone.
Instead, it acts as an advanced start-stop system, boosting efficiency. The engine helps lower emissions to just 99g/km of CO2 and allows the car to achieve around 60 mpg, making it a very fuel-efficient choice.
However, it’s not a fast car, taking 12.5 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph with an output of 82 horsepower. Despite this, the Swift still feels quick enough behind the wheel. A five-speed manual gearbox comes standard, with a CVT automatic available as an option.
Driving the Swift is an enjoyable experience. While it’s not as fun as a Mini or as refined as a Volkswagen Polo, the Swift’s low weight and sharp steering make it fun to maneuver through corners. However, refinement is one of its weaker points, as wind and road noise are noticeable at higher speeds, and the suspension can be a bit uncomfortable on city streets.
The Suzuki Swift is a straightforward, no-nonsense small car, offering simplicity and honesty in an era of increasingly complex hatchbacks. It might not be the most refined, and the interior feels somewhat budget-oriented, but it’s incredibly cheap to run, affordable to buy, and generously equipped for the price.
If you’re considering the Suzuki Swift, Carwow offers excellent deals on both new and used models. The 2025 Swift has a recommended retail price (RRP) ranging from £19,699 to £22,049, you can save an average of £600. Prices start at £19,099 for a new Swift if paying cash, with monthly payments beginning at £208. A used Suzuki Swift on Carwow starts at £15,490.
