There are many factors to consider when searching for a new vehicle, such as size, design, technology, and performance. Priorities may vary, but safety is one thing that consistently ranks near the top of every list. Whether an individual is searching for a fuel-efficient sedan or a growing family needs a three-row SUV, drivers want the reassurance that their vehicle will keep them protected on the road.
Teen Driver Safety Week takes place October 19-25 and highlights the importance of vehicle and roadway safety. However, safety is worth more than a one-week conversation for young drivers; it should be an everyday focus for all drivers and passengers.
Modern vehicles are loaded with advanced safety features and boast impressive safety ratings, but what does it all mean? We’re here to break down the nuances of vehicle safety and spotlight some of the safest cars, trucks, and SUVs on the road today.
How are Safety Ratings Determined?
Vehicle safety ratings are a resource for drivers to understand what makes a vehicle safe and how it performs during a collision. Several independent organizations assign vehicle safety ratings, but two of the most trusted and recognizable include:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Rates vehicles from one to five stars, with five representing the safest.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): Nonprofit organization that tests a vehicle’s crashworthiness and crash avoidance, recognizing top performers with Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards.
Both organizations conduct strenuous testing to evaluate how well a vehicle protects occupants in various crash scenarios. Additionally, they assess a vehicle’s advanced safety technology and features, from airbags and headlights to blind spot warnings, automatic emergency braking, and much more.
For any buyer who values safety, these ratings are a key point of reference during their decision-making process. Safety ratings are clearly displayed on a vehicle’s window sticker, making it easy to identify models that deliver strong protection and peace of mind.
So, which vehicles rise to the top? Here are recent models with top safety marks.
Trucks
Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra led the way in 2025 as one of the safest pickup trucks on the market, earning a NHTSA Five-Star Safety Rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Equipped with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, the Tundra features an array of driver assist and safety technologies, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and more. Together, these systems work to detect potential hazards, alert the driver, and prevent accidents before they occur.
In the event of an accident, the Tundra provides exceptional protection. Its high-strength steel frame features strategically engineered crumple zones that absorb and disperse impact force, while an advanced airbag system shields passengers throughout the cabin. With proven effectiveness across nearly every test category and notable improvements over previous model years, the Toyota Tundra raises the bar for truck safety.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is well known for its unique features, and its exceptional safety helps drivers enjoy this one-of-a-kind pickup truck. The 2025 Ridgeline earned a Five-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA, thanks in large part to its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. Comprised of a network of frame structures, ACE redirects the energy from a front-facing collision and minimizes the impact on the passenger compartment.
The Ridgeline's impressive safety credentials include Honda Sensing®, a comprehensive suite of safety and assistance features. When activated, Collision and Road Departure Mitigation Systems provide driver alerts with automatic steering and braking assistance when necessary. Plus, three-point seatbelts with automatic tensioning and child safety seat anchors in the rear protect passengers of all shapes and sizes.
SUVS
Honda HR-V
For SUVs, we’ll spotlight a model from the compact, midsize, and large size classifications, starting with the Honda HR-V. With a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and Five-Star NHTSA Safety Rating, this compact SUV provides big-time protection.
Honda is renowned for its commitment to safety across all models, and the HR-V made remarkable strides after a redesign in 2023, achieving outstanding ratings in all crash test categories. Like the previously mentioned Honda Ridgeline, every HR-V is built with the ACE body structure and equipped with Honda Sensing technology. As you move to higher trim levels, more safety features become available. For instance, the EX-L model adds a blind spot detection system, multiple parking sensors, and low-speed braking control. In every driving scenario, the HR-V delivers steady, reliable protection.
Buick Enclave
Safety has improved by leaps and bounds for the Buick Enclave in recent years. After falling short of IIHS recognition in 2024, the Enclave underwent a redesign for 2025, and safety was a clear priority. The updated model shot to the top of the ranks, earning IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors and a Five-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. Crash test results showed notable progress across the board, and models built after January 2025 benefited from upgraded headlights, which helped the Enclave secure the belated IIHS recognition.
When it comes to roadway safety, the Enclave’s philosophy is to perceive, prevent, and protect. HD Surround Vision projects camera views of the area around your vehicle, while front pedestrian braking and lane keep assist detect hazards, initiate alerts, and act when necessary. If an accident does occur, intelligent airbag systems deploy, strategically adjusting direction and inflation levels based on the severity of the collision.
Audi Q7
Due to their sheer size and presence, Large SUVs are often considered some of the safest vehicles on the road. For the Audi Q7, that’s absolutely the case. The IIHS recently introduced more stringent testing criteria for rear-seat passengers during frontal collisions, significantly reducing the number of vehicles earning top marks. To the delight of those who regularly carry multiple passengers, the Q7 prevailed in 2025, securing an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a Five-Star NHTSA Safety Rating.
Contributing to the Q7’s exemplary safety rating is a full suite of driver assistance features. Remote park assist and a 3D top-view camera system help drivers avoid obstacles and maneuver confidently in tight spaces. Meanwhile, Audi pre sense®, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, and cross-traffic and intersection assist provide 360-degree protection. The Audi Q7’s ability to safeguard precious cargo is one of the many reasons it’s a top choice for families
Sedans
Kia K4
Trucks and SUVs might get the most attention for safety, but modern sedans prove that you don’t have to sacrifice protection for compact style and size. The Kia K4 is a prime example, a 4-door sedan with a long list of standard safety systems. These include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection and smart cruise control with stop-and-go capability. Higher trims add even more safety features, such as highway driving assist, LED lighting, blind spot monitoring, and more.
The 2025 K4 initially earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition. However, models produced after January 2025 include design modifications that improved performance in various crash tests, elevating the honor to Top Safety Pick+. The 2025 Kia K4 also earned a Five-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. Blending impressive fuel efficiency with proven safety, the Kia K4 provides peace of mind on any road.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
A brand like Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with luxury and performance in every facet, and safety is no exception. Constructed from a high-strength steel and aluminum body, the C-Class enhances passenger protection while delivering the exceptional performance and refinement expected from such a vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available in four distinct models, each offering varying performance levels and luxurious features, but safety is a priority across the entire lineup. Standard features include Mercedes-Benz Attention Assist®, which monitors driving habits to detect fatigue and suggest breaks from behind the wheel. Additionally, an innovative center airbag positioned between the driver and front passenger improves safety during an accident.
These features are just the beginning; a long list of advanced safety and driver assistance technologies helped the C-Class earn a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, reaffirming its ability to protect its occupants.
The Road to a Safer Drive
Safety should never be a compromise. Whether you’re driving a car, truck, or SUV, your vehicle should always provide the protection and peace of mind you deserve. The models covered here represent just a handful of today’s safety leaders (we’d probably run out of room if we tried to cover them all). Across the automotive industry, manufacturers continue raising the bar and introducing more effective safety systems and technologies.
If you’re ready to find a vehicle that puts safety first, visit HendrickCars.com and explore our nationwide inventory of new and pre-owned models with the latest safety innovations. With limited-time $0 down options, available low interest rates, and payment deferrals until 2026, there’s no better time to find the ride that keeps you safe for every mile ahead.
Find your local Hendrick dealership to learn more!
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