Test Ratings Guide and Top Picks
Safety matters most when you are choosing a pre owned vehicle. This guide to used cars with best crash test ratings explains how national safety scores work and how to use them to compare vehicles by year, trim, and features. We translate IIHS and NHTSA results into easy steps so you can quickly spot five star performers and Top Safety Pick standouts in our Used Inventory. You will also find model suggestions across body styles, tips to verify airbags and advanced driver assistance systems, and links to helpful research on our Research Hub and Blog. If you want more safety specific options, explore curated lists like Safest Used Cars and Used Cars With Best Safety Ratings. Use this page to make a confident, informed choice that prioritizes crash protection for you and your passengers.
Every budget and lifestyle is different, so we include guidance for families, commuters, students, and winter drivers, plus links to practical tools. Estimate affordability in Payment Options, check your equity in Value My Trade, and plan an on road evaluation in Schedule a Test Drive. You can also review store details in Locations or send questions through Contact Us for personalized help.
What best crash test ratings really mean
Two independent programs set the standard for crash safety in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration runs the 5 Star Safety Ratings program, which evaluates frontal, side, and rollover performance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety runs its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus awards, built from a wider set of tests that include moderate and small overlap frontal crashes, side impacts, roof strength, head restraints, and often headlights and crash prevention technology.
When this page says used cars with best crash test ratings, it points to vehicles that earned either a 5 star overall NHTSA score, a Top Safety Pick designation, or both, depending on model year and equipment. Trim level and options matter. A car may only earn a Top Safety Pick when it has specific headlights or a particular front crash prevention system. Always verify the exact year, trim, and safety options on the vehicle you are considering.
How to read and apply safety scores to a specific used car
- Match the year and body style. Ratings change with redesigns and mid cycle updates. Confirm the generation and model year on the window label and VIN.
- Check required equipment. Some ratings apply only when the car has certain headlights or an advanced safety package. Ask for a feature list and look for options like adaptive headlights or automatic emergency braking.
- Verify airbag coverage. Side curtain, front seat side, and knee airbags can vary by trim. Inspect pillars and seat tags and confirm in the owner manual or build sheet.
- Review recalls and fixes. Search for open recalls and completed repairs. See our Used Vehicles With Lowest Recall Rates and How To Check Used Car History.
- Confirm ADAS operation. Road test lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Calibrations after windshield or bumper work are important.
For more step by step help, use the Used Car Inspection Checklist and Used Car VIN Check Guide.
Top used models known for excellent crash test performance
The models below have a strong track record of high safety scores in many recent years. Always confirm the exact rating for the year and trim you are considering.
Midsize sedans
- Honda Accord many years earned Top Safety Pick or Plus with Honda Sensing and specific headlights.
- Toyota Camry consistent five star and Top Safety Pick results with Toyota Safety Sense and proper headlamps.
- Subaru Legacy standard all wheel drive and strong IIHS performance across recent generations.
Compact sedans and hatchbacks
- Mazda3 frequent Top Safety Pick Plus with i Activsense features and good headlights on certain trims.
- Honda Civic select years and trims earn top IIHS and NHTSA scores with Honda Sensing.
- Toyota Corolla many years with Toyota Safety Sense and strong side impact results.
Small and midsize SUVs
- Mazda CX 5 often Top Safety Pick Plus with specific headlights and crash prevention.
- Honda CR V multiple five star years with active safety packages.
- Subaru Forester strong structure, standard all wheel drive, and top crash results on many years.
- Toyota RAV4 recent generations commonly earn high marks with Toyota Safety Sense.
Three row SUVs and family haulers
- Toyota Highlander many Top Safety Pick years with equipped headlights and safety systems.
- Honda Pilot strong performance in several recent model years with Honda Sensing.
- Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride early model years often earn Top Safety Pick with proper headlights and crash prevention.
Minivans
- Honda Odyssey strong crash scores and available advanced driver aids in many years.
- Toyota Sienna consistent high ratings with Toyota Safety Sense and available all wheel drive in newer years.
Pickup trucks
- Ford F 150 2015 and newer aluminum body generation and later often show strong crashworthiness with optional safety tech.
- Ram 1500 2019 redesign and newer with advanced safety features and improved crash performance.
Hybrid and electric cars
- Toyota Prius later generations often earn high marks and include robust driver assistance features.
- Several modern EVs and hybrids deliver excellent crash protection thanks to rigid structures and low centers of gravity. Confirm the exact rating for the year and trim you shop.
Safety features that influence ratings and real world protection
Crash test ratings start with structure and restraint systems, then build on technology. Focus on features that help you avoid a crash and protect you if one happens.
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection can reduce impact speeds or prevent a front crash.
- Lane keeping assist and lane departure warning reduce road edge and sideswipe crashes.
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert helps in merges and parking lots.
- Airbag coverage front, side, curtain, and knee plus seat belt pretensioners and load limiters improve occupant protection.
- Headlights with good IIHS ratings can improve night visibility and reduce crashes. Trims can differ here.
To compare trims and options, visit our Research Hub or read deep dives on segments like Best Used Family Cars, Best Used 3 Row SUVs, and Best Used Sedans.
Budget friendly choices with high crash safety
You do not need a luxury budget to buy a safe car. Many compact and midsize models with strong ratings can be found at affordable prices. Explore price focused guides to narrow the search.
- Best Used Cars Under 15000 for compact sedans and small SUVs with strong safety content.
- Best Used SUVs Under 20000 including many Top Safety Pick candidates by year and trim.
- Best Used Cars Under 20000 for a mix of sedans, hatchbacks, and crossovers with smart features.
Special cases: teens, winter drivers, and long commuters
The safest choice also depends on who is behind the wheel and where the car will live. For new drivers, prioritize predictable handling, strong crash results, and electronic stability control. For winter states, look for vehicles with top scores plus all wheel drive and good ground clearance. For long distance commuters, aim for top safety ratings, comfortable seats, and helpful driver assistance.
- See Best Used Cars For Teens for slower, safe, and affordable picks.
- Explore Best Used Vehicles For Winter Driving and Best Used Cars For Snow for traction focused options.
- For daily highway travel, start with Best Used Commuter Cars and Best Used Cars For Long Commutes.
How to validate a safe choice during your in person visit
- Inspect for prior crash repairs. Look for overspray, uneven panel gaps, and airbag covers that appear replaced. Use our Used Car Inspection Checklist.
- Confirm tire condition and matching brands. Fresh, matched tires with proper load and speed ratings improve stopping and stability.
- Test advanced driver aids. With the salesperson present, verify that forward collision warning, adaptive cruise, and lane keeping assist behave as expected without nuisance alerts.
- Check child seat readiness. Review LATCH anchor locations and rear door child locks if the vehicle will carry kids. Compare picks in Best Used Family Cars.
Ownership costs and reliability alongside safety
A safe car is best when it is also reliable and affordable to maintain. Cross check candidate models with resources like Most Reliable Used Cars, Used Cars With Lowest Cost Of Ownership, and Used Cars With Lowest Maintenance Costs. Insurance can vary by trim and safety equipment. To compare options, review Best Used Cars With Low Insurance Costs. If you want to understand market context while you shop, visit Used Car Market Trends and Used Car Price Trends.
Where to continue your research
When you are ready to see options in person, browse Used Inventory. For transparency and learning, visit our About Us, meet the team in Meet Our Staff, or read ownership tips on the Blog. If you prefer contact details first, go to Locations or Contact Us. You can also review our Privacy Policy, Terms, and Visitor Agreement.
Helpful resources
- Explore curated safety lists: Safest Used SUVs, Safest Used Trucks, Used Cars With Best Safety Ratings.
- Compare for families and travelers: Best Used 3 Row SUVs, Best Used Cars For Road Trips.
- Learn process basics: How To Buy A Used Car, What To Look For When Buying A Used Car, How To Negotiate A Used Car Price.
Frequently asked questions about used cars with best crash test ratings
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