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These are the safest 2023 vehicles you can buy right now

Chris Teague

Chris Teague

car warranty coverage

Updated Monday, July 3, 2023, with new models and FAQ.

Learn more about the small SUVs with the best headlights for 2023 here.

Learn more about the midsize SUVs with the best headlights for 2023 here.

Learn more about the small cars with the best headlights for 2023 here.

Learn more about how the IIHS tests car seat LATCH systems here.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just released its updated list of Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick + award winners for 2023. The organization’s new side crash tests, headlight requirements, and crash prevention evaluations are stricter than before, knocking off many of the vehicles we listed as Top Safety Picks for 2023.

We’ve updated our list to reflect the following updates to IIHS testing methodology:

  • Side crash tests involve 82 percent more force than before, and vehicles must earn an “Acceptable” or “Good” rating for a Plus award
  • Nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention systems must earn a “Superior” score for a Plus award, and an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for daytime systems
  • All vehicle trims’ headlights must earn “Acceptable” or “Good” scores
  • Roof strength and vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention are no longer counted

The IIHs also recently announced new criteria for rear-seat safety. In its test of 13 midsize SUVs, only four earned a “Good” score. Testing involves a child-sized dummy placed in the rear driver’s side seat. On impact, sensors measure the forces exerted on the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and thighs. The IIHS also evaluates how well the seatbelt holds passengers, as some allow the body to slide down. The organization said that, while back-seat safety isn’t diminished by the new test, the results show that automakers have focused on front-seat safety to a much higher degree.

IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2023

The QX60 is all-new for 2022.

2023 Infiniti QX60

Top Safety Pick +

The QX60 is mechanically similar to the Nissan Pathfinder and replicates its excellent performance in crash and safety tests. At the same time, the Infiniti performed better than its Nissan counterpart in headlight tests, as it earned a “Good” score over the Pathfinder’s “Acceptable” rating. Its car seat LATCH system earned the highest “Good +” score.

Standard features are similar to the offering in the Pathfinder as well. The QX60 comes standard with blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, forward collision warnings, parking sensors, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Available kit includes blind spot intervention, traffic sign recognition, driver attention warnings, and more.

2023 Genesis G90

Top Safety Pick +

Genesis is a compelling premium brand that offers fantastic value and vehicles with striking style. The G90 is an excellent flagship luxury sedan, and it’s one of the safest, as it was the only one in its segment to earn a Top Safety Pick +. The only blemish on its otherwise stellar crash test scores was its headlight rating, which landed at “Acceptable.”

The G90 gets a solid list of standard safety features, including forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and lane following assist, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts and collision avoidance, driver attention warnings, parking sensors front/side/rear, and a parking collision avoidance system.

Toyota Camry (Built after January 2023)

Top Safety Pick +

The Toyota Camry made the list of Top Safety Pick + winners under the new rules, earning “Good” scores in every crash test category. Its headlights met the requirement to earn a “Good” or “Acceptable” score, and its crash prevention systems picked up “Superior” scores across the board. The car’s seatbelt reminder system were its only fault, grabbing a Marginal + score.

Toyota equips every Camry with its Safety Sense 2.5+ system, which includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alerts, pedestrian detection, lane departure alerts, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind spot monitoring is available.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder

Top Safety Pick +

The new Nissan Pathfinder scooped up a Top Safety Pick + award with solid test scores across the board. It also earned the IIHS’ top mark for LATCH system ease of use, giving the Nissan a Good+ score. The only blemish on the Pathfinder’s otherwise sterling safety scores was its headlights. They earned an “Acceptable” score, with fair illumination on the sides of the road. 

Nissan equips a generous suite of driver aids, including blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, forward collision warnings, and lane departure warnings. Several upgrade systems are available, including ProPilot Assist, which offers advanced adaptive cruise control functions.

2023 Acura Integra

Top Safety Pick +

Acura revived the Integra for the 2023 Model year, and like the old one, the new car shares plenty with the Honda Civic underneath. It scored a Top Safety Pick + designation for its first year back on the market, earning “Good” scores in all crash tests. The IIHS deemed its headlights “Acceptable,” but scored the Integra’s front crash prevention systems “Superior.” The easily daily-drivable hatchback also delivered an “Acceptable” score for its LATCH car seat anchors’ ease of use. 

AcuraWatch safety equipment comes standard, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, and pedestrian detection.

2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge

Top Safety Pick +

The Volvo XC90 has an opulent interior, plenty of standard features, and a great amount of cargo space. It’s also a Top Safety Pick + award winner with “Good” scores in all categories. Though its headlights were the low point, the XC90 still pulled off an “Acceptable” score, and crash prevention systems were rated “Superior” during the day and “Advanced” at night.

Standard tech includes a automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, traffic sign recognition, adaptive headlights, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, and pedestrian/cyclist detection.

2023 Honda CR-V

Top Safety Pick +

Honda redesigned the venerable CR-V for 2023, giving it grown-up styling, more space, and better tech. The SUV’s base powertrain got an update that made it more responsive and fuel-efficient, and the standard Honda Sensing safety package is upgraded with a wider-view camera and radar system. It aced every crash test and earned a “Superior” score in daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention testing. The IIHS rated the CR-V’s nighttime crash prevention system “Advanced,” and its seatbelt reminders earned a “Good” score.

The new sixth-generation CR-V comes standard with a new wide-angle camera system and a millimeter-wave radar. Camera views now span 90 degrees, and the radar is extended to a 120-degree field of view. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, driver attention monitoring, forward collision warnings, rear-seat reminders, and more come standard.

2023 Honda HR-V

Top Safety Pick +

Like the CR-V, the HR-V is all-new for 2023, getting a fresh look and improved technology, including advanced driver aids. It’s also safer than its predecessor, grabbing a Top Safety Pick + where the 2022 model missed out on the honor. The HR-V earned “Good” scores in all areas except for headlights, where the IIHS gave it an “Acceptable” score because the low beams created glare.

Honda Sensing comes standard, bringing forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, lane departure alerts, lane keep assist, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Traffic jam assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, and rear seat reminders are also standard. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts comes with the top two trims.

2023 Lexus UX

Top Safety Pick +

The start Lexus UX may be short on space and power, but it’s got a solid list of standard tech and safety features that have helped it grab a Top Safety Pick + award. There’s not a single blemish on the IIHS test scores for the UX, as it earned top marks in every category, including headlights and crash prevention systems.

Lexus equips its Safety System + 2.5, which includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alerts, pedestrian and bicyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts with steering assist, automatic high beams, road sign recognition, lane keep assist, and lane departure warnings. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts is also standard, and buyers can upgrade with a parking assist system.

2023 Subaru Solterra

Top Safety Pick +

The brand-new electric Subaru Solterra underwent a recall right out of the gate, but it’s on sale now with stellar safety equipment and scores. The IIHS rated it “Good” in all crash tests, including the new side test. Front crash prevention systems earned “Good” scores for day and night performance, and the car seat LATCH anchors were rated as being easy to use.

Subaru EyeSight safety tech comes standard, bringing lane departure prevention, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alerts, pedestrian and cyclist avoidance, and road sign recognition. The Solterra also gets blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, safe exit assist, and a rearview camera system.

2023 Hyundai Palisade

Top Safety Pick +

Hyundai updated the ultra-popular Palisade for 2023 with more muscular styling and a better interior. The three-row SUV also grabbed top scores in all crash test areas. Seat belt reminders and LATCH system ease of use both earned “Acceptable” scores, and were the Palisade’s lowest categories in testing.

Standard safety tech blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, reverse parking sensors, rear occupant alerts, forward collision warnings, lane keep assist, driver attention warnings, safe exit assist, and a highway driving assistance system.

2023 Kia Telluride

Top Safety Pick +

The Kia Telluride shares much of its underlying engineering with the Hyundai Palisade, so it’s not surprising to see them both earn Top Safety Pick + awards. The Telluride’s crash test scores were without fault, as it grabbed the best marks across the board.

Standard Safety tech includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, driver attention warnings, forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, speed limit assist, highway driving assist, a rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control.

2023 Subaru Ascent

Top Safety Pick +

Subaru’s roomiest SUV brings three rows of seating for the whole family and a load of standard safety equipment. The only testing category the Subaru did not completely ace was night evaluations of its vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention systems. It even earned a “Good+” rating for LATCH system ease of use, and its seatbelt reminder system got a “Good” score.

EyeSight Driver Assist tech comes standard, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warnings. Subaru improved the system’s cameras and sensors for 2023 with a new wider-angle mono camera in the back and an improved field of view.

2023 Toyota Highlander

Top Safety Pick +

The Highlander is an extremely popular family hauler with available fuel-sipping hybrid technology and a nicer-than-it-has-to-be interior. It’s also one of the safest three-row SUVs on sale today. Its headlights were the main miss in IIHS testing, earning “Good” or “Acceptable,” depending on the trim. The front crash prevention systems all earned top marks, even in night testing.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard, bringing automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, road sign recognition, and proactive driving assist, which can help the vehicle slow to prepare for curves and other road obstacles.

2023 Volkswagen ID.4

Top Safety Pick +

The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first EV in the United States, and it brings plenty of forward-looking tech, safety features, and design. It’s also quite safe, as the IIHS rated it “Good” in all crash test categories. The headlights earned “Good” or “Acceptable” scores, depending on the configuration, and vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention earned a “Superior” rating. Vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention earned an “Advanced rating for day and night testing, and the LATCH system got a “Good” score for ease of use.

Every ID.4 comes with forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, traffic sign recognition, a rearview camera, parking sensors, and rain-sensing wipers. Adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system are available.

2023 Acura MDX

Top Safety Pick +

The Acura MDX offers sporty styling and a wonderfully powerful Type S performance variant. It also made the cut for a Top Safety Pick +, with top scores in all categories except for night time vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention, where it earned an “Advanced” score. The LATCH car seat anchors picked up a “Good+” score for being exceptionally easy to use.

The MDX’s list of standard safety gear is long, and includes forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and more.

2023 Acura RDX

Top Safety Pick +

The Acura RDX is a sharply styled compact premium SUV with a strong turbocharged engine and a generous list of standard features. The IIHS awarded it with a Top Safety Pick + designation, which includes flawless scores in all categories except for night time vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention systems.

Standard tech includes forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, lane departure alerts, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and more. Buyers can add a head-up display, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

2023 Lexus nx overview

2023 Lexus NX

Top Safety Pick +

The 2023 Lexus NX offers great tech and sporty styling, even if it’s not the sportiest SUV around. However, it is one of the safest vehicles around, earning the best scores available in all crash test categories. The NX also grabbed a “Good +” score for ease of car seat installation, though its smallish backseat isn’t the most accommodating for large child seats.

Standard safety kit includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, lane departure warnings, and rear cross-traffic alerts.

2023 Lexus NX PHEV

Top Safety Pick +

Just like its gas-only counterpart, the Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid offers solid technology and attractive styling. The PHEV powertrain brings great fuel economy and smooth operation in most situations. The NX PHEV took top marks in all crash test categories, and was awarded the IIHS’ top “Good+” rating for LATCH ease of use.

Standard safety tech includes lane keeping assist, Lexus lane tracing assist, lane departure warnings, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and traffic sign recognition.

trucks with the most torque

2023 Toyota Tundra

Top Safety Pick +

Pickup trucks aren’t always the best performers in crash tests, but the Tundra bucked that trend with a near-perfect scoring across the board. All but one trim level’s headlights earned “Good” scores, and the truck scored “Superior” ratings for its vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention systems.

Standard safety equipment is generous, and includes forward collision warnings with pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warnings, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, rear seat alerts, and automatic emergency braking. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, a surround-view camera, and head-up display are available.

2023 Lexus RX 350

Top Safety Pick +

The Lexus RX got a complete redesign for 2023 that gave it even sharper styling and easier-to-use technology. It also delivers great fuel economy and solid safety scores in all areas, including the new side test. The IIHS rated its crash prevention systems “Superior,” and the headlights earned a “Good” score.

Lexus equips a load of standard safety tech and offers more as added-cost options. Automatic emergency braking, lane departure alerts, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warnings with pedestrian and bicycle detection, traffic sign recognition, safe exit warnings, and automatic high beams come standard. Buyers can add blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, parking sensors, a remote parking system, a head-up display, and more.

2023 Toyota Sienna

Top Safety Pick +

The hybrid-only Toyota Sienna is a fantastic family hauler that offers a handsome, comfortable cabin and solid fuel economy estimates. It also earned fantastic scores in most categories.

Toyota equips a slew of standard features, including traffic sign recognition, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, and more.

2023 Volvo XC90

Top Safety Pick +

Volvo’s three-row XC90 took home a Top Safety Pick + award in both of its forms, earning “Good” scores in all areas. Surprisingly, its headlights earned an “Acceptable” rating, and it was rated “Acceptable” for LATCH ease of use. The front crash prevention systems earned a “Superior” score for day performance and “Advanced” at night.

The generous list of standard safety kit includes blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, and parking sensors.

Tesla collision repair

2023 Tesla Model Y

Top Safety Pick +

The Tesla Model Y is a super popular electric SUV with great performance and advanced technologies. It’s also a top performer in IIHS crash tests, grabbing “Good” scores in all areas but two: The Model Y’s headlights earned an “Acceptable” score in some configurations and LATCH ease of use was rated “Acceptable” because the anchors are located too deep in the seat.

Tesla equips every Model Y with forward collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure alerts, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian/cyclist detection.

EV terminology

2023 Rivian R1T

Top Safety Pick +

The Rivian R1T offers massive capability and power in a small pickup truck package, and it brings a fantastic list of safety scores with good crash test results. It aced testing with “Acceptable” scores in all crash categories. The truck also earned “Superior” score for most crash prevention systems, with night time vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention getting an “Advanced” score.

All R1T models come with a long list of standard safety equipment that includes forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, lane departure alerts, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, and more.

2023 Honda Odyssey

Top Safety Pick +

The Odyssey is a frontrunner among minivans, offering excellent family-friendly features, great tech, and solid safety scores. It performed well in IIHS testing, earning “Good” scores in crash tests, but its headlights only earned an “Acceptable” rating. Its seatbelt reminders earned a “Poor” score due to being too quiet and not lasting long enough.

Honda equips forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition, and more.

2023 Subaru Outback

Top Safety Pick

The Outback has grown into a legitimate compact SUV over the years, and Subaru offers it in several configurations, including a rugged Wilderness trim. It earned a Top Safety Pick for 2023, due to a “Marginal” score in the recently updated moderate overlap front crash test and an “Acceptable” score in the new side test. However, the SUV grabbed top scores in all other areas, including headlights, where every trim got a “Good” rating.

Subaru equips every Outback with EyeSight Driver Assist tech, which includes adaptive cruise control, LED adaptive headlights, forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, and more. Higher trim levels add blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts and automatic steering assists.

2023 Honda Civic (Hatchback and Sedan except Type R)

Top Safety Pick

Though the Civic and Integra share much of their underlying engineering, the Honda missed out on a Top Safety Pick + award. The Civic grabbed “Good” scores in all crash categories except for the new side impact test, where it earned an “Acceptable” score. It also got a “Good” rating for headlights and “Superior” scores for front crash prevention systems. 

Honda Sensing safety tech comes standard. The package includes forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition.

2023 Subaru Legacy

Top Safety Pick

Subaru’s midsize sedan saw its Top Safety Pick + fade away for 2023, as its “Acceptable” performance in IIHS crash tests knocked it down a notch. That’s not an indication that the car is unsafe or any less safe than it was a year ago, but the new side impact test is far more hardcore than the previous year’s evaluation.

Subaru EyeSight driver assist tech comes standard, which includes adaptive cruise control, distraction mitigation, forward collision warnings, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and more.

2023 Mazda CX-5

Top Safety Pick

The Mazda CX-5 is a lively compact SUV with good handling and strong acceleration. It earned a Top Safety Pick award under the new standards. Even so, it grabbed “Good” scores in all crash test categories, including the updated side test. Headlights earned a “Good” or “Acceptable” score, depending on the trim, and vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention earned an “Advanced” rating.

Standard safety features are generous. The list includes blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure alerts, lane keep assist, forward collision warnings, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Buyers can upgrade with parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display.

2023 Mazda CX-30

Top Safety Pick

The CX-30 is a fantastic subcompact SUV that brings a highly enjoyable driving experience and an upscale interior. It missed a Top Safety Pick +, but its Top Safety Pick award includes “Good” scores in all crash tests, “Good” or “Acceptable” scores for headlights, and a “Superior” rating for front vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention. The SUV grabbed an “Advanced” score for its vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention and an “Acceptable” score for LATCH ease of use.

The CX-30 comes with forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitoring, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing wipers.

2023 Mazda CX-50

Top Safety Pick

The brand-new CX-50 effortlessly blends attractive styling, a high-end interior, and agreeable driving dynamics. It earned a Top Safety Pick in its first year on the market, with “Good” scores in most crash tests. It scored “Acceptable” in the updated side cars test and “Good” or “Acceptable,” depending on the trim.

Mazda includes plenty of standard safety features, including driver attention monitoring, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane departure warnings, lane keep assist, forward collision warnings with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

2023 Nissan Rogue

Top Safety Pick

The Nissan Rogue’s recent redesign made it an impressive SUV with a surprisingly upscale interior. It earned mixed results in testing, but performed well enough to grab a Top Safety Pick. The IIHS rated it “Good” in most areas, but it scored a “Marginal” rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test and an “Acceptable” in the new side test.

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, blind spot warnings with rear cross-traffic alerts, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitoring system. Available tech includes an intelligent lane intervention system, traffic sign recognition, ProPilot Assist, and a navigation-linked upgraded ProPilot Assist system.

2023 Toyota Venza

Top Safety Pick

Toyota revived the Venza in 2021, giving it sleek styling and a standard hybrid powertrain. The 2023 model performed well in IIHS testing, with “Good” scores in most areas. The SUV earned an “Acceptable” score in the new side test, and its headlights also earned an “Acceptable” rating for only offering fair visibility.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard, bringing automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alerts with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and road sign recognition.

2023 Lincoln Nautilus

Top Safety Pick

The Lincoln Nautilus offers great interior space and luxurious finishes throughout its handsome cabin. It’s also a supremely comfortable and safe premium SUV. The Nautilus earned “Good” scores in all crash test categories and a “Good” or “Acceptable” score for the headlights, depending on the configuration. The front vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention systems earned “Superior” scores for both the standard and optional systems. The vehicle-to-pedestrian systems were rated “Advanced.” The car seat LATCH system was its most challenging category, earning an “Acceptable” or “Marginal” score, depending on the trim.

Standard safety tech includes blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane keep assist, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, parking sensors, and a rearview camera. A surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control are available.

2023 Mazda CX-9

Top Safety Pick

The Mazda CX-9 offers an upscale interior, engaging driving dynamics, and sleek styling. While it’s a little short on third-row space, the CX-9 is a safe and entertaining family SUV. The Mazda grabbed “Good” scores in every crash test category except for the updated moderate overlap front test, where it earned a “Poor” score. Its headlights earned a “Good” rating across the board, and the vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention system was rated “Superior.” Vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention was rated “Advanced” for daytime performance and “Basic” for nighttime performance. Seatbelt reminders got a “Marginal” score and the LATCH system was rated “Good” for ease of use.

Mazda equips standard blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automatic high beams, pedestrian detection, and rain-sensing wipers. The CX-9 is available with a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and traffic sign recognition.

2023 Ford Explorer

Top Safety Pick

The Ford Explorer brings a range of lively powertrains, muscular styling, and good tech offerings. It was awarded a Top Safety Pick award with “Good” scores in all crash categories. The headlights were rated “Acceptable” and vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention systems earned “Superior” scores. Nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention grabbed a “Basic” rating and the Explorer’s seatbelt reminder system earned a “Poor” rating.

The SUV comes standard with lane keep assist, automatic high beams, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warnings, driver attention warnings, and parking sensors.

2023 Mazda3

Top Safety Pick

The Mazda3 took home a Top Safety Pick in both hatchback and sedan forms, making it fun to drive and a safe option for family hauling. It grabbed top scores in all categories except for headlights, which were rated “Good” or “Acceptable,” depending on the trim.

Every Mazda3 comes with adaptive headlights, lane keep assist, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, driver attention monitoring, and automatic high beams.

2023 Toyota Corolla

Top Safety Pick

The 2023 Toyota Corolla grabbed a Top Safety Pick with “Good” scores in all categories except the new tests, in which it earned “Acceptable” scores. Its headlights and front crash prevention technology both grabbed top marks. The Corolla’s lowest score came for its seatbelt reminders, where it was rated “Marginal” for its seatbelt reminder system.

Toyota equips the Corolla with its Safety Sense technology, which brings lane departure warnings and lane keep assist, forward collision warnings, traffic sign recognition, automatic high beams, pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear seat alerts, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warnings, and automatic emergency braking. Top trims add blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts.

2023 Hyundai Sonata

Top Safety Pick

The Hyundai Sonata features standout styling and a generous suite of advanced safety features. The car performed well in most crash tests, only falling short in the new side test, where it earned an “Acceptable” score. Its front crash prevention systems earned “Superior” or “Advanced” scores, depending on the test, and the Sonata’s headlights were rated “Good” or “Marginal,” depending on the trim.

Every Sonata gets adaptive cruise control, drive attention monitoring, lane keep assist and lane tracing assist, a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and forward collision warnings. Higher trims add blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, parking assists, parking sensors, a head-up display, and safe exit warnings.

Other 2023 IIHS Top Safety Picks

We’re updating this list as more models become available. For now, other 2023 vehicles that earned an IIHS designation include:

Lexus ES 350: Top Safety Pick

Subaru Forester: Top Safety Pick

Toyota RAV4: Top Safety Pick

Toyota RAV4 Prime: Top Safety Pick

How the IIHS Rates the Safest 2023 Cars

The IIHS has increased the rigor of its vehicle crash tests in recent years and may do so again as new safety technologies become available. That means that the safest 2023 cars may not earn the same result if they are tested in a different year. This year’s testing came up with 48 models earning 2023 awards, with 28 of them grabbing a Top Safety Pick +. That’s down significantly from 2022’s tests, where 101 vehicles earned an award.

Top Safety Pick +

To earn a Top Safety Pick +, a vehicle must get “Good” scores in crash tests, including the new side impact test. Headlights must earn “Acceptable” or “Good” scores in all trims, and crash prevention systems must earn “Advanced” or “Superior” scores in both night and day testing.

Top Safety Pick

Top Safety Pick award winners earn “Good” or scores in most crash test areas and at least an “Acceptable” rating in the new side crash test. Only daytime crash prevention systems have to earn a “Good” or “Acceptable” score, and the headlights must earn “Acceptable” or “Good” scores in all trims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who runs the IIHS?

A: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is funded by auto insurance companies. That said, it’s an independent nonprofit with a goal to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads.

Q: How safe are trucks these days?

A: Pickups are safer than they’ve ever been, with automakers adding new standard and available safety features every year. That said, the IIHS has found serious deficiencies in midsize trucks’ ability to protect their rear-seat occupants.

Q: What about self-driving cars?

A: Simply put, there is no such thing right now, at least as far as a product you can buy. Mercedes-Benz has earned approval to market the first Level 3 autonomous driving system in 2024, but even at that advanced level, the driver must be ready to take control of the vehicle at any time, and cannot check out of the driving process completely.

Q: Are bigger cars safer?

A: The IIHS says that a “bigger, heavier vehicle provides better crash protection than a smaller, lighter one.” Even so, studies have shown that heavier vehicles tend to lead to more severe or fatal crashes for people not inside them.

Q: What speed does IIHS use to crash vehicles?

A: The IIHS’ New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests vehicles at a speed of 35 mpg. Different tests are run, including offset frontal crashes, side impacts, and more. 

Q: How many vehicles does the IIHS test each year?

A: According to Car and Driver, the IIHS runs six tests on 50 to 80 vehicles yearly.

Q: These are IIHS scores. What about the NHTSA?

A: The IIHS is funded by the insurance industry, and performs crash tests on most new vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a government agency that enforces vehicle standards and monitors the impacts of road and vehicle safety. NHTSA uses star scores, with five being the best.

Q: What is the safest color for a car?

A: Tests have shown that white is easiest to see in all lighting conditions, and that white cars are more than ten percent less likely to be involved in accidents than some other colors.

Q: What are LATCH ratings?

A: LATCH, or lower anchors and tethers for children, refers to the anchor points that allow car seat installation. The IIHS rates vehicles’ LATCH functions for ease of use, which means how easy it is to install and uninstall a car seat.

Q: Which is better between the IIHS and NHTSA?

A: The IIHS performs more tests and offers more granular scoring of vehicle safety technologies. That said, the IIHS does not have anything to do with recalls, and is not a government agency.

Q: How does the IIHS get cars?

A: The IIHS purchases cars from regular dealers, just like any other car buyer. The costs associated with this process can add up quickly, which is why some vehicles aren’t tested on a regular basis.

Q: What is the safest older car to drive?

A: Older car models with good safety scores include the Kia Optima, Hyundai Elantra, and Volvo XC90. It’s best to check the IIHS ratings for each model, as the organization has scores for several older models.

Q: How do adaptive headlights help?

A: Adaptive headlights better illuminate the road at night by following the driver’s steering wheel motion. Though they function differently between vehicle makes, most adaptive light systems “turn” with the car, so that the driver can see more in the direction they are turning.

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2 thoughts on “These are the safest 2023 vehicles you can buy right now”

  1. Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the issues. It was truly informative. Your website is very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

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