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According to IIHS: The Safest Cars You Can Buy in 2025

IIHS Top Safety Pick+ is the highest 2025 safety tier. Here are the major winners, the tests behind the award and the checks shoppers should make before buying.
Entry760 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
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IIHS’s highest 2025 award is Top Safety Pick+. The directory’s Top Safety Pick+ examples include the Audi Q5 and Q6 e-tron, BMW X3 and X5, Genesis GV70 and GV80, Lincoln Nautilus, Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE-Class, Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC90. Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Mazda3 and Toyota Prius also appear in the small-car results, but their exact award tier and body-style eligibility should be confirmed in the live listing.

“Safest” here means strongest performance under IIHS crashworthiness and crash-avoidance rules—not a guarantee that occupants will avoid injury in every collision. Check the exact vehicle’s trim and production-date notes before treating an award as applicable.

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What the IIHS 2025 awards actually measure

IIHS evaluates two broad areas:

  • Crashworthiness: how well the vehicle protects occupants when a crash occurs.
  • Crash avoidance and mitigation: whether technology can help prevent a crash or reduce its severity.

Top Safety Pick+ is the highest 2025 tier. Top Safety Pick is the lower award tier. Neither is a single crash score; each combines several test and equipment requirements.

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2025 IIHS safety-award shortlist by vehicle class

The list is class-based. A small car and a large SUV can both win an award, but they do not offer the same seating, cargo capacity, mass or driving characteristics. Use this table to build a shortlist, then compare vehicles within the same class.

#1 Best Overall
Everlit Survival Car Emergency Kit, Roadside Safety Tool Kit with Gloves,Digital Auto Air Compressor Tire Inflator, First Aid Kit, 12 Feet Jumper Cable, Tow Strap, Flashlight for Women, Men, Teenagers
  • The Road Guardian- The portable roadside assistance kit is designed and hand picked by a group of experienced veterans and experts to provide every essential tools you need in roadside emergencies. The automotive safety bag contains accessories such as repair cable ties, bungee cords, electrical tape, space blanket, rain poncho, reflective warning triangle, glass breaker, seatbelt cutter, safety gloves, tow rope and more to get your vehicle back on the road and continue your travel.
  • Top-Notch Digital Auto Tire Inflator- lightweight and compact air compressor can inflate your standard vehicles tire in seconds. With auto shutoff function, simply plug it into the 12v power outlet and attach the stem to the tire valve, preset the tire pressure and press the power button. The compressor starts the inflating process and stop once your tire reaches at your preset level. This cool gadget also has led light for winter nighttime and three extra nozzles for inflammable bed, others
  • Copper-Clad Aluminum 12 Feet 8 Gauge Jumper Cable- A durable battery starter cable is a must-have for your trip. Unlike other kits on the market, our jumper cable has reasonable length to get your cars connected. 8 gauge wires and 300 amp output is more than enough to get your standard vehicle started. UL listed heavy-duty battery jumper cables make you physically and environmentally safer and more reliable.
  • Completed 108 Pieces First Aid Kit- By having a completed first aid kit, provide you and your family proper basic wound/hygiene treatment before it possibly get worsened during your road trip. Our kit includes alcohol pads, bandages, cotton tips, knuckle bandages, butterfly bandages, wound pad, sting relief pads, gloves, tape, dressing, PBT bandage, CPR mask, tweezer, safety pins, soap wipe, disinfect wipe, adhesive wound pad, triangular bandage, finger bandage.
  • Veteran Owned Company 5-Star Customer Support- Everlit is committed into providing the most comprehensive customer service. We proudly offer the exclusive 60-days hassle-free return among all products. We stand behind the quality of our inventory; all original Everlit products are covered with a 1-year satisfaction warranty.
Model or group Body style/class 2025 award information Powertrain note Build-date or trim caution Pedestrian prevention and headlights Practical checks
Audi Q5 Compact luxury SUV Top Safety Pick+ example in the 2025 directory Configuration varies by market and trim Verify the production-date footnote and exact vehicle Read the model’s individual IIHS results; the summary does not state the per-model grades Compare price, rear-seat room, cargo and operating cost separately
Audi Q6 e-tron Electric SUV Top Safety Pick+ example Electric Confirm the eligible build range Check the individual pedestrian front-crash-prevention and headlight results Also compare charging access, range, cargo and rear-seat space
BMW X3 and X5 Compact and midsize luxury SUVs Top Safety Pick+ examples Powertrain varies by model and trim Check the award note for the vehicle’s production date Use the individual IIHS entries for the exact grades Compare size, third-row availability where applicable, cargo and cost
Genesis GV70 and GV80 Compact and midsize luxury SUVs Top Safety Pick+ examples Powertrain varies by configuration Verify build-date and trim coverage Per-model grades must be checked in the directory Compare rear-seat dimensions, cargo and running costs
Lincoln Nautilus Midsize SUV Top Safety Pick+ example Gas or hybrid availability depends on configuration Confirm the production-date restriction, if shown Check the individual IIHS results Compare price, cargo, rear-seat space and fuel use
Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE-Class Compact and midsize luxury SUVs Top Safety Pick+ examples Powertrain varies by model and trim Read the exact award footnote Check the model-specific pedestrian and headlight ratings Compare seating, cargo and ownership cost within each size class
Tesla Model Y Electric crossover Top Safety Pick+ example Electric Verify that the particular production date and version are covered Use the current individual IIHS entry rather than assuming every version is identical Compare charging, range, cargo and rear-seat comfort
Volvo XC90 Three-row SUV Top Safety Pick+ example Powertrain varies by configuration Check production-date eligibility Read the exact IIHS pedestrian and headlight results Compare third-row room, cargo behind the third row and price
Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Mazda3 and Toyota Prius Small cars Appear in the 2025 small-car results; the supplied summary does not establish each model’s exact tier or body-style eligibility Varies by model Confirm sedan, hatchback and build-date details in the live directory Check each model’s individual grades Compare rear-seat room, cargo opening, fuel economy and price

The IIHS directory also includes additional pickups, minivans and cars. Filter by class instead of treating every award winner as a direct substitute.

Top Safety Pick+ versus Top Safety Pick

Top Safety Pick+ is the stronger 2025 award tier. Top Safety Pick is still a positive result, but it has lower eligibility requirements and should not be presented as equivalent to the “plus” award. For either tier, inspect the detailed rating page: an award is a screening signal, not a complete ranking of every vehicle’s performance.

Rank #2
Sale
AUTODECO Car Roadside Emergency Kit, Portable Car Safety Kit Car Kits for Emergency, Black
  • Portable & Compact: The car safety kit is designed to fit neatly into an organizer bag, allowing for easy storage in either the backseat or trunk of your vehicle. This ensures that all essential safety items are kept together and easily accessible in case of an emergency. By keeping the kit organized and readily available, you can be better prepared for unexpected situations while on the road
  • Fully Prepared: This kit should include essential tools and supplies to help you in case of an emergency. By being prepared, you can feel more secure while driving and have the necessary resources to handle unexpected situations
  • Multi-Purpose Emergency Kit: This emergency kit contains everything you need for emergencies. It's suitable for different occasions such as winter weather, commuting and road trips
  • Premium Material: The cable surface is covered by PVC material and the interior is made of premium copper wire. The use of premium materials can significantly enhance the overall quality and value of a product. This universal cable is suitable for small vehicles
  • Wonderful Car Safety Kit: This kit is ideal for family and friends, especially for teenagers who are about to own their first car. It's a thoughtful and practical present that will undoubtedly be appreciated by the recipient

What a vehicle had to do to earn a 2025 award

For 2025 eligibility, IIHS requires:

  • A good result in the small-overlap front crash test.
  • A good result in the updated side-impact test.
  • Acceptable or good pedestrian front-crash-prevention performance.
  • Acceptable or good headlights across all trims.

Vehicle-to-vehicle front-crash prevention, seat-belt reminders and LATCH ease of use appear in the evaluation table, but they are not award criteria for 2025.

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Why the second row matters

IIHS strengthened its attention to rear-seat protection for 2025. IIHS President David Harkey said, “Every vehicle that earns a 2025 award offers a high level of safety in both the front seat and the second row.” Families should still check the actual rear-seat dimensions, child-seat fit and access to the third row where relevant; the award does not replace those measurements.

Rank #3
Sale
LIANXIN Emergency Roadside Kit for Car,Safety Car Kit with Jumper Cables
  • 【Things you may need】: This roadside assistance packages is a perfect gift.Contain the necessary roadside kits, snow shovel, flashing lights, reflective triangle warning signs, advanced jumpers (8.2 foot), powerful towing rope, safety hammer and seat belt cutters, life blankets, raincoats, compasses and more!
  • 【Safe and durable】: UL certified jumper cables are safer and more reliable than other non-UL certified cables. Four huge alligator clips provide excellent grip. The grip of the clip is covered with an insulating rubber sleeve. The surface of the reinforced cable is made of high-quality PVC, which has the characteristics of anti-freezing, anti-cracking, and anti-tangling.
  • 【Car repairs tool box】: Small and compact, suitable for any place, the tools are neat and orderly. Including hammer, pliers, utility knife, tape measure, PVC tape, digital display test pen, 3 screwdrivers. Each kit has a separate location. Clean, safe, convenient, light and strong plastic shell can withstand pressure
  • 【Upgrade kit】: Our hammer head is made of high-quality high-carbon steel, with a pointed and flat hammer. It helps to use any side of the car escape tool to quickly break the window in an emergency. We provide raincoats and reflective safety clothing, which can be safer to wear when you repair a broken down car.
  • 【Emergency car kit】: This emergency kit car, It’s lightweight, compact. that can fit anywhere in your backseat, trunk or even in your spare tire compartment, can handle unexpected things,it also includes preparedness survival tools for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, hunting, act. perfect for family use at home.

How to use the IIHS directory while shopping

  1. Filter by class. Start with small cars, SUVs, minivans or pickups rather than comparing every winner in one list.
  2. Choose the award tier. Use Top Safety Pick+ as the first filter when the highest 2025 IIHS tier is your priority.
  3. Open the individual model entry. Confirm the body style, trim coverage, test results, pedestrian-prevention grade and headlight grade.
  4. Read production-date notes. Some awards apply only after a stated build date. Match the note to the vehicle on the dealer’s lot, not merely to the model name.
  5. Make the non-safety comparisons. Check price, insurance, fuel or charging, cargo, rear-seat space, visibility, controls and local availability separately.
  6. Verify the actual vehicle. A badge on an advertisement may refer to a different model year, body style or production run.
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What the IIHS badge cannot tell you

  • It does not make vehicles of different sizes equally suitable for your passengers or cargo.
  • It does not establish current local price, inventory, insurance cost, fuel economy or charging convenience.
  • It does not guarantee that every trim, body style or build date shares the awarded configuration.
  • It does not predict the outcome of every crash, road condition or driver-assistance misuse.

The most defensible 2025 approach is to use Top Safety Pick+ to narrow the field, confirm the exact production version in the IIHS directory, and then choose among same-class vehicles using your seating, cargo, budget and energy-use requirements.

Best Value
Amazon Basics Emergency Escape Tool, Window Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter, Car Safety Hammer with Protective Bracket, Bright Orange, 2 Pack, SW-835
  • 2-in-1 emergency-escape tool provides a window hammer and seat-belt cutter; 2-pack
  • Tungsten double-head hammer: 1800HV hardness, 3 times stronger than common carbon steel – for instant car-door window breakage
  • Sharp blade for easily cutting through a seat belt; bright-orange plastic handle provides a secure grip
  • Designed to help escape from a sinking, over-turned, crashed, or burning car
  • Protective bracket included for safe storage; store in center console or driver-side door pocket
Rank #4
Car Emergency Roadside Tool Kit with Jumper Cable Shovel,Auto Truck Vehicle Assistant Safety Kit Bag for Men Women with First Aid Kit, Winter Basic Automobile Road Side Kit
  • KEEP PEACE OF MIND WHEN YOU NEED IT: Have you ever stopped car on the road and desperately waiting for help? This ideal car emergency kit for every driver on the road, just stash this automobile emergency kit in your vehicle, enable you can get your vehicle back to the roadside safely, solve variety of roadside emergencies issues
  • STURDY AND PREMIUM AUTO ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT: Different from other 300 Amp jumper cables in the market, our 6 Gauge thick 500 Amp jumper cables is covered with premium PVC to ensure stability even in winter.Upgarded car emergency roadside asisstance automobile emergency kit include practical accessories --set of 16 car repair tool kit, snow/garden shovel, tow rope, hand cranlight, warning triangle, first aid kit,anti-slip gloves,also contain snow/garden shovel
  • UNIVERSAL CAR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE KIT: Universal car emergency kit is perfect for automobile, trunk, vehicle, motorcycle, SUV and RV. The first aid kit in package also can be use for the home daily, workplace, cars, it also includes preparedness survival tools for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, hunting
  • PERFECT FOR CAR OWNERS: Our winter auto emergency kit is must have TRAVEL COMPANION for road trippers, commuters, and families, and makes an ideal car safety travel kit for women, men and new driver. With our all-inclusive emergency survival kit and car tool kit emergency, keep yourself and your loved person safe on the way
  • ROADSIDE EMERGENCY CAR KIT: This car emergency kit is premium, light, compact . It can fit auto, vehicle, trunk or even in your spare tire compartment, can handle many things

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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