Among the primary qualities that many drivers look for when buying a car, especially if it’s new, are the comfort features and fuel economy. Things like connectivity and entertainment, as well as, in the case of electric vehicles, the driving range and charging times are the most common. But there’s one crucial aspect that prospective owners must always consider when buying a new car but often overlook: safety.
Automakers increasingly advance safety features in new vehicles every year through crash testing. These rigorous tests allow manufacturers to set new standards in categories like crashworthiness through ratings such as the Top Safety Pick+, awarded to the cars on our list by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage from motor vehicle crashes.
IIHS conducts crash tests, analyzes vehicle data, and studies driver behavior to identify safety risks and develop recommendations for improving vehicle design and road infrastructure. It provides ratings for vehicles based on their performance in crash tests, the availability of advanced safety features, and their overall safety performance. Consumers widely recognize and use these ratings when making vehicle purchasing decisions.
2024 Toyota Prius
Starting At: $27,950
The 2024 Toyota Prius offers a significant upgrade from previous generations. It boasts a more powerful 2.0-liter, four-cylinder hybrid, producing 194 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque in the FWD variant, or 196 horses in the AWD, achieving up to 57 combined estimated miles per gallon. An eCVT complements the powertrain. The Prius features a sleek, modern design, making it a practical and efficient choice.
The Toyota Prius earned the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating in 2024 due to its exceptional crashworthiness, seat belts, and child restraints. The Toyota Prius boasts standard advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, and its superior headlight performance guarantees optimal visibility under diverse lighting conditions.
Safety Highlights
- Eight airbags
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS)
- Safe Exit Alert
2024 Mazda 3 Sedan
Starting At: $23,950
In 2024 Mazda continues to offer the popular 3 sedan, combining a stylish design with exceptional performance making it a fun-to-drive compact car. The base powertrain produces 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission with FWD as standard and available AWD. It achieves up to 52 miles per gallon combined in the FWD variant.
The Mazda 3 Sedan was awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in 2024 for its exceptional crashworthiness and crash avoidance mitigation. Its standard safety features and superior headlights. In all crash tests, including the challenging small overlap front test, the car achieved top scores, and its standard front crash prevention system earned the highest rating.
Safety Highlights
- Six airbags
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go5
- Dynamic Stability Control25 with Traction Control System
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution & Brake Assist
2024 Honda HR-V
Starting At: $24,400
One of Honda’s most popular models in 2024 is its compact SUV dubbed HR-V. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers this model, producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) combines this powertrain to provide smooth acceleration. In terms of fuel efficiency, the HR-V achieves an estimated 28 mpg combined for front-wheel drive models. All-wheel drive models have slightly lower fuel economy ratings with 27 mpg combined.
The 2024 Honda HR-V earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ due to its strong crashworthiness scores, advanced driver-assistance features like collision mitigation, and excellent headlight visibility. These factors, combined with its overall safety ratings, helped the HR-V meet the strict safety criteria for the award.
Safety Highlights
- Ten airbags
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
- Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
- Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor
2024 Genesis Electrified G80
Starting At: $74,375
The Electrified G80 is a luxury all-electric sedan produced by Koran automaker Genesis. This EV offers a blend of performance, comfort, and style. Powered by dual electric motors and a 94.5 kWh battery, it offers AWD as standard. It delivers impressive acceleration and a smooth, quiet ride thanks to its 365 horsepower and 447 pound-feet of torque. Using DC fast charging and AC level 2 charging, the Electrified G80 can quickly recharge, boasting a decent driving range of 272 miles (EPA estimated).
The Genesis Electrified G80 earned the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ due to its crash avoidance features. It features automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, junction turning assist, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), structural integrity, and superior headlights.
Safety Highlights
- Ten airbags
- Highway Driving Assist II
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
2024 Kia Telluride
Starting At: $36,190
The 2024 Kia Telluride is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. The Telluride is a top-rated model thanks to its well-rounded package of handsome styling, tech and safety features, and a very reasonable price. It’s powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission pairs with this engine to ensure smooth shifts. The Telluride offers impressive fuel economy with an estimated 22 miles per gallon combined. The Telluride earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ due to its outstanding crash avoidance mitigation, advanced driver-assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, and high-performing headlights. Its robust safety design and crash avoidance technologies helped it meet the stringent safety requirements.
Safety Highlights
- Ten airbags
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning – Parallel Exit
- Forward Collision Warning
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, & Junction Turning Detection
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
2024 Ford Explorer
Starting At: $39,755
Ford’s famous Explorer model continues its successful three-decade run with its 2024 model year. This mid-size SUV is available with various engine options. One popular choice is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy varies depending on the configuration, but estimates for the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine range from 21 mpg in the city to 28 mpg on the highway.
Thanks to its exceptional crashworthiness and cutting-edge safety features like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking, the Ford Explorer was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It was able to pass the stringent safety requirements for first-rate designation in part because of its well-designed structure and high-performing headlamps.
Safety Highlights
- Eight airbags
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Post-Collision Braking
- Evasive Steering Assist
2024 Rivian R1T
Starting At: $69,900
The R1T is an all-electric pickup truck from American EV manufacturer Rivian. This utilitarian EV offers impressive performance thanks to multiple battery pack options, each providing a different range and power output. The base model features a 135 kWh battery pack producing 402 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. The R1T achieves an estimated 314 MPGe combined and a driving range of 270 miles.
Rivian places a high value on safety and has equipped the R1T with advanced features that helped it make this list. The R1T’s robust construction, advanced safety features, and rigorous testing contribute to its strong safety profile. Airbags protect occupants, ADAS features help prevent accidents, and rigorous testing ensures compliance with safety standards.
Safety Highlights
- Eight airbags
- Front Collision Warning with Active Braking
- Lane Change Assist and Trailer Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Collision Mitigation
2024 Hyundai Tucson
Starting At: $27,600
With a head-turning design, solid powertrain, and practicality, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson is a compelling SUV. Under the hood is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. For example, it has an impressive combined fuel efficiency of 26 miles per gallon. The Hyundai Tucson’s advanced safety features, including ADAS, crash avoidance, airbags, structural integrity, and safety alerts, contribute to its strong safety profile.
These features help prevent accidents, protect occupants, and keep the driver alert, making the Tucson a safe and reliable vehicle. Overall, the 2024 Tucson combines value, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety technology, making it a solid and secure choice in the compact SUV category.
Safety Highlights
- Seven airbags
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Advanced Rear Occupant Alert (Advanced ROA)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction Turning Detection (FCA-JT)
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Starting At: $37,500
For its 2024 model year, Hyundai’s breakthrough all-electric sedan, the Ioniq 6, continues to offer excellent performance, driving range, and high safety ratings. It’s available with multiple battery pack options, each providing a different range and power output. The base model features a 58 kWh battery pack with 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Regarding fuel efficiency, the Ioniq 6 achieves an estimated 310 MPGe combined with a range of 240 miles in the base model.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6’s impressive safety reputation culminated in achieving the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award in 2024. The vehicle’s exceptional performance in crash tests and focus on accident prevention with features like Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA, firmly established the Ioniq 6 as a safety benchmark in the midsize car segment.
Safety Highlights
- Seven airbags
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Car/Ped/Cyclist Detection and Junction Turning
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Acura MDX
Starting At: $50,150
The 2024 Acura MDX is a luxury midsize SUV with an attractive exterior and agile handling that results in a powerful and comfortable driving experience. This family hauler boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission smoothly shifts the engine across the rev range. The EPA-estimated fuel efficiency is 22 miles per gallon combined.
The Acura MDX is one of the safest vehicles in 2024 due to its advanced safety features, including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Its strong crashworthiness, excellent headlights, and comprehensive driver-assistance systems, such as lane-keeping assist and pedestrian detection, ensure top-level protection and driver awareness.
Safety Highlights
- Eight airbags
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
- Advanced Pedestrian Detection
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) System
