2026 Safest Cars To Drive: IIHS Safety Ratings & Reliability

As the 2026 safest cars to drive continue to be evaluated and rankings are released, Sunroad Collision Center has the details on the safest SUVs, cars, and pickups from the last two model year releases. While the 2026 models may not have been fully released or reviewed by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), we can rely on the details from the 2025 models. Read on for more information.

What Are the Safest Car Brands in 2025?

As the latest 2026 safest cars start to get evaluated and awarded by the IIHS, many drivers may be wondering, "What are the safest cars to drive in 2026?" Our Sunroad Collision Center team has taken the liberty of putting together this guide to help you pick a model that meets your safety standards when tackling the daily school pick-up line or hauling home renovation materials.

As per the rankings by the IIHS, the safest car brands include Mazda, Hyundai, and Toyota. Continue reading our comprehensive guide to learn how many awarded models each automaker has for its most recently evaluated models – and for which segments.

Mazda IIHS Safety Winners

For 2025, Mazda was the most-awarded automaker by the IIHS.¹ Eight vehicles in the brand's lineup were chosen as Top Safety Pick+ vehicles, proving their crashworthiness and collision reliability in a variety of areas.

The 2025 Mazda IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recipients¹ – and their segments – include:

• 2025 Mazda 3 4-door hatchback: Small Cars
• 2025 Mazda 3 4-door sedan: Small Cars
• 2025 Mazda CX-30 4-door SUV: Small SUVs
• 2025 Mazda CX-50 4-door SUV: Small SUVs
• 2025 Mazda CX-70 4-door SUV: Midsize SUVs
• 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV 4-door SUV: Midsize SUVs
• 2025 Mazda CX-90 4-door SUV: Midsize SUVs
• 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV 4-door SUV: Midsize SUVs

Hyundai IIHS Safety Winners

Hyundai vehicles have a strong history of reliability and safety – and 2025 (as well as 2026) models prove it. There are seven 2025 models that are superlative according to the IIHS¹ and earn the 2025 Top Safety Pick+ moniker:

• 2025 Hyundai Elantra 4-door sedan: Small Cars
• 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 4-door sedan: Midsize Cars
• 2025 Hyundai Sonata 4-door sedan: Midsize Cars
• 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 4-door SUV: Small SUVs
• 2025 Hyundai Kona 4-door SUV: Small SUVs
• 2025 Hyundai Tucson 4-door SUV: Small SUVs
• 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 4-door SUV: Midsize SUVs

Toyota IIHS Safety Winners

Toyota is our third safest brand, as deemed by the IIHS. These three models have earned the Top Safety Pick+ award¹ for the 2025 model year:

• 2025 Toyota Camry 4-door sedan: Midsize Cars
• 2025 Toyota bZ4X 4-door SUV: Small SUVs
• 2025 Toyota Tundra crew cab pickup: Large Pickups

Which Cars Are the Safest to Drive In 2026?

At the time of this writing in November 2025, a handful of 2026 Top Safety Pick awards have been dished out – though many models are still being evaluated and tested for their safety and reliability.

Below, we've highlighted details about the models that have been deemed safe rides at this time. Stay updated with our Sunroad Collision Center experts to learn more about the 2026 safest cars as they get ranked. For now, let's review:

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 4-Door SUV

This 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 makes waves as the brand's first-ever, three-row, electrified midsize SUV. It's no wonder the model earned superlative marks with its vigilant standard safety features, like Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. With up to 335 miles of electric range,¹ this model is proactive mile after mile.

2026 Kia Sportage 4-Door SUV

An award-winning model in the Small SUVs segment, the 2026 Kia Sportage boasts class-leading cargo room and rear-row legroom. Plus, it's ready for all manner of rough realities with its available all-wheel drive system and Multi-Terrain Mode.

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz Crew Cab Pickup

The Santa Cruz may be positioned within the Small Pickups category, but even the automaker calls this one a "truck/SUV mash-up" and a "Sport Adventure Vehicle." Diverse construction is largely what we have to thank for that. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, offering steady fuel efficiency, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is available for those who want to make light work of all-terrain traveling.

2026 Nissan Rogue 4-Door SUV

The 2026 Nissan Rogue is among the only models rated by the IIHS for 2026 – it's earned the Top Safety Pick award in Small SUVs. Although it doesn't get that Plus-level designation, it's an incredible model with a few personalities available: no-frills with FWD, multi-terrain capability with AWD, and a luxe cabin experience with the Platinum.

Any 2025 Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ Model

For drivers who want a 2025 model year, any choice of a 2025 Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ model may be a great fit. These vehicles have already been tested, reviewed, and have been on the market for some time, offering drivers a proven record.

Drivers who want a sporty and electrified SUV may consider the 2025 Toyota bZ4X 4-door SUV; families with children or pets may want to consider one of the six award-winning Mazda SUVs; and drivers who want a tried-and-true EV may find one of the Hyundai IONIQ models to fit well within their lifestyles.

Better Safe Than Sorry: Get A Free Estimate For Collision Repair in San Diego

Although the above vehicles are among the 2025 and 2026 safest cars, we'd understand wanting to learn more about vehicular resilience in particular circumstances. Read our guide here to learn about the safest cars to survive an accident.

Or, if you'd like details on cars capable of handling storms or other scenarios, our collision center specialists can help you make that determination.

¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks