Analyses
17 jan 23

What are the safest car models in North America?

Among the safest vehicle models in North America are Midsize Luxury SUVs in the United States, according to data from US-based organizations IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and HLDI (Highway Loss Data Institute).

Among the OEMs winning the highest safety accolades from 2022 tests are those based out of Asia. While Honda and its luxury line Acura boasts the most top-rated models, Subaru also fared quite well. 

Below is a list of some of the top scorers, all of which qualified as a Top Safety Pick + model by IIHS. To receive this rating, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. 

It must also earn an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention (both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian) as well as an acceptable or good headlight rating across all trim levels.

2023 models

Small
 

Honda Insight

Honda Civic

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

 

Midsize
 

Subaru Legacy

Subaru Outback

 

 

Midsize Luxury

Acura
TLX

 

 

 

Large Luxury

Audi
A6

Mercedes-Benz
E-class

Genesis G80

 

Small SUV

Mazda
CX-30

Mitsubishi Outlander

Toyota RAV 4

 

Midsize Luxury SUV

Acura MDX

Acura RDX

Genesis GV70
 

Infiniti
QV70

Large SUV

Audi E-tron
Sportback

 

 

 

Large Pickup

Rivian R1T
crew cab

 

 

 


Some of the 2023 models with Top Safety Pick + ratings (courtesy of IIHS) 

2022 models

Meanwhile, among the 2022 models receiving top marks were the Honda Insight (small sedan), Subaru Accent (small SUV), Hyundai Nexo hydrogen (midsize luxury SUV), Lexus NX & NX Hybrid (midsize luxury SUV), and Toyota Sienna (minivan).

Make the right choice

Fleet Managers, although Midsize Luxury SUVs make for a nice ride, remember that they are priced between $45,000-$50,000 while a Midsize Luxury Sedan usually runs a few thousand dollars less.  

Besides safety ratings and initial price, make sure to also study aspects such as maintenance demands, residual values, OEM warrantees, and driver requirements.  

To support IIHS and its goal to reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage from motor vehicle crashes by educating consumers, policy makers, and safety professionals, HLDI provides insurance data through scientific studies and publishes insurance loss results according to vehicle make and model.

For tips on car selection and more, join the Global Fleet Managers Club (GFMC). It offers networking and best practice sharing for executive level fleet decision makers with global (and regional) responsibilities in a 100% neutral and non-commercial environment. In 2023, the GFMC is organizing live sessions as well as virtual meetings.  


Top Photo: IIHS crash test vehicles (courtesty of IIHS)

Authored by: Daniel Bland