While the general number of accidents that occur on the roads has reduced over the years, thanks to the cars that drastically changed road safety, statistically, the roads remain a dangerous place. Most of us simply jump into our cars without a second thought, assuming that the car will protect us in any situation and take the bulk of the impact; something which has only come to be thanks to the work that manufacturers have put into developing reliable cars.

Updated July 2023: Buying a new vehicle requires making many decisions, including options, style, and color. However, safety is another crucial aspect when buying a vehicle. For the 2023 model year, here is an updated list of 18 of the safest cars that money can buy – most of which come with the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award.

Carmakers spend millions on developing new and innovative safety technologies which help keep occupants safe not only in the event of an accident but afterward as well. Modern cars feature many airbags that cocoon the passengers, no matter the angle of impact, to aid in minimizing the damage. These vehicles often have the latest road safety innovations, from detection systems and automatic acceleration to braking to steer out of dangerous situations.

For example, Audi's safety systems even lean the car into the oncoming accident to hit on the strongest parts of the car, minimizing cabin deformation and protecting the occupants inside. Thankfully, technological innovation means the cars of today generally offer the best protection yet – helping to make the automotive industry a better and safer place. In this guide, HotCars looks to pick out 18 of the world’s leading cars where safety is concerned.

We have identified 18 models that are among the safest cars in production today, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

18 2023 Lexus NX

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 4/5

2023 Lexus NX 350h side
Scott Murdock

Those in the market for a luxury midsize SUV should certainly consider the excellent 2023 Lexus NX. The range starts at $39,500, and Lexus has invested heavily in the integrated technology within this model. The infotainment system revolves around a 9.8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A larger 14-inch touchscreen is also available. Lexus offers Amazon's Alexa as standard in the NX. The virtual assistant can complete many useful tasks.

2023 Lexus NX Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The NX comes fitted with Lexus' Safety System+ 3.0, resulting in a range of integrated safety-enhancing features. Pre-collision with pedestrian detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, among other systems, mean this is one of the safest SUVs around. The IIHS has awarded the car a Top Safety Pick+ classification, providing further reassurance.

  • Recalls: 1: During rear-end crash, the transport hook can damage the fuel filler pipe, risking a fire
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Related: 2022 Lexus LX 600 Ultra Luxury Review: An SUV You Need To Experience

17 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 5/5

Volkswagen-ID.4_US-Version-
Volkswagen

The Volkswagen ID.4 is the second model released in Volkswagen's all-electric range. The car can cater to a family, with significantly more cabin and luggage space than the compact ID.3. The ID.4 is designed to rival that of the Tesla Model Y and the Skoda Enyaq – the latter of which shares the same platform.

2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

Following evaluation by the IIHS, the car received a Top Safety Pick+ for 2023 award and a 5-Star NHTSA overall safety rating. These ratings resulted due to the variety of passive and active safety systems found in the car. The model will likely gain popularity in the coming years as Volkswagen intends to use the ID platform for many upcoming Audi models.

  • Recalls: 4: Battery may short-circuit, doors may open unexpectedly, electric motor sealing ring incorrectly assembled, inoperative rearview camera
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

16 2023 Subaru Solterra

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 4/5

Grey 2023 Subaru Solterra in mud
Subaru

The 2023 Subaru Solterra is the rebadged version of the Toyota bZ4X and features most of the same parts and options. Interestingly, only the Solterra is available for purchase in Japan, with the bZ4X purely going to export markets. This doesn't matter much, though, as the only difference between the Solterra and bZ4X is the badge on the front. Mechanically speaking, the cars are identical.

2023 Subaru Solterra Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

Not yet rated

Overall Side

Not yet rated

Rollover

Not yet rated

The Solterra features front- and all-wheel-drive powertrains, producing either 201 or 215 hp. The 72.8 kWh battery is good for around 220 to 250 miles of range – depending on the model – and comes with all the comforts and reliability expected of a Toyota product. While the ever-popular RAV4 has a hybrid model, the bZ4X and Solterra are there to fill the electric void left by the RAV4. The Solterra is among the Top Safety picks on the IIHS list, scoring Good and Superior ratings in all the categories.

  • Recalls: 2: The wheel may detach from the vehicle
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Related: How Subaru Doubled The 2024 Crosstrek’s Towing Capacity To 3,500 Lbs

15 2023 Subaru Outback

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Subaru-Outback_Wilderness-2022-
Subaru

The Subaru Outback is the perfect off-road capable everyday vehicle, and arguably one of the most versatile cars on sale today. The rugged Outback combines an all-wheel-drive system with a spacious interior and a 75.7 cubic foot luggage capacity. The Outback features either a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four or a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter of the same configuration, producing between 185 and 250 hp – depending on the trim. The power goes to all four wheels via an eight-speed 'simulated' CVT transmission.

2023 Subaru Outback Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The Outback is another car on this list to achieve the desirable IIHS Top Safety Pick+ 2023. The 2020 redesign improved safety over the outgoing model, and the car excels when it comes to protecting children, making it a great choice for families. The off-road-orientated 'Wilderness' trims also add ride height, improving visibility and just making the model that little bit safer.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

14 2023 Acura Integra

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Blue 2024 Acura Integra Type S parked outdoors
Acura

The all-new 2023 Acura Integra is a welcome return for a long-awaited nameplate. Like the older models, the Integra stems from its Honda equivalent – in this case, the Civic Si. Apart from the changed interior and exterior, the mechanicals of the car are exactly the same, meaning the same 200 hp 1.5-liter turbo mated to either a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission.

2023 Acura Integra Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

5/5

The Integra shares the Civic's safety rating, scoring Good and Superior ratings in most of the categories. It is also the Top Safety Pick+ according to the IIHS – sitting on its own in the 'small car' segment. The Integra Type S is on its way, but will likely not make it to this prestigious list due to the added performance.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Related: These 9 Cars Have The Worst Safety Ratings Of All Time

13 2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating of 5/5

2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge Lead Image
Via: Bradley Hasemeyer

Some of Volvo's safety innovations have altered the course of automotive technology forever, and thanks to the company's obsession with safety, it's likely helped save countless lives already. After all, Volvo was the automaker that invented the three-point seatbelt – and then made it patent-free for all to use.

2023 Volvo XC90 Recharge Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The biggest vehicle in the line-up is the XC90. It is one of the most successful models in the company's history, and the current model never fails to impress. The XC90 achieves a Good and Superior score in most of the categories, with an Acceptable falling behind the Vehicle-to-Pedestrian safety – one area Volvo sometimes struggles with a bit. Overall, the XC90 is a fantastically safe SUV worthy of the Top Safety Pick+.

  • Recalls: 3: Loss of power, BCM2 error may cause loss of ABS and ESC, false warning message for Emergency Call System
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

12 2023 Toyota Camry

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 5/5

Toyota Camry SE
Shutterstock

The 2023 Toyota Camry is the go-to family sedan for those who don't quite want an SUV parked in their driveway. The Camry is the standard for midsize sedan safety, and the 2023 model is better than ever – featuring subtle styling improvements and updated interiors and technology.

2023 Toyota Camry Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

5/5

The Camry uses either a hybridized four-cylinder or naturally aspirated V6 for propulsion, powering either the front or all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic or a CVT for the hybrid models. The model gets excellent scores all-round and falls into the Top Safety Pick+ of the midsize car category – as we would expect with a Toyota product.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Related: How The Toyota Prius Became A Desirable Hybrid Once Again

11 2023 Rivian R1T

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 5/5

Rivian R1T orange
Rivian

It may be no surprise that the extremely safe Rivian R1T family pickup truck is on this list, but what is impressive is that it is the company's first outing. The R1T is currently doing better than the Ford F-150 Lightning in both exclusivity and towing – all while exhibiting more power and some pretty cool features. The R1T also looks just futuristic enough to not let people get tired of its looks – something we believe the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck will struggle with.

2023 Rivian R1T Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

5/5

The R1T features quad electric motors which produce over 800 hp combined, making this a very quick truck. The IIHS found that the R1T has excellent safety and crash prevention systems, earning it a green light across the board – exhibiting brilliant cabin and passenger protection. The R1T may be a bit on the expensive side for a pickup, but it is well worth the money.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

10 2023 Genesis G90

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 4/5

Genesis-G90-2023
Genesis

The 2023 Genesis G90 luxury sedan is a seriously imposing vehicle. Following a redesign, Genesis has significantly upped its game, and the G90 is a credible alternative to other luxo-barges. Far from a cheap option, the G90 starts at around $75,000, but for this, buyers do get a lot for their money. The G90 features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 under the hood, sending either 375 or 409 hp to the rear wheels only or all four in the LWB trim.

2023 Genesis G90 Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

When it comes to safety, the car excels, and every possible safety feature available comes as standard. Some of these highly advanced features include 'Highway Driving Assist 2', which is essentially adaptive cruise control, but developed to a level that makes the system functional even on road curves. Additionally, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control will automatically adjust the set speed if the speed limit changes and on the aforementioned curved sections.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Related: This Is What Makes The Genesis G90 One Of The Finest Luxury Sedans On The Market

9 2023 Lexus ES

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 4/5

Silver 2023 Lexus ES on the driveway
Lexus

The 2023 Lexus ES is a midsize luxury sedan that’s as safe as it is comfortable. The ES is among the few midsize luxury sedans that managed to receive an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. With the crash-worthiness test, the ES scored a Good rating, except for the side updated test, where it scored an Average.

2023 Lexus ES Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The 2023 Lexus ES gets Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 as standard. This system includes multiple driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assistance, lane departure warning, and pedestrian and cyclist detection.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

8 2023 Honda HR-V

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 4/5

Gray 2023 Honda HR-V parked outdoors
Honda

Despite getting a complete makeover for the 2023 model year, the HR-V stands out as one of the safest small SUVs, with a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. The HR-V has impressive scores in the crash-worthiness test but gets an Average score for its headlights and latch ease of use.

2023 Honda HR-V Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

In addition, the HR-V gets Honda’s suite of driver assistance technologies, including a lane-keeping feature, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automated emergency braking. The HR-V also gets a reasonable warranty package of three years or 36,000 miles.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Related: Here Are The Best And Worst Honda Civic Models Ever Made

7 2023 Honda CR-V

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 4/5

The Sport Touring trim of the 2023 Honda CR-V.
Honda

The 2023 Honda CR-V has been given a thorough revamp this year, adopting Honda's new design language – falling in behind the new Accord. As usual, the CR-V is an excellent large crossover/small SUV which continues the traditional Honda trend of great build quality and mechanical reliability.

2023 Honda CR-V Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The new CR-V features either a 1.5- or 2.0-liter inline-four – the former of which features a turbocharger – mated to either a CVT or eCVT in the case of the hybrid trim. The CR-V scored brilliantly on the safety and crash prevention tests, achieving either a Good or Superior rating – with only the side-impact test getting an Acceptable score due to thinner doors. Overall, the CR-V is a great car, worthy of the Top Safety list.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

6 2023 Tesla Model Y

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 5/5

The 2023 Tesla Model Y on the road.
Tesla

According to data from Statista, the crossover SUV is currently the best-selling automotive segment in America, and for obvious reasons. Built on a 'traditional' platform, crossovers offer a nimble driving experience with increased height - a recipe that's hard to resist. If electric vehicles are your thing, then a top safety rating is another reason you should opt for a Tesla Model Y.

2023 Tesla Model Y Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

5/5

The IIHS ran a safety test on a 2023 Tesla Model Y midsize luxury four-door SUV, and it earned a Top Safety Pick from the organization. The model earned perfect top scores in crash-worthiness and crash avoidance and mitigation tests and also earned an Acceptable rating for seat belts and child restraints measures. In all, the 2023 Tesla Model Y is an extremely safe car to commute in.

  • Recalls: 12: Steering-wheel may disconnect from the steering column, the self-driving system may cause crashes, second-row seat frame may be insecurely assembled
  • NHTSA Investigations: 5: Unexpected brake activation, shift interlock request, pedestrian alert sounds
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Related: This Is Why Tesla Doesn't Include Apple CarPlay And Android Auto Support

5 2023 Hyundai Palisade

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 5/5

Hyundai Palisade - Front
Hyundai

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is a lush midsize SUV with a high-class cabin, space for the whole family, and a smooth ride. It’s the brand’s largest SUV, thus offering a reasonably punchy engine and multiple technology and connectivity features. The Palisade gets the same 3.8-liter V6 as found in the Kia Telluride, producing just under 300 hp.

2023 Hyundai Palisade Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The Palisade has a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS with a Good overall crash-worthiness result, except for a poor score in the updated moderate overlap front test. Hyundai offers plenty of standard equipment, with the higher trim levels getting nearly every advanced safety system – all optional extras on the German and Japanese equivalent SUVs.

  • Recalls: 3: Toe hitch harness may cause fire when parked, windshield wipers may fail
  • NHTSA Investigations: 1: Windshield wiper failure
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

4 2023 Infiniti QX60

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 5/5

Infiniti QX60 Featured Front Quarter Moonbow Blue Close Up
Infiniti

Infiniti is among the few brands that are at the forefront of the Japanese luxury game. The QX60 is one of the brand’s SUV offerings, with a luxurious cabin and a striking design. While it's mostly a re-bodied Nissan Pathfinder, the QX60 offers similar features as its key rivals like the Lincoln Aviator, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

2023 Infiniti QX60 Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

Not yet rated

Unlike most of its rivals, the QX60 also receives a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS with a Good crash-worthiness score. The QX60 offers a host of driver assistance features as standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automated emergency braking.

  • Recalls: 2: Driver's powered seat may be insecure, second-row adjustable seat malfunction
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

3 2023 Mazda Mazda3

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 5/5

JDPA_2021 Mazda3 2_5 Turbo Premium Plus Sedan Gray Front View4
J.D.Power

It’s been clear for some time now that the Mazda Mazda3 is among the best sedans on the market. Not only is it affordable and distinctively designed, but the badge that was once a byword for unreliability is now the total opposite.

2023 Mazda Mazda3 Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

5/5

Filled with an array of standard safety features, ranging from lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning to driver-attention monitoring and forward-collision alert, Mazda has complemented the stylish looks with an adept suite of safety technology.

  • Recalls: 2: Front brake caliper bolts may loosen, emergency braking can unexpectedly activate
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick (IIHS)

2 2023 Toyota Corolla

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Of 5/5

2023 Toyota Corolla XSE front three quarter
Toyota

One of those cars that you almost unanimously expect to be present on a list like this, the 2023 Toyota Corolla has shown no signs of wavering from its highly-reputable safety standards. If anything, the Corolla’s place in the world is only growing, with new models such as the track-ready GR Corolla being released to huge fanfare last year.

2023 Toyota Corolla Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The Corolla continues to go about its business as a dependable, well-built, affordable vehicle. Standard safety features include 10 airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system, which brings together a suite of systems like pedestrian detection and autonomous emergency braking to turn the Corolla into one of the safest cars around.

  • Recalls: 1: The driver’s airbag might not deploy
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick (IIHS)

1 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating Not Yet Provided

Gray 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz

While ardent gearheads will be sad at the fact that the range-topping C63 will only feature a 4-cylinder engine, it’s pretty hard to deny that the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class as a whole is transitioning into a more luxury-focused vehicle that aims to be the benchmark in its segment.

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Overall Frontal

Not yet rated

Overall Side

Not yet rated

Rollover

Not yet rated

This will be the first time that a C-Class will be independently tested, and while the NHTSA has yet to conduct and post the official scores for the 2023 model, we’re pretty confident it’ll score highly. It has already snatched a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the Institute for Highway Safety, so expect that form to continue as the adjudicators look to test the new C-Class’ ability to protect.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA Investigations: 0
  • Awards: 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)