Safest cars of 2026
Vehicles ranked by NHTSA overall crash-test rating, tie-broken by the composite score.
Data-driven ranking · Rankings computed July 11, 2026 · Listing counts refresh daily
What are the safest cars to buy? The 2026 Honda HR-V ranks #1, followed by the 2026 Tesla Model Y and the 2026 Mazda CX-50.
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Safest cars FAQ
- What are the safest cars to buy?
- OpenDealer ranks the following as the safest cars for 2026: Honda HR-V, Tesla Model Y, Mazda CX-50, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Chevrolet Equinox EV.
- How much do the safest cars cost?
- Starting MSRPs in this ranking range from $24,595 to $81,850, depending on trim and configuration.
- What is the cheapest vehicle in the safest cars list?
- The 2026 Honda Civic has the lowest starting MSRP in this ranking at $24,595.
- How does OpenDealer rank vehicles?
- Ranked by NHTSA overall crash-test rating, with ties broken by the OpenDealer composite score (safety, efficiency, value, popularity, availability). All inputs are from public data sources; no paid placement.
How this ranking works
Ranked by NHTSA overall crash-test rating, with ties broken by the OpenDealer composite score (safety, efficiency, value, popularity, availability). All inputs are from public data sources; no paid placement.
Rank order and scores are computed from public data (NHTSA, EPA, manufacturer pricing, 2025 US sales figures) and inventory availability at snapshot time, then frozen for six months. OpenDealer listing counts and shop links refresh daily. Dealers cannot pay to influence placement. Rankings last computed July 11, 2026.
US sales data courtesy of GoodCarBadCar.net.
