Vehicle Safety Ratings
Crash-test ratings are the fastest way to compare how well two cars protect occupants. Two U.S. agencies test differently, so checking both gives the fullest picture.
NHTSA vs IIHS
- NHTSA uses a 5-star scale from frontal, side, and rollover tests
- IIHS runs overlap crash tests and awards Top Safety Pick tiers
- IIHS also rates advanced driver-assist systems like automatic braking
What to Look For
Prioritize models with top scores in small-overlap front tests and standard automatic emergency braking. A high rating lowers injury risk and often insurance cost.
Official Sources
Tip: Look for strong frontal/side crash tests and standard automatic emergency braking.
NCAP Star Ratings
Government crash programs assign stars from one to five based on frontal, side, and rollover tests. More stars mean lower death risk. The rating compares vehicles of similar weight, so a five-star small car is not automatically safer than a four-star large one.
What the Scores Cover
- Driver and passenger frontal protection
- Side-impact and pole tests
- Rollover resistance from center of gravity
- Advanced driver-assist availability
Using Ratings Wisely
Pair the star score with real-world injury and fatality data, not just the headline number. A car with strong crash structure but no automatic braking may score lower overall than a similar one with more tech.
Frontal vs. Side Protection
A strong frontal score does not guarantee side protection, and vice versa. Check both, since side impacts are common at intersections. A car strong in one test but weak in the other leaves a real gap in daily risk.
ADAS and Prevention
Automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist prevent crashes before they happen. Programs now score this tech, and a car with it can earn a higher overall rating even with average crash structure.
Weight Class Caveat
Heavy vehicles score well in crashes but can be harder to avoid one. Read the rating alongside braking and handling reviews, since avoiding the crash beats surviving it. A balanced choice weighs both.
Check Before You Buy
Look up the exact trim and model year, since ratings can change mid-cycle. A one-year-newer version of the same car may score differently, and the right trim can mean the difference between four and five stars.