The Best Small Car Safety Ratings for 2024
Small car safety ratings judge vehicles on their crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation, and child seat anchors. The best car safety ratings are given to vehicles that exceed expectations in all three categories. Not only can choosing to buy one of the safest cars protect you and your passengers, but it can also help you save money on your insurance.
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Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
UPDATED: Jul 4, 2024
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Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 4, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety keeps a detailed database on safety ratings available to the public
- Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, and Honda dominated the small car safety list
- The most common problem that brought cars down in their ranking was poor headlight performance, but most cars had an optional LED option to boost safety ratings
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ranks cars on their safety and then publishes this information. It is thoroughly recommended that you consider a car’s IIHS rating before you buy it so that you can avoid an unpleasant surprise later.
While the primary goal of buying a safe car is to protect you and your passengers from as much harm as possible, there are several other benefits. For example, you’ll likely get a car that has better fuel economy since safe vehicles are typically equipped with the latest technology.
Additionally, you can save money on your car insurance by having built-in safety features. Drivers with safe cars tend to make fewer claims, which further lowers your insurance rates.
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, consider the following small car safety ratings. Then, enter your ZIP code into our free tool to see what insurance might cost you.
Top 10 Safest Small Cars
There are plenty of top ten car lists, ranging from the most affordable classic cars to the safest compact SUV in 2021. For this list, we focus on the top ten safest small cars as of 2021.
Before we list the safest cars, it can help to understand what factors affect small car safety ratings. Since IIHS safety ratings are so thorough, we base safety performance on those numbers.
The IIHS ranks cars based on crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation, and child seat anchors.
Another critical feature to the rankings of cars is their available safety features and whether they are included in the base price.
Number 10: Subaru Impreza
Starting Price: $19,755
Available Safety Features: Forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert
As the first car on this list, the Impreza has a spacious interior for a small vehicle and a style people love. Reviews also state that this is a fun car to drive. With a low starting price, the Impreza is suitable for small budgets.
The Impreza earns its spot on this list with its excellent ratings from IIHS. Every category earns a high mark, except for its headlights.
Number 9: Subaru Crosstrek
Starting Price: $23,570
Available Safety Features: Automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist
The Crosstrek is smaller than the Outback and more expensive than the Forester, yet it remains a popular choice for Subaru enthusiasts. The Crosstrek strikes an adventurous image comparable to more costly Jeeps and Land Rovers.
Rankings from the IIHS are high in every category, except for the base model’s headlights. The Crosstrek gets the highest ranking possible for its child safety seat system.
Number 8: Nissan Sentra
Starting Price: $20,535
Available Safety Features: Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and automated and rear automated emergency braking
The Nissan Sentra has a lot of style but is a little lacking in performance. With a comfortable interior and an appealing price tag, the Sentra remains a popular car. (For more information, read our “Top 10 Most Popular Cars“).
One of the reasons that the Sentra scores so highly in safety ratings is that safety features are included in the standard price.
As for IIHS ratings, the Sentra scores very high in most categories. As with many other cars on this list, the Sentra only lacks in the headlights category.
Number 7: Mazda 3
Starting Price: $21,815
Available Safety Features: Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure, and lane-keeping assist
One of the biggest selling points of the Mazda 3 is its premium package style and performance for a budget price. You can buy it as a hatchback or sedan, and it comes with a powerful engine.
Both sedan and hatchback perform well in their IIHS ratings. Both options earn slightly lower options because of their headlights.
Number 6: Kia Soul
Starting Price: $20,505
Available Safety Features: Forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist
Affectionately called a toaster, the Soul strikes an image on the street that’s instantly recognizable. Some people love it, others hate it, but there’s no denying it’s a zippy ride.
IIHS gives the Soul high marks as long as you get the LED headlight upgrade. However, available safety features aren’t included in the standard price – you’ll need to buy the upgrades.
Number 5: Kia Forte
Starting Price: $20,115
Available Safety Features: Forward-collision warnings with automated braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise, and lane-following assist
Kia has made great strides to improve its line of vehicles, and the Forte is the result of that hard work. The Forte is an affordable option for drivers looking for a stylish ride with decent performance.
The Forte earns high marks from IIHS in most safety categories. The only areas it lags in are the latch system for child safety seats and its ability to avoid front-facing pedestrian collisions.
Number 4: Hyundai Veloster
Starting Price: $19,905
Available Safety Features: Forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts
Although the Veloster is affordable, reviews state that this is an exciting car to drive. Its fuel economy is a little lower than similar cars, but fans say it makes up for it with personality.
The IIHS gives the Veloster top marks in most crash safety categories. However, it does dip a little for its headlights rating and how easy the latches for child safety seats are to use.
Number 3: Hyundai Elantra
Starting Price: $20,995
Available Safety Features: Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering
The Elantra is a solid choice for a small car, especially for drivers that want a unique style. Fans of the Elantra describe the interior as futuristic, and they enjoy the spaciousness.
However, the Elantra only earns the number three spot if you get the right trim. If you get the standard lights, IIHS ranks this car much lower. However, if you upgrade to LED headlights, the Elantra gets top marks.
Number 2: Honda Insight
Starting Price: $26,775
Available Safety Features: Forward-collision warning and automated braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning
Hailed as the successor to Honda’s Civic hybrid, drivers love the quiet engine and strong fuel economy. You get a comfortable ride, stylish interior, and a robust steering system with the Insight.
The Insight is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus for four-door sedans, and it receives top marks in every category for crash safety.
Number 1: Honda Civic
Starting Price: $23,365
Available Safety Features: Automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
The Civic is Honda’s second most popular vehicle, losing out to the CR-V. However, the Civic beats the CR-V for safety.
The 2022 release of the Civic is currently sporting the top 5-star safety rating for both small and mid-sized vehicles. The Civic earns praise for its more refined style, strong performance, and valuable tech upgrades. Those tech options are part of why the Civic has such a strong presence in safety ratings.
The Civic receives top marks from IIHS in every category and only received a slightly lower score for passenger leg safety.
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Safety Ratings for Other Cars
While small cars tend to be relatively safe and have better fuel economy, they don’t fit everyone. Sometimes you need the towing capacity of a truck or the passenger space of a full-sized SUV.
Additionally, it might not be financially possible to buy a brand new car. In those cases, you’ll need one of the used safest and most affordable cars in 2021 to get where you need to go.
How do large car vs. small car safety ratings compare? Check the graph below to see the top picks for safety in every category.
Type of car Top pick for safety Second pick for safety Third pick for safety
Small car Honda Civic Honda Insight Hyundai Elantra
Midsized car Toyota Camry Honda Accord Subaru Outback
Large car Toyota Avalon Kia Stinger Volkswagen Arteon
Midsized luxury car Tesla Model 3 Lexus IS Volvo V60
Large luxury car Audi 7 Audi 6 Genesis G70
Small SUV Subaru Forester Mazda CX-5 Nissan Rogue
Medium SUV Subaru Ascent Toyota Highlander Ford Explorer
Large SUV Audi e-Tron Audi Q8 -
Midsized luxury SUV Lexus NX Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Volvo XC60
Minivan Toyota Sienna Honda Odyssey Chrysler Pacifica
Pickup truck Ford F-150 RAM 1500 Chevrolet Silverado
Read more:
- Compare Mazda vs. Chevy Midsize SUV Safety Rating
- Compare Hyundai vs. Toyota Midsize SUV Safety Rating
Some car brands show up repeatedly through several categories. In general, Subaru, Toyota, and Honda do very well with their safety ratings.
Find the Best Insurance for the Safest Cars
The best part of buying one of the safest cars is that you know you and your passengers will be as protected as possible. As a bonus, you’ll likely get better insurance prices. Car safety ratings positively affect insurance rates since they lower your chance of making a claim.
If you’re interested in how small car safety can help save you money, comparing rates from multiple companies is the first place to start. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to see what quotes might look like for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors are considered in small car safety ratings?
Small car safety ratings take into account crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation, and child seat anchors. These factors are evaluated by organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to determine the safety performance of small cars.
How can buying a safe car benefit me?
Buying a safe car can benefit you in several ways. Firstly, it helps protect you and your passengers from harm in the event of an accident. Additionally, safe cars often come equipped with advanced technology, leading to better fuel economy. Moreover, owning a safe car can also help you save money on car insurance, as drivers with safe cars tend to make fewer claims, leading to lower insurance rates.
Which small cars have the best safety ratings for 2023?
The following small cars have been ranked among the top 10 safest for 2023:
- Honda Civic
- Honda Insight
- Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Veloster
- Kia Forte
- Kia Soul
- Mazda 3
- Nissan Sentra
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Impreza
Please note that these rankings are based on available information and are subject to change as new safety data becomes available.
What are some of the safety features available in these small cars?
The specific safety features available in each small car may vary, but some common features found in these models include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s always recommended to check with the manufacturer or dealer for the most accurate and up-to-date information on safety features.
Are there safety ratings available for cars other than small cars?
Yes, safety ratings are available for various types of cars, including large cars, SUVs, trucks, and more. Organizations like the IIHS evaluate the safety performance of vehicles across different categories. If you’re interested in safety ratings for a specific type of car, it’s best to consult the relevant sources or websites that provide such information.
Can small car safety ratings impact insurance rates?
Yes, small car safety ratings can potentially impact insurance rates. Insurance companies often consider the safety features and crashworthiness of a vehicle when determining insurance premiums. Safe cars with high safety ratings may qualify for discounts or lower rates as they are associated with lower risk of accidents and fewer insurance claims.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Michael Vereecke
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.