Safest Sedans for 2024 and 2025
By James Diaz
| Updated 3 Days Ago
When selecting a sedan, consider prioritizing models with IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designations, reflecting superior safety performance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings are based on detailed tests assessing a vehicle’s capability to safeguard its occupants during accidents. Resources like these can help streamline your car shopping decision, ensuring you choose a sedan that provides security and value.
The 2024 Honda Civic and Acura Integra stand out for their exceptional safety, having passed rigorous testing in nine categories to earn their IIHS Top Safety Pick designations. These models have advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, enhancing driver safety via semi-autonomous technology. Still, the 2024 Acura Integra goes above and beyond with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status, slightly leading its Honda counterpart and setting an industry benchmark.
2025 Honda Civic
MotoPickers Rating: 7.6/10
Honda’s 2025 Civic, starting at around $26,000, combines sportiness and practicality. The new Civic is available in sedan or hatchback models and offers four trim levels catering to various preferences without compromising quality. The standard front-wheel drive (FWD) Civic provides a horsepower range of 158 to 200, ensuring a responsive and engaging drive while achieving an impressive estimated combined fuel economy of 50 MPG.
Drivers receive Honda’s Sensing Suite within the 2025 Civic, an extensive package of safety and driver-assist technologies, including a Collision Mitigation Brake System, Lane-Keeping Assist System, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). However, the entry-level engine might lack the vigor some desire, and road or wind noise can be noticeable, a common issue in this class. The Civic’s extensive offerings and thorough safety design justify the cost despite a premium price relative to its siblings like the Accord.
2024 Acura Integra
MotoPickers Rating: 7.6/10
The 2024 Acura Integra, priced from $31,800, offers a powerful blend of performance and practicality with a 200-horsepower turbocharged engine. This efficient setup delivers 26-30 MPG in the city and 36-37 MPG on the highway. For those craving more power, the Type S variant boasts a robust 320-horsepower engine that significantly enhances the driving experience. Both models feature a spacious cabin that seats five comfortably, combining 24.3 cubic feet (cu. ft.) of generous cargo space with sporty capabilities.
Acura equips every Integra trim with seven standard driver-assistance features, including Collision Mitigation Braking, Pedestrian Detection, and Traffic Jam Assist, promoting safety and peace of mind. While the cabin, redesigned with premium materials, may not rival the luxury of some competitors, it offers a well-crafted modern aesthetic. Overall, the 2024 Integra balances exciting performance and functional design without compromising affordability.
2024 Hyundai Sonata
MotoPickers Rating: 7.9/10
Starting at $27,500, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata showcases modernized daytime running lights stretched across the front, enhancing its visual appeal. The redesigned rear features new taillights and a revamped bumper cover. Inside, the Sonata sports significant enhancements, including twin 12.3” infotainment touch screens within a sleek, curved display mount and a new steering wheel layout. A repositioned gear selector stemming from the steering column optimizes cabin space and accessibility.
Performance-wise, the Sonata starts with a robust 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and now offers optional all-wheel drive (AWD), adding flexibility for various conditions. The N Line trim continues with a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, blending vigorous power with a sporty flair, marking it as Sonata’s peak in driving dynamics. Hyundai matches the Sonata’s acceleration with 16 advanced standard safety features courtesy of the SmartSense package.
2025 Toyota Camry
MotoPickers Rating: 8.1/10
The 2025 Toyota Camry, starting at $28,400, launches its ninth generation with a hybrid-exclusive design overhaul that enhances its reputation for comfort and spaciousness. This midsize sedan offers a balanced ride with a luxurious cabin and advanced hybrid technology, ideal for daily driving. Toyota integrates user-friendly 8” and 12.3” infotainment systems, promoting connectivity and entertainment, alongside comprehensive safety features prioritizing passenger protection.
The 2025 Camry includes a Safety Sense 3.0 suite of standard driver-assist features, including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and more. Additional safety features like a Panoramic View Mirror and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking are available at no extra cost.
2024 Subaru Legacy
MotoPickers Rating: 8.2/10
When considering a midsize sedan that emphasizes safety and comfort, the 2024 Subaru Legacy stands out, starting at $24,895. This model features standard AWD, enhancing traction in various conditions while offering a spacious cabin, making it ideal for daily commutes and longer trips. Each Legacy is equipped with a dual 7” touchscreen setup and adaptive cruise control, with the Premium trim upgrading to an 11.6” touchscreen and heated seats, offering substantial value for its cost.
The Legacy produces 182 to 260 horsepower, achieving 23-27 MPG in the city and 31-35 MPG on the highway, balancing power with fuel efficiency. Despite some finding the 7” or available 11.6” infotainment system intricate, the Legacy compensates with its solid build and comprehensive safety features, including standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, helping avoid or mitigate frontal collision by notifying you of emergency scenarios and applying full braking force. Recognized as a top safety pick by the IIHS, the Legacy ensures protection and driving pleasure.
2024 Toyota Corolla
MotoPickers Rating: 8.4/10
The 2024 Toyota Corolla, starting at $22,050, offers a balance of practicality and economy ideal for daily commuting. Known for its reliability, it maintains Toyota’s long-standing reputation for delivering dependable vehicles. The Corolla offers a smooth ride quality to boot, makes even the longest journeys comfortable, and includes an array of standard features like a user-friendly 8” infotainment system that simplifies connectivity.
Despite its appeal, the Corolla has drawbacks, such as an engine producing only 169 horsepower across each trim and a somewhat cramped rear seating for adults. However, its fuel efficiency stands out, achieving 21-53 MPG in the city and 28-46 MPG on highways. FWD enhances its efficiency, particularly in the Nightshade Edition, which brings black-painted sport side rocker panels and 18” bronze-finished alloy wheels. The Corolla prioritizes a hassle-free, cost-effective, and reliable driving experience.
2024 Lexus ES
MotoPickers Rating: 8.5/10
Your search for a mid-size luxury sedan could end with the 2024 Lexus ES, starting at $43,190. This daily driver offers tranquil ride quality and an upscale interior designed to impress with plush seating and user-friendly 8” or 12.3” infotainment displays.
Lexus offers three powertrain options for the ES, with horsepower ranging from 203 to 302 and a choice of standard FWD or available AWD, solidifying a steady and serene driving experience. Safety highlights include the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which provides low-light pedestrian detection, daytime bicyclist detection, and more. While the base engine might not meet the expectations of those seeking more spirited performance, the Lexus ES remains a blend of luxury, style, and day-to-day functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the latest and upcoming sedans with top safety ratings, innovative safety features, and industry leaders in safety advancements for 2024 and 2025.
Which sedans have the highest safety ratings for the 2024 model year?
In 2024, the Honda Civic, Acura Integra, and Hyundai Sonata stand out with high safety ratings. They boast robust features and have performed solidly in crash tests from the IIHS, earning Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ designations.
The IIHS conducts its crash tests by purchasing cars from dealers like a consumer unless a manufacturer schedules a request.
Are there any sedans that excel in crash tests scheduled for release in 2025?
Details about 2025 model-year sedans are currently limited. Automakers often iterate on successful models, indicating that this year’s high performers might see improvements.
However, Honda’s 2025 Civic received a perfect 10/10 rating from Car and Driver in the publication’s list of the safest sedans for 2024 and 2025, suggesting exceptional crash test performance.
What are the top upcoming features in sedan safety for the years 2024 and 2025?
Upcoming sedans for 2024 and 2025 are set to emphasize advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Expect features like enhanced autopilot capabilities from Tesla, improved pedestrian detection, and sophisticated collision avoidance technologies from all manufacturers.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said that Version 12 of the electric vehicle maker’s Full Self-Driving software may become the most significant asset value appreciation in history.
Which automakers are expected to lead in sedan safety advancements in the next two years?
Honda, Acura, and Hyundai continue to advance vehicle security by increasing the number of standard safety features previously made available as upgrades.
BMW’s commitment to electric vehicle safety also stands out, especially in the 2024 i4, which includes active safety technologies like Blind Spot Detection.
What are the most anticipated American-made sedans known for safety coming in 2024?
While details on American-made sedans for 2024 remain limited, American automakers like Ford and Chevrolet traditionally excel in safety ratings, emphasizing this aspect in their sedan lines.
Drivers will benefit from prioritizing standard features such as collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.
Which sedan models are considered to have the best overall safety for families in 2024?
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata and Honda Civic are renowned for their blend of safety features and family-friendly designs.
Still, Hyundai’s 2024 Sonata may hold a slight performance edge for some with its optional AWD capability.