Safest Trucks for 2024 and 2025

Safety is a top priority when upgrading your vehicle, particularly for trucks. Recently, models like the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150 have set new standards by incorporating advanced driver assist systems as standard features. These technological improvements redefine truck safety, emphasizing the value of proactive security measures.

Trucks like the 2024 Rivian R1T illustrate versatility by seamlessly combining off-road capability with essential safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, showing that trucks can maintain robust functionality while enhancing safety. Similarly, the Hyundai Santa Cruz adapts to urban environments with a comprehensive safety suite, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an innovative compact truck.

2025 Ram 1500

MotoPickers Rating: 7.9/10

For the 2025 model year, the Ram 1500 debuts with meticulous updates inside and out, starting at $40,275. It showcases a fresh design featuring new wheel designs and an updated color scheme, enhancing its modern aesthetic. Under the hood, it introduces a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine available in 420 or 540 horsepower configurations, replacing the previous Hemi V8, which generated up to 395 horsepower.

Inside, the Ram 1500 now includes a standard 12” touchscreen, an upgrade option to a 14.5” screen, and an optional 10.3” passenger-side screen, enhancing connectivity and control. Safety features meet Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) standards, including must-haves like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

2024 Rivian R1T

MotoPickers Rating: 8.1/10

Starting at $69,900, the 2024 Rivian R1T combines powerful electric motors and a rugged design for both on and off-road use. The truck features a powertrain that delivers between 533 and 835 horsepower, ensuring a robust performance for quick acceleration and efficient towing. It also includes a versatile gear tunnel for unique cargo solutions and all-wheel drive (AWD) for enhanced handling across various conditions.

The R1T impresses with its electric range, achieving 270-410 miles depending on your trim. It supports fast charging up to 220 kW DC, maximizing travel flexibility. Safety highlights include Driver+, which has cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors that more accurately perceive your road surroundings for heightened safety. Despite lacking Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the R1T remains high-tech.

2024 Ford F-150

MotoPickers Rating: 8.2/10

Starting at $36,875, the 2024 Ford F-150 offers a variety of trims catering to diverse needs, from essential utility to luxury comfort. With a range of robust powertrains, including a twin-turbo V6 and a hybrid option, the F-150 provides substantial muscle and fuel efficiency. It also leads with a best-in-class towing capacity of 13,500 lbs, ensuring it efficiently meets the demands of heavy-duty tasks.

Each 2024 F-150 model features a standard 12” touchscreen that simplifies access to tech features, complemented by a 12” digital instrument cluster, enhancing the user interface and driving experience. Options like the Pro Access Tailgate and head-up display further augment the truck’s functionality. Ford matches the 2024 F-150’s towing prowess with advanced safety systems like Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Trailer Hitch Assist for greater capability on and off the clock.

2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz

MotoPickers Rating: 8.4/10

Starting at $29,000 and scaling up to $40,000 for the highest Night trim, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz combines the practicality of a truck bed with the comfort of an SUV. This hybrid crossover pickup features a unibody construction, ensuring a smooth ride akin to passenger cars. It offers two engine choices: a standard 191-horsepower engine for adequate power and an optional 281-horsepower turbocharged engine for an enhanced driving experience.

Passenger welfare is a priority, and the 2025 Santa Cruz is expected to target a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. Hyundai’s 2024 Santa Cruz received an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating within the small pickup/crew cab pickup category, scoring exceptional results in crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and crash mitigation tests.

2024 Toyota Tundra

MotoPickers Rating: 8.5/10

Starting at $39,965, the 2024 Toyota Tundra features a powerful V6 lineup with horsepower ranging from 348 to 437. This truck, designed for tough jobs and smooth rides, offers a crisp cabin emphasizing comfort, an 8” or 14” intuitive tech interface for easy operation, and aesthetic options like the Nightshade package and TRD Off-Road additions for style enthusiasts and off-road adventurers. Its turbocharged V6 engine provides options for either RWD or 4WD.

Known for its reliability, the Tundra secures your investment with Toyota’s reputation for dependable vehicles. Fuel efficiency is respectable for its class, with 17-20 MPG in the city and 20-24 MPG on the highway. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 supplies the model with standard conveniences like Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert With Steering Assist, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

When assessing truck safety, it is essential to consider crash test ratings from nonprofits like the IIHS, standard safety features, and the suitability for new drivers. According to the latest data for 2024 and 2025 models, the trucks listed here excel in these areas.

What are the top safety-rated trucks for the year 2024?

The 2024 Ram 1500, Rivian R1T, and Ford F-150 are top safety-rated trucks, each distinguished by advanced safety features and robust crash test results.

These models exemplify the integration of innovative safety technologies with strong performance in safety evaluations covering areas like frontal and side crash tests.

Which 2025 truck models lead in crash test ratings?

For 2025, the Ram 1500 excels with its numerous driver-assist technologies, earning high marks in crash tests.

Specs distinguishing this truck’s model year include over 100 standard and available safety and security features—more than ever before.

What safety features are standard in the best-rated trucks for 2024?

The best-rated 2024 trucks come equipped with a suite of standard safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring.

These features are becoming increasingly common as standard offerings as automakers invest more resources into developing safety technology within areas like autonomous driving.

How do the safety ratings of midsize trucks for 2024 compare?

Midsize trucks like the 2024 Ford Maverick excel in safety ratings due to their compact design and comprehensive active safety features.

Vital active safety technologies within the Maverick include but aren’t limited to evasive steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking.

For a new driver, which trucks are recommended based on safety for the years 2024 and 2025?

New drivers should consider the 2024 Ford F-150 and 2024 Ram 1500, which offer robust safety features that mitigate common driving mistakes and enhance collision protection.

Both trucks help new drivers navigate roads more securely by offering features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, and a Rear View Camera.

Which truck is anticipated to win the ‘Truck of the Year’ title in 2025 based on safety features?

The 2025 Ram 1500, with its luxurious interior and extensive safety features, is a strong contender for the ‘Truck of the Year’ title from publications like MotorTrend.

Trailer hitch assist, hands-free active driving assist, and advanced parking sensors are three 2025 Ram 1500 features streamlining demanding tasks like towing.