13:25 17-04-2026
The safest cars of 2026: Top safety picks and features
This list includes only vehicles that have earned one of the two highest awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety—either Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick—along with a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
1. 2026 Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is a strong contender for the safest car of 2026. Unlike the Honda Civic, both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Mazda 3 earned the top rating from the IIHS. This car boasts one of the most luxurious interiors in the compact class, along with excellent handling and versatility, thanks to an available turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive for those seeking extra power.
Every Mazda 3 comes standard with the full suite of Mazda i-Activsense safety systems. These include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights.
2. 2026 Hyundai Elantra
Another highly rated compact sedan makes this list of safest cars, with the caveat that the Elantra earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, not the stricter Top Safety Pick+. This in no way diminishes the Hyundai's everyday merits: it is fuel-efficient, offers a spacious cabin for its class, and remains affordable.
Hyundai equips every 2026 Elantra with a full set of active safety systems as standard. These include automatic emergency braking for both front and rear impacts, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, side cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
3. 2026 Honda Civic Hatchback
It's worth noting that only the hatchback version earned the IIHS's highest award for 2026. Like the larger Accord, the Civic received the Top Safety Pick award, not the Top Safety Pick+.
Otherwise, the Civic remains one of the most versatile compact cars available, offered as a sedan or hatchback, with gasoline or impressively efficient hybrid powertrains, and in sporty Si and Type R trims. The Honda Sensing suite is standard on all Civics and includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition, as well as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
4. 2026 Honda Accord
This midsize sedan earned the Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, not the higher Top Safety Pick+ achieved by some competitors. What it lacks for the top award, it makes up for in other areas, including a refined interior, comfortable ride and balanced handling, along with high fuel efficiency and a long driving range.
Honda offers an additional advantage: the Honda Sensing driver-assist system is standard on every Accord trim. This means every buyer gets automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition.
5. 2026 Toyota Camry
The legendary Toyota Camry has long been a benchmark among sedans, and the 2026 model might just be the best-handling one yet. Toyota equips every Camry with a potent hybrid powertrain that delivers an impressive blend of performance and efficiency, paired with a modern, well-appointed cabin that is a step above previous generations.
The safety tech for this midsize hybrid sedan is equally advanced. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes pre-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and centering assist with lane tracing, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. The Camry also features Toyota Proactive Driving Assist, which lightly applies brakes and steering to help maintain distance from vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, and aids with cornering. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert round out the generous standard equipment.
6. 2026 Toyota Prius
This car earned the Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, not the Top Safety Pick+ award like the Camry. In other respects, it stands up well to competitors: the current Prius is the best-looking model in the nameplate's history. It is more fun to drive than you might expect, delivers excellent fuel economy, and offers a thoughtfully designed interior for a hybrid hatchback.
Standard safety systems include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, side and rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Toyota Proactive Driving Assist system is also included.
7. 2026 Genesis G80
One of the safest cars of 2026 is also one of the most stylish in the large luxury family sedan segment. The G80 combines comfort, brisk acceleration, and premium build quality. Note that these safety ratings apply to the standard G80 model. The G80 Electric has not yet received 2026 ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA.
The list of safety systems is impressive: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, automatic emergency braking for front and rear impacts, and rear and side cross-traffic alert.
8. 2026 Kia K4
The K4 is a new face in the compact car class. It grabs attention with bold styling that sets it apart from more conservative rivals, and it rightfully earns a spot among the safest cars of 2026. Note that the IIHS has only fully tested the sedan. The new hatchback-style body has only been partially tested, so these ratings apply only to the sedan.
The standard safety package includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert.