Credit: Mazda
Safety remains one of the top priorities for car buyers, and for good reason. Every year, around 40,000 people die and hundreds of thousands more are injured in crashes on U.S. roads.
While those numbers are staggering, modern cars are better than ever at protecting their occupants. (Although when it comes to especially tall vehicles, the same cannot be said for pedestrians.)
But which new vehicles are the best at preventing crashes altogether while shielding you and your family? To find out, Consumer Reports evaluated cars available in 2026 based on a variety of factors, like their ability to avoid a crash, protect occupants in a collision, and keep others on the road safe. It also factored in braking and handling performance, crash-test results, and standard advanced driver-assistance technologies like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warnings, and rear cross traffic warnings.
“Safety isn’t just about crash testing,” said Emily Thomas, the associate director of auto safety at Consumer Reports. “A safe car has predictable handling and braking, controls that don’t distract you, technology that can prevent a crash in the first place, and a design that protects occupants if a crash occurs.”
Continue reading to see the best options for 2026.
1 / 10
Credit: Mazda
The Mazda CX-30 2026 ($25,975–$37,900) is the only recommended subcompact SUV to achieve CR’s top safety rating, thanks in part to its protective technologies that do cost extra on some similarly priced rivals. Still, the small SUV pairs a comprehensive suite of protective features with good handling and strong fuel economy that makes it a winner.
2 / 10
Credit: Mazda
The Mazda CX-50 2026 ($29,900–$42,900) includes an extensive array of protective technologies as standard equipment and excels in stopping and maneuverability evaluations. As an added plus, hybrid versions deliver an impressive 37 mpg compared to the standard version's 24 mpg.
3 / 10
Credit: Hyundai
The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 2026 ($36,400–$50,500) earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and distinguished itself with highly responsive maneuverability and brief stopping distances. The hybrid model achieves excellent fuel economy for its class at 34 mpg.
4 / 10
Credit: Lexus
The Lexus NX 2026 ($44,175–$62,830) is a secure and notably comfortable small SUV with brief stopping distances and capable road performance. The hybrid version improves efficiency to 38 mpg — a big step up from the 25 mpg the standard version gets.
5 / 10
Credit: BMW
The BMW X5 2026 ($67,600–$129,700) has reliable maneuverability and brief stopping distances despite its larger size. Besides great safety features, it has a spacious, comfortable, and quiet cabin and is fun to drive, CR said.
6 / 10
Credit: Audi
The Audi Q7 2026 ($62,000–$67,600) surpassed rivals with its relatively brief stopping distance, responsive everyday maneuverability, and assured urgent-situation performance. But with only 20 mpg, don’t expect great mileage.
7 / 10
Credit: Mazda
Another Mazda on the list, the Mazda 3 2026 ($24,550–$37,890) includes blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment, technologies that some rivals reserve for higher trim levels. It's offered in both sedan and hatchback body styles, providing flexibility alongside its protective features, though it only gets 30 mpg, not great for a small sedan.
8 / 10
Credit: Honda
The Honda $HMC Accord Hybrid 2026 ($33,795–$39,495) features exceptionally intuitive controls, with physical buttons, knobs, and a clear infotainment interface to minimize distractions. It pairs this user-centered design with comfort, responsive handling, and strong fuel economy at 40 mpg.
9 / 10
Credit: Acura
The Acura Integra 2026 ($33,400–$53,400) is great during urgent driving situations, with capable tire adhesion and an advanced stability system. Intuitive controls further reduce distraction for drivers and the 31 mpg isn’t bad either.
10 / 10
Credit: Ford
The Ford $F Mustang Mach-E 2026 ($37,795–$53,395) is the only EV on the list. It has standard protective equipment and strong crash evaluation results, plus nimble handling and brief stopping distances. All that helped it perform confidently during urgent situations and made the EV an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winner
