Safest cars in Canada: 2025 update

Vehicle safety should be a top priority when choosing a car. Transport Canada recorded 118,853 total injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions in 2022, with 1,931 fatalities - a 6% increase from the previous year.

Organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) play a crucial role in evaluating what the safest cars are on the market. With comprehensive crash tests and other assessments, these results help inform consumer decisions about which type of vehicle would best fit their needs. Ultimately, by opting for a vehicle with optimal safety ratings, drivers can help reduce their risk of suffering serious bodily injuries following a collision and expensive insurance premiums.

If you're in the market for a new vehicle and want to learn more about some of the most reliable car brands with superior safety ratings, check out our all-inclusive guide below.

How highway safety ratings are determined

Both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conduct rigorous testing to evaluate vehicle safety before each model hits the market.

These safety ratings are scores given to cars to assess their safety in the event of a collision. The score denotes not only how likely the car is to avoid a collision in the first place but also how effective the vehicle will be at protecting the driver and passengers in the car should it get into an accident. The test below demonstrates how highway safety is assessed:

Crash test for IIHS & NHTSA

The Insurance Institute implements four categories of tests:

1. Frontal crash tests
2. Side impact tests
3. Roof strength and head restraint evaluations
4. Collision avoidance systems (e.g. automatic emergency braking system)

Cars that excel in these categories are provided with a "Top Safety Pick" or "Top Safety Pick+" rating. A "Top Safety Pick+" rating indicates that a vehicle has achieved superior performance levels in all test categories.

In contrast, the NHTSA utilizes a 5-star safety rating system, which is based on the following categories:

• Frontal crash tests for both the driver and passenger side
• Side impact tests (including telephone poles)
• Vehicle rollover tests

Vehicles with a 5-star rating indicate that they provide the highest level of protection to motorists, helping consumers identify cars that offer superior safety systems.

Top safety features to look for in 2024/2025 vehicles

The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators estimates that traffic accidents cost Canadians $40.7 billion a year, or roughly 2.1% of our national GDP. Some of the safest cars on the market today offer advanced safety features and technologies that aid in crash prevention and crash protection. Some of the top safety features in 2024/2025 include:

1. Lane departure warning

Lane departure warning uses a front-facing camera, usually found high up on the windshield of your car, to detect and alert the driver that they have crossed or are driving on a lane marker. In other words, when your vehicle is moving, the camera works to detect lanes on the road and monitor if you are travelling inside or outside of your lane.

These types of systems often provide some visual, audible, or tactile alert or a combination of these alerts, to let the driver know that they are on the verge of crossing over into another lane. Lane departure warning typically does not activate when the turn signal is on.

2. Lane keep assist

Lane Keep Assist is a more advanced version of lane warning in that it will nudge your car back into the lane if it detects that you are crossing over into another lane without your turn signal being on. In essence, lane keep assist provides steering support to prevent drivers from accidentally drifting out of their lanes.

3. Collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts

Next, collision warning and blind spot monitoring systems tend to go hand-in-hand. They work as follows: when another car gets too close to your vehicle, your car will send you a visual or audible alert that indicates that you should move your car out of the way. Some advanced collision warning and blind spot monitoring systems are linked to the brakes in your car.

These brakes will automatically kick in to stop the vehicle from crashing into the car in front of it. Please note that accidents affect car insurance rates, so if you want to keep your rates low, driving a car with collision warning and blind spot monitoring can help you avoid an accident and thus avoid having to pay more for car insurance.

4. Adaptive cruise control

Adaptive cruise control is another modern-day safety feature in cars. This feature works with the anti-lock braking system in your car and uses sensors to detect when traffic has slowed down or when you switch lanes to pass a vehicle on the highway. When it detects either of these situations, either the gas or brake, whichever is applicable, will be activated, allowing the driver to continue driving without turning off cruise control.

5. Automatic and adaptive headlights

Automatic or adaptive headlights are another safety feature that is becoming commonplace in cars. These headlights not only automatically turn on based on the light or lack of light outside, but they also adapt to the shape of the road. For instance, if the road is very windy, adaptive headlights can bend light to increase visibility. They make driving at night much safer.

6. Automatic emergency braking

Automatic emergency braking detects potential collisions and activates a vehicle's brakes to mitigate or prevent accidents. According to the National Institute of Health, studies show that automatic emergency braking can reduce rear-end collisions by approximately 25-50%.

7. Airbags

Airbags are one of the most standard types of vehicle safety technology, but they are still worth mentioning due to their importance. Plus, airbag technology has evolved and improved over the years. Nowadays, airbags are more protective and intuitive than ever before. There are also multiple types of airbags, like front airbags and side airbags. Both types of airbags work together to minimize bodily harm in the event of a crash. Whether you get into a minor or a major car accident, airbags can help.

Collectively, these safety systems, commonly known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), play an imperative role in preventing crashes and reducing the likelihood of bodily injuries.

The safest cars and SUVs with advanced safety features

Now that you know a little bit more about how safety ratings are determined and assigned in Canada and the different types of advanced safety tech to look out for, here's a closer look at some of the safest vehicles sold today:

Safest cars (sedans)

The safest sedans you can buy right now:

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has long been a "Top Safety Pick+" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This vehicle features auto emergency braking for accident avoidance, warnings for lane departure, and superior airbag systems. Other safety technologies featured in this vehicle include traffic sign recognition, which notifies drivers of the current speed limits and other road signs.

Given that in 2020, speeding was a factor in 25.3% of fatal motor vehicle accidents in Canada, this feature can come in handy whether you are navigating city streets or rural roads. Further, the Honda Accord offers strong crash test results to ensure occupant protection, with overall advanced safety ratings across the board.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a consistent contender in consumer reports for its high safety ratings and excellent crash-test performance. This vehicle offers pedestrian detection systems to ensure pedestrian protection, cruise control technologies, and automatic high beams to help drivers improve their visibility on the road at night.

It also boasts other standard safety features like backup cameras, pre-collision braking, and more. Not to mention, these vehicles also provide optimal fuel efficiency and a roomy interior.

Safest SUVs

The safest SUVs models and what sets them apart:

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback provides enhanced crash protection and cutting-edge features, including adaptive cruise control, warnings for lane departure, and automatic emergency braking, which the company refers to as "EyeSight Driver Assist." The Outback offers a spacious interior with ample passenger room and cargo space, making it perfect for those with children and/or pets.

Additionally, you can also find crash avoidance technologies like reverse automatic braking and driver-focused distraction mitigation, which notify drivers when they are distracted or drowsy when behind the wheel. With these attributes and all-wheel drive, it's a great option for Canadians living in provinces with heavy snow and rainfall during the winter.

Mazda CX-5

The next vehicle on our list of safest cars for 2024 and 2025 is the Mazda CX-5. As a top contender in the compact SUV market, the Mazda CX-5 boasts an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ safety rating, complemented by outstanding reliability and advanced driver assistance systems, including Smart Brake Support, blind-spot monitors, Road Departure Mitigation, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which enhance driver awareness while on the road. The Mazda CX-5's durable body frame further enhances safety for passengers during collisions.

Safest electric vehicles

We’ll cover the safest electrical cars and how they’re rated:

Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y earns high safety ratings to protect occupants, making it a top safety pick for those looking to purchase an electric vehicle. With safety technologies like autopilot, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, auto emergency braking, side, rear, and forward collision warning, and cabin cameras to monitor a driver's attention levels, Tesla offers comprehensive occupant protection features.

Further, the Tesla is also constructed of premium materials and has the ability to seat up to eight passengers, making it ideal for larger families who need extra room.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Consumer reports also list the Hyundai Ioniq 5 as featuring advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitors, auto emergency braking, highway driving assist to maintain speed and lane position, and safe exit assist, which prevents any of the doors from opening if surrounding traffic is detected. The NHTSA has a 5-star safety rating, making it one of the safest electric vehicles on the road today.

Vehicle safety ratings and car insurance

Among the many factors that influence insurance premiums, vehicle safety is one of the most important. Because accidents affect insurance, new vehicles with auto emergency braking, warning for lane departures, and other crash prevention safety technologies can help you acquire lower premiums for car insurance in Toronto and other cities across Canada, along with potential discounts to lower your costs even more.

That said, it's important to mention that repair costs for advanced safety technology could also raise premiums should you need to file a claim under your comprehensive car coverage or collision car coverage.

To learn more about car insurance for your vehicle, contact BrokerLink to work with an insurance broker in Ontario to explore your options for coverage and unlock potential savings.

Car insurance in Canada

Regardless of whether you own a new or used vehicle, you'll need to purchase auto insurance to comply with Canadian Traffic Laws. Note that types of mandatory coverages and coverage limits will vary between provinces. Common types of auto insurance you may require or have the option of adding to your insurance portfolio include:

Third-party liability coverage

Liability car insurance is designed to pay for the cost of an accident if you get into an at-fault collision. If you cause a collision, you can file a third-party liability claim to help cover applicable costs, such as vehicle repair bills, medical expenses, and legal fees, including defence and settlement fees. Ontario drivers must have no less than $200,000 in third-party liability coverage at all times.

Accident benefits coverage

Accident benefits coverage is another type of mandatory car insurance that offers financial protection to drivers if they get into accidents that result in bodily harm. With this type of coverage, you can file a claim if someone involved in the accident requires medical or rehabilitative attention. It can cover everything from medical expenses, such as prescription medication and physical therapy, to lost income and funeral fees.

Uninsured automobile coverage

Finally, uninsured motorist insurance will pay for various fees, from medical expenses to vehicle repair bills, if you are injured or your car is damaged in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured. This type of coverage can also be claimed if you get into a hit-and-run accident and never learn the identity of the at-fault driver.

Optional car insurance coverage

Whether you drive one of the safest cars in Canada or not, purchasing optional car insurance coverage is usually a wise choice. The following is a list of extra protections that you can choose to add to your auto insurance policy:

Collision coverage

Collision car coverage will help pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you get into a serious accident that causes extensive damage to your car. With collision coverage, it doesn’t matter if you were liable for the accident or not.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive car coverage protects cars from damage while parked. This insurance covers specific perils, which will be outlined in your policy. These perils usually include theft, vandalism, explosions and riots, falling and flying objects, fire, and weather-related incidents.

Direct compensation coverage

Direct compensation coverage will cover you if your car is damaged in an accident that you were not at fault for. This type of coverage will help pay to have your vehicle repaired.

Accident forgiveness coverage

One more type of optional car insurance coverage popular among drivers is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement, to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage and eligibility vary by province.

Loss of use coverage

One last type of optional coverage that you may find worthwhile is loss of use coverage. This coverage type will reimburse you for the cost of taking other forms of transportation if you are unable to drive your car, such as if your car is being repaired in the shop. During this time, loss of use coverage will pay for you to rent a car, take taxis or Uber, or take public transportation.

Tips for staying safe on the road

Even the safest vehicles on the road can be involved in a collision. If you want to protect occupants and reduce your risks of being in a collision, here are some safe driving tips to remember:

Avoid distractions

Distracted driving contributed to 22.3% of fatal collisions in 2020. Stay off your phone and prevent other distractions that take your attention from the road in front of you.

Practice defensive driving

Remain alert, maintain safe following distances, and follow the rules of the road.

Adapt to seasonal changes

Ensure you adapt your driving habits to seasonal changes. Install winter tires, reduce your speed, and plan ahead.

Use advanced driver assistance systems responsibly

These systems are meant to be used to support you as you drive, to replace your driving.

Get in touch with BrokerLink for your car insurance

Choosing a vehicle with high safety ratings can protect you and your loved ones while on the road. It can also lead to more affordable rates on your insurance. Prioritize cars with advanced safety features, practice safe driving tips to unlock safe driver discounts, and speak with a BrokerLink broker to learn more about your coverage options today! You can reach us over the phone or get a free quote using our online quote tool!