The 9 safest cars to buy right now, according to Consumer Reports

Car buyers care deeply about safety, and it’s easy to see why. Every year, about 40,000 people die and many more are injured in car accidents across the United States. While new technology has made today’s vehicles much safer for those inside, pedestrians — especially around larger vehicles — are not always as well protected.

To help with these concerns, Consumer Reports has carefully reviewed the latest vehicles, looking at how well they prevent crashes, protect passengers in a collision, and keep other road users safe. The review covers things like braking and handling, crash-test results, and features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts.

"The safest cars are those that not only shield passengers in the event of a crash but also actively work to prevent accidents and reduce risks to pedestrians and other vehicles," explains Emily Thomas, the manager of safety at Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center.

Based on these criteria, Consumer Reports has identified nine standout vehicles for 2025, each offering a unique blend of safety, performance, and innovation. Here they are.

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Starting at $66,300, the 2025 BMW X5 manages 23 mpg overall and combines SUV practicality with unusually sharp handling that helps in emergency situations. Consumer Reports highlights its quiet cabin, standard safety features, and comfortable seats, making it a rare mix of safety and luxury.

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The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, priced from $33,465, delivers 35 mpg overall and balances roomy space with great handling. Its hybrid setup is speedy and quiet, and CR notes that its ride stays steady while remaining responsive during dangerous moments on the road.

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Only offered as a hybrid, the 2025 Toyota $TM Camry starts at $28,700 and returns 48 mpg overall. CR praises its simple infotainment system that helps minimize distraction, while the available all-wheel drive makes it more capable in bad weather.

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With pricing from $37,800, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid achieves 34 mpg overall and stands out for its strong braking ability. Its hybrid powertrain runs smoothly and efficiently, making this three-row SUV both practical and safe.

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The 2025 Toyota $TM Crown, starting at $41,440, delivers 42 mpg overall from its hybrid all-wheel-drive setup. Slightly higher seating improves visibility and makes entry easier, while passengers benefit from a spacious and comfortable interior and good safety features.

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Priced from $28,950, the 2025 Honda $HMC Civic Hybrid offers 44 mpg overall and 200 horsepower, striking a balance between efficiency and performance. CR highlights its straightforward controls and standard blind spot warning, features that help keep drivers focused on the road.

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Starting at $37,850, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 averages 103 MPGe overall and can travel up to 342 miles on a charge. CR notes its intuitive controls and quiet ride, and says the Ioniq 6 is both safe and user-friendly.

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The 2025 Genesis GV60, priced from $52,350, achieves 95 MPGe overall and about 250 miles of range in its all-wheel-drive version. Consumer Reports calls it one of the best EVs tested, thanks to its refined drive and simple, less distracting controls, and impressive safety features.

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Starting at $33,000, the 2025 Acura Integra returns 31 mpg overall and combines sporty character with safety. CR notes that it “performed exceptionally well” in braking tests, while its responsive engines and straightforward controls give drivers both excitement and reassurance.