Used Cars with the Best Safety Ratings

  1. Home
  2. Used Car Guides
  3. Used Cars with the Best Safety Ratings

When shopping for your next vehicle, safety is often at the top of the priority list. After all, a car isn't just about style or performance-it's about protecting you and your passengers on every drive. The good news? You don't have to buy new to get top-tier protection. Many used cars with the best safety ratings offer the same advanced features and crash-test results as their newer counterparts, but at a fraction of the cost.

If you're in the market for a reliable, family-friendly ride or simply want peace of mind behind the wheel, this guide covers the best used cars with high safety ratings, what features to look for, and where you can buy one near you.

Why Safety Ratings Matter When Buying a Used Car

When browsing used cars with the best safety ratings, you're essentially looking at how well a vehicle can protect you during accidents, avoid crashes altogether, and keep passengers safe. Learn more about shopping used cars with confidence.  

  • NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): Provides 5-star crash-test ratings. Visit NHTSA Ratings.

  • IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety): Awards "Top Safety Pick" or "Top Safety Pick+." Learn more at IIHS Ratings.

Top 7 Used Cars with the Best Safety Ratings (2024-2025 Models)

1. 2024–2025 Honda Accord (Midsize Sedan)

Safety Highlights: Earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a 5-star NHTSA rating.

Why It's Safe: Equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, including collision mitigation braking and lane-keeping assist. 

2. 2024–2025 Subaru Outback (Midsize Wagon)

Safety Highlights: Consistently receives the IIHS Top Safety Pick award; standard all-wheel drive enhances stability.

Why It's Safe: Features Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking. 

3. 2024–2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 (Midsize Electric Sedan)

Safety Highlights: Achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status and a 5-star NHTSA rating.

Why It's Safe: Comes with advanced safety technologies like forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist.

4. 2024–2025 Mazda CX-50 (Compact SUV)

Safety Highlights: Earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award; praised for its crashworthiness.

Why It's Safe: Equipped with Mazda's i-Activsense suite, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 

5. 2024–2025 Toyota Camry (Midsize Sedan)

Safety Highlights: Received IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a 5-star NHTSA rating.

Why It's Safe: Features Toyota Safety Sense, encompassing pre-collision system and lane departure alert.

6. 2024–2025 Volvo XC90 (Large SUV)

Safety Highlights: Achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status; known for its robust safety features. 

Why It's Safe: Includes Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive system and City Safety collision avoidance technology. 

7. 2024–2025 Tesla Model Y (Electric SUV)

Safety Highlights: Earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a 5-star NHTSA rating.

Why It's Safe: Features advanced driver-assistance systems like Autopilot and a low center of gravity enhancing rollover resistance. Learn more on the Tesla Model Y page.

Questions People Ask When Buying Used Cars with the Best Safety Ratings

How do I know if a used car still has its original safety features?

Always review the vehicle's history report and have it inspected by a certified mechanic. At reputable dealerships like AutoNation USA, vehicles are thoroughly checked to ensure key safety systems are intact. Learn more about vehicle history reports from Carfax or AutoCheck.

Are newer used cars safer than older ones?      

Generally, yes. Later models often include more advanced driver assistance technologies, like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

Should I prioritize safety ratings over mileage?

Ideally, you want both. A vehicle with strong safety ratings and reasonable mileage will provide the best balance of long-term reliability and protection.

Where can I buy used cars with the best safety ratings?

AutoNation USA offers a wide selection of high-quality used vehicles, including top-rated models known for safety. Start browsing AutoNation USA locations near you.   

   

How to Check a Used Car's Safety Rating

  1. Look up NHTSA Ratings: Visit the NHTSA Ratings and search by make, model, and year.
  2.      
  3. Check IIHS Scores: Review crash-test and safety award results from IIHS Ratings.
  4.      
  5. Review Vehicle History: Get a Carfax or AutoCheck report to confirm no major accidents.
  6.      
  7. Get a Professional Inspection: Ensure all airbags, brakes, and electronic systems are functional.  

Where to Buy Used Cars with the Best Safety Ratings

Finding used cars with the best safety ratings is easier when you shop at a trusted dealership. At AutoNation USA, every used car goes through a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets high safety and performance standards. You'll also get peace of mind with transparent pricing, financing options, and a no-haggle buying experience. Explore our used cars for sale.

Safe, Reliable, and Affordable - Available at AutoNation USA

Choosing a vehicle isn't just about getting from point A to point B-it's about ensuring you and your loved ones are safe every mile of the journey. With options like the 2024-2025 Honda Accord, Subaru Outback, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Mazda CX-50, Toyota Camry, Volvo XC90, and Tesla Model Y, there are plenty of used cars with the best safety ratings that deliver on both protection and value.

And the best part? You don't have to compromise. You can shop a wide range of used cars with top safety ratings at AutoNation USA, available at all AutoNation USA locations nationwide. Whether you're upgrading for your family, your commute, or simply peace of mind, AutoNation USA makes it simple to find a vehicle that's safe, dependable, and built for the road ahead.  

Accessories and color may vary. Price subject to change without notice to correct errors or omissions. Certain used vehicles displayed may still be completing the in-take and vehicle preparation process and are not currently available for sale. These vehicles are labeled as 'not for sale" at the dealership. Please contact the dealership for vehicle status and availability. See specific State details below for taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, and dealer services.*

Certain data and other content displayed herein is copyrighted by AutoNation, Inc. and / or third parties. (In addition, providers of data and other materials to AutoNation, Inc. or such third parties may have a copyright interest in and to such data to the extent that such data and other materials are subject to copyright protection under applicable United States laws.) Such data may not be reproduced or distributed in whole or in part by any printed, electronic or other means without explicit written permission from AutoNation, Inc. All information is gathered from sources that are believed to be reliable, but no assurance can be given that this information is complete and neither AutoNation, Inc. nor its suppliers assume any responsibility for errors or omissions or warrant the accuracy of this information.

Displayed MPG is based on applicable EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.

*AZ - Taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, and $799 dealer services fee is not included in price.

CO - Taxes, registration fees, and government fees are not included in price. Dealer delivery and handling fee of $799 included in price.

FL - Sales tax or other taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees, tag agency/electronic filing fee and $995 dealer service fee are not included in quoted price.

GA - Dealer service fee of $899 included in quoted price. Sales tax or other taxes, tag, registration fees, and government fees are not included in quoted price.

MO - Taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, and $604.47 dealer document fee are not included in price.

NC - Taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, $149 electronic filing fee and up to $899 dealer administrative fee are not included in price.

NM - Sales tax or other taxes, tag, title, registration fees, government fees, and $799 Dealer Service Transfer Fee are not included in quoted price.

NV - Taxes, title, registration fees, government fees, and $799 dealer document fee are not included in price.

SC - SC Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF), tags, title, or any other applicable taxes and fees and are not included in quoted price. Price includes $599 Closing Fee. IMF is to be paid at the time of titling and registering a newly purchased vehicle unless an exemption applies. The IMF is 5% of purchase price, not to exceed $500. In addition to the IMF, there are fees associated with titling and registering the vehicle, as well as property taxes.

TX - Taxes, license, title, registration fees, government fees, and up to $225 dealer documentary fee are not included in price.