Affordability and safety go hand in hand, proving you don’t need to break the bank to drive a car that’s built for protection. With models under $50,000, we’ve rounded up 11 of the safest cars you can buy, relying on expert insights from the IIHS, NHTSA, and trusted sources like Car and Driver and MotorTrend. Here’s a closer look at these secure, budget-friendly vehicles and what makes each one a standout choice.
11. Honda Pilot: Family-Friendly Safety – Exterior
The 2024 Honda Pilot is crafted with family safety in mind. This three-row SUV features a reinforced body and comes standard with Honda Sensing® technology, fitting up to eight passengers comfortably.
11. Honda Pilot: Family-Friendly Safety – Interior
It earned its Top Safety Pick rating with solid crash test results, including strong performances in front and side-impact tests. With safety features like Collision Mitigation Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control, the Pilot is ready to protect families on every journey.
10. Toyota Camry: Reliable Protection – Exterior
Known for its dependability, the 2024 Toyota Camry blends responsive handling with a body structure designed to absorb crash energy effectively. With Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard, the Camry brings advanced safety features, including Pedestrian Detection and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
10. Toyota Camry: Reliable Protection – Interior
Achieving “Good” ratings across most IIHS tests, the Camry proves that sedans can be both safe and affordable.
9. Subaru Impreza: AWD Confidence – Exterior
The 2024 Subaru Impreza brings standard all-wheel drive to the compact segment, enhancing stability and control. With five-star ratings in NHTSA’s crash tests, it combines high-strength steel construction with Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist, which includes Pre-Collision Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control.
9. Subaru Impreza: AWD Confidence – Interior
This Top Safety Pick model provides peace of mind, especially in challenging conditions.
8. Honda CR-V: Compact Yet Capable – Exterior
A popular choice in the compact SUV segment, the 2024 Honda CR-V delivers impressive safety with features like Collision Mitigation Braking. The CR-V aced pedestrian detection tests, avoiding collisions at speeds up to 37 mph.
8. Honda CR-V: Compact Yet Capable – Interior
With adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, it’s a well-rounded choice for city and suburban drivers alike.
7. Hyundai Tucson: Packed with Safety Tech – Exterior
Earning a Top Safety Pick rating, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson impressed in IIHS’s rigorous crash testing. It’s equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense suite, which includes Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Keeping Assist.
7. Hyundai Tucson: Packed with Safety Tech – Interior
The Tucson’s design and safety systems show Hyundai’s dedication to creating secure and tech-savvy SUVs.
6. Volkswagen Atlas: Roomy and Reliable – Exterior
With a Top Safety Pick rating, the Volkswagen Atlas brings a solid mix of safety and spaciousness. Standard features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, and Lane-Keeping System make it a top choice for families.
6. Volkswagen Atlas: Roomy and Reliable – Interior
In crash tests, the Atlas demonstrated strong performance, showing VW’s commitment to safety.
5. Ford Explorer: Power Meets Safety – Exterior
The 2024 Ford Explorer pairs a 300-horsepower turbocharged engine with robust safety features. It earned the Top Safety Pick+ designation by performing well in IIHS crash tests, including the new side-impact assessments.
5. Ford Explorer: Power Meets Safety – Interior
With Pre-Collision Assist and Lane Keeping Alert, this SUV is as safe as it is powerful.
4. Honda HR-V: Value and Versatility – Exterior
Starting at $26,450, the 2024 Honda HR-V delivers big on safety for a compact price. With Honda Sensing technology, it achieved five-star ratings in most NHTSA crash categories.
4. Honda HR-V: Value and Versatility – Interior
The HR-V’s suite of features, from Road Departure Mitigation to Traffic Sign Recognition, ensures a safe and reliable ride.
3. Mazda CX-90: Luxury and Protection – Exterior
The premium Mazda CX-90 combines luxury with top-tier safety, showing exceptional strength in crash testing.
3. Mazda CX-90: Luxury and Protection – Interior
With standard collision avoidance features and strong headlight performance, the CX-90 is designed for those seeking a safer, high-end ride.
2. Nissan Pathfinder: Built for the Elements – Exterior
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder, especially those models built after November 2023, received “Good” ratings across all IIHS categories.
2. Nissan Pathfinder: Built for the Elements – Interior
With Nissan Safety Shield 360, Rear Door Alert, and Intelligent Driver Alertness, it’s prepared for family adventures, earning a five-star NHTSA rating.
1. Tesla Model Y: Advanced Safety Engineering – Exterior
The Tesla Model Y showcases a unique structural design, including energy-absorbing side sills and a low-mounted battery pack for stability. In IIHS testing, it achieved superior ratings in crash avoidance tests, aided by Tesla’s advanced camera vision and neural network processing.
1. Tesla Model Y: Advanced Safety Engineering – Interior
A modern option for those prioritizing tech-forward safety.
