Vehicle safety ratings: how to compare crash tests before buying
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Why Check Vehicle Safety Ratings Before Buying
When shopping for a new or used car in the United States, safety ratings from crash tests offer key insights into how well a vehicle protects occupants during a collision. These ratings, provided by independent organizations, help you compare models side-by-side and make informed decisions that go beyond price and features. For everyday drivers, families with kids, commuters, or gig workers logging high miles, prioritizing safety can lower long-term ownership costs through reduced insurance premiums, fewer repair bills after minor incidents, and better resale value.
Safety ratings stem from rigorous, standardized crash tests that simulate real-world accidents. They evaluate factors like occupant injury risk, structural integrity, and restraint systems. However, ratings aren't perfect, they focus on crashworthiness rather than prevention technologies like automatic emergency braking, though some programs now include those. Always cross-check ratings for the exact model year, trim, and configuration you're considering, as changes in design or equipment can affect scores.
In the U.S., two primary organizations dominate: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both are free to access online and use real vehicles in controlled crashes. NHTSA, a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Transportation, funds its tests publicly. IIHS, funded by insurers, complements NHTSA with tougher tests on headlights, child seat anchors, and crash avoidance.
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program, available at SaferCar.gov, rates nearly every new passenger vehicle sold in the U.S. since 2011. The overall rating combines scores from frontal, side, and rollover crash tests, with stars indicating injury risk: 5 stars means the lowest risk (top safety), down to 1 star (highest risk). Not all vehicles receive ratings every year, so check the specific model year.
Frontal Crash Tests
NHTSA drives the vehicle into a fixed barrier at 35 mph, simulating a head-on crash between two similar vehicles. Dummies representing drivers and front passengers measure head, neck, chest, and leg injuries. Scores reflect how well the airbag, seat belts, and cabin hold up. For example, a family sedan might earn 5 stars for the driver but 4 for the passenger due to uneven airbag deployment.
Side Crash Tests
These include a moving barrier crash at 38.5 mph (like an SUV hitting a car) and a pole crash at 20 mph (like scraping a tree). They test torso, pelvis, and head protection, crucial since side impacts cause many fatalities. Rear passenger scores were added in recent years, highlighting protection for backseat riders, important for parents.
Rollover Tests
NHTSA calculates rollover risk based on the vehicle's track width, center of gravity, and dynamic tests. A lower percentage means better stability, vital for SUVs and trucks popular with U.S. buyers. Ratings here are stars only, not overall.
NHTSA also rates seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH), and now some advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like forward collision warning. Search by make, model, and year on their site for side-by-side comparisons and crash videos.
IIHS Crash Test Ratings
The IIHS, at IIHS.org, conducts more than 50 tests per vehicle, often stricter than NHTSA. Ratings use descriptive levels: Good (best), Acceptable, Marginal, Poor (worst). Vehicles earning Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ (with superior crash prevention) stand out. IIHS tests all tested models annually, covering sedans, SUVs, pickups, and even some electric vehicles.
Frontal Offset Crash Tests
Unlike NHTSA's full-width barrier, IIHS overlaps 40% of the vehicle's front into a deformable barrier at 40 mph, mimicking real offset crashes where one vehicle takes the brunt. It assesses driver and passenger injury measures, footwell intrusion, and restraint use. Updated moderate overlap tests now include rear passenger safety.
Side Impact Tests
IIHS uses a heavier barrier (like a large truck) at 31 mph and a rear-seat passenger test. These emphasize updated side curtains and pelvis protection, where many vehicles excel today compared to older models.
Roof Strength and Head Restraints
Roof crush resistance is tested by pressing a plate down until the roof deforms 5 inches, critical for rollovers. Head restraints prevent whiplash in rear-end crashes.
IIHS uniquely rates headlights (Poor to Good based on glare and visibility), child seat anchors (Acceptable to Good), and front crash prevention (Basic, Advanced, Superior). These add context beyond pure crash survival.
Comparing NHTSA and IIHS Ratings Head-to-Head
No single rating tells the full story, so compare both. NHTSA's stars are straightforward for overall protection, while IIHS reveals weaknesses in specific tests. A vehicle might get 5 stars from NHTSA but "Poor" in IIHS roof strength.
Here's a quick comparison of their rating scales:
| Aspect | NHTSA (5-Star) | IIHS Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Best Rating | 5 stars (lowest injury risk) | Good / Top Safety Pick+ |
| Middle | 3-4 stars | Acceptable / Marginal |
| Worst | 1-2 stars (high injury risk) | Poor / Top Safety Pick ineligible |
| Tests Covered | Frontal, side, rollover | Offset frontal, side, roof, prevention, lights |
| Annual Updates | Select models | Most models |
| Focus | Occupant protection | Real-world crash scenarios |
Use tools on both sites to filter by body style (sedan, SUV), price range, or features. For instance, print or screenshot ratings for your top three choices and note discrepancies, like a crossover with 5-star NHTSA but Marginal IIHS side rating.
Step-by-Step Guide to Comparing Ratings Before Buying
Follow these practical steps whether at a dealership, browsing online like Cars.com or Autotrader, or checking a used car from a private seller.
- Narrow Your Choices: List 3-5 vehicles based on budget, size, fuel economy, and needs (e.g., Honda CR-V for families, Ford F-150 for trucks). Note exact model year and trim.
- Visit Official Sites:
- - Go to NHTSA SaferCar.gov, enter make/model/year.
- - Check IIHS.org/ratings for the same.
- Review All Test Scores: Look at individual crashes, not just overall. Prioritize side and rollover if buying an SUV.
- Watch Crash Videos: Both sites offer footage. See dummy movements and cabin deformation.
- Compare Side-by-Side: Use browser tabs or printouts. Flag any 3-star-or-lower NHTSA or Poor/Marginal IIHS.
- Check Recent Changes: Ratings evolve; a 2024 refresh might improve on 2023.
- Factor in Your Driving: Families should verify rear-seat and LATCH ratings. Night drivers, check IIHS headlights.
- Discuss at Dealership: Ask salespeople for printouts or links. If buying used, request the seller's VIN for verification.
For used cars, ratings apply to the original model year, but wear on airbags or belts reduces real safety. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic.
Checking Recalls and Outstanding Safety Issues
High crash test ratings mean little if a vehicle has open recalls. Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls, enter the VIN (17-digit number on dashboard or door jamb), and fix free at dealers. Common issues include faulty airbags (Takata recalls affected millions), brake failures, or software glitches in ADAS.
Recalls tie directly to ownership costs: Unfixed ones can void warranties, spike insurance, or cause accidents leading to claims. Check every used car and annually for owned vehicles. State DMVs may flag titles with unresolved recalls during registration.
Safety Ratings and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Modern ratings increasingly cover tech like automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise. IIHS awards Superior for AEB that avoids crashes at highway speeds. NHTSA rates prevention in frontal crashes. These reduce accident likelihood, potentially cutting insurance by 10-20% for equipped vehicles, though verify with your insurer.
Not all ADAS is equal; ratings show if systems work in rain or with pedestrians. Ask dealers for demo drives and check owner reviews on Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book for reliability.
How Safety Ratings Affect Insurance and Ownership Costs
Safer-rated vehicles often qualify for discounts from U.S. insurers like Geico, State Farm, or Progressive. A 5-star/IIHS Top Pick might save $200-500 yearly on premiums, depending on your driving record, location, and coverage. Shop quotes pre-purchase using tools on insurer sites, inputting the VIN or model.
Post-crash repairs cost less on high-rated cars due to better designs minimizing damage spread. Resale holds stronger; a Top Safety Pick+ SUV retains more value per KBB data. Over 5 years, these factors can save thousands versus a low-rated bargain buy.
For example, a young commuter in California might choose a 5-star Toyota Camry over a 4-star competitor, avoiding higher urban insurance rates. Gig workers with high miles benefit from rollover-resistant pickups.
What Ratings Don't Cover and Other Checks
Crash tests use new vehicles with belted dummies under ideal conditions. They miss drunk driving, speeding, or distracted operation, which cause most U.S. crashes per NHTSA stats. Ratings overlook tire performance, visibility, or long-term rust in salt-belt states.
Complement with:
- Pre-purchase inspection: $100-200 at a trusted mechanic to check suspension, brakes, and airbags.
- Vehicle history report: Carfax or AutoCheck for past accidents affecting safety structure.
- Test drive: Feel handling, brakes, and blind spots.
- Owner forums: Reddit's r/whatcarshouldIbuy or model-specific sites for real complaints.
For families, verify ease of installing car seats via IIHS LATCH ratings.
Real-World Examples of Comparing Ratings
Consider two midsize SUVs popular in the U.S.: 2024 Toyota Highlander vs. Kia Sorento.
- NHTSA: Both 5-star overall, but Highlander edges rollover (18% risk vs. 20%).
- IIHS: Highlander Top Safety Pick+ (Superior AEB, Good headlights); Sorento Top Safety Pick (Acceptable small overlap).
A parent might pick Highlander for rear passenger protection. Always check current ratings, as they update.
Another: Compact cars like Honda Civic (often 5-star/Top Pick) vs. older Nissan Sentra (weaker side ratings). Used buyers save by avoiding low-rated 2010s models prone to airbag issues.
Common Pitfalls When Comparing Ratings
- Ignoring model year: A 2022 rating doesn't apply to 2019.
- Overlooking trims: Base models may lack side airbags tested.
- Focusing on overall only: Weak frontal scores matter for highway drivers.
- Skipping VIN checks: Used cars may have crash history.
- Assuming all SUVs safe: Taller ones rollover more without good ratings.
Dealers might highlight one good score; insist on full printouts.
Quick Checklist for Buyers
Use this before signing:
- [ ] Ratings checked on NHTSA and IIHS for exact trim/year.
- [ ] No open recalls via VIN.
- [ ] Insurance quotes compared.
- [ ] Test drive notes on handling/safety features.
- [ ] Pre-purchase inspection scheduled.
- [ ] History report reviewed.
| Safety Check | Where to Verify | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Crash Ratings | SaferCar.gov, IIHS.org | Compares occupant protection |
| Recalls | NHTSA.gov/recalls | Free fixes for defects |
| LATCH/Child Seats | IIHS ratings | Family safety anchors |
| Headlights | IIHS ratings | Night visibility |
| Crash Prevention | Both sites | Avoids collisions altogether |
By systematically comparing crash tests, you protect your family and wallet. Safe shopping leads to safer, cheaper ownership in the long run. ---
About the TDL Expert Panel
TDL Expert Panel · TheDigitalLife Editorial Team
TDL Expert Panel is the editorial team behind TheDigitalLife. The team researches, reviews, and creates practical guides to help everyday readers make better decisions about home repair costs, refunds, AI tools, digital safety, productivity, and useful online resources. Each guide is written to be clear, useful, and easy to understand.