2025 Safest Car Models Available to Purchase
If you’re searching for the safest car models available in Cape Girardeau, MO, the 2025 lineup includes several standout vehicles that earned the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. Below, you’ll find the safest options grouped by brand, along with a clear, easy-to-understand explanation of what “Top Safety Pick+” actually means. Keep reading with Chris Auffenberg.
What “Top Safety Pick+” Means in Simple Terms
A vehicle that earns the Top Safety Pick+ award receives the highest overall rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To achieve this title, the vehicle must:
- Perform extremely well in multiple crash tests, including front, side, and overlap impacts
- Offer headlights that provide strong illumination and reduce nighttime crash risks
- Include effective crash-prevention systems, especially those designed to protect pedestrians
- Prove that its safety tech works in real-world scenarios, not just simulations
In plain language: Top Safety Pick+ vehicles are engineered to protect occupants in many kinds of crashes and help prevent accidents altogether.
Safest Car Models Available by Brand
Ford Vehicles That Are Rated the Safest
Ford Explorer (2025)
The Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating for its strong structural design, advanced driver-assist technology, and headlight performance. For families in Cape Girardeau, the Explorer remains one of the most trusted three-row SUVs when it comes to crash protection and accident-avoidance features.
Buick Vehicles That Are Rated the Safest
Buick Enclave (2025)
The Buick Enclave also achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2025. Known for its spacious three-row interior, the Enclave combines luxury comfort with excellent crash-test performance and dependable active safety systems. It’s an ideal choice for growing families who want maximum peace of mind.
Kia Vehicles That Are Rated the Safest
- Kia K4 (2025): The K4 sedan stands out with its excellent crash safety results and high-performing driver assistance systems. Its mix of efficiency, comfort, and advanced safety tech helped it earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating.
- Kia Sportage (2025/2026 availability varies): The Sportage is a small SUV that offers top-tier safety depending on build date and configuration. It’s well-liked for its protective body structure and dependable accident-prevention features.
- Kia EV9 (2025): The all-electric EV9 made the list thanks to its exceptional crash performance and strong pedestrian detection capabilities. Its size, technology, and build quality make it one of the safest large electric SUVs available.
- Kia Telluride (2025): The Telluride remains a favorite among families for its stability, crash-test scores, and dependable safety technology. It continues to earn top-tier ratings for 2025.
Hyundai Vehicles That Are Rated the Safest
Hyundai dominates the 2025 Top Safety Pick+ list with a wide variety of vehicles across different sizes and segments:
- Hyundai Elantra (2025): A compact sedan that performs extremely well in crash tests and offers strong nighttime visibility with its headlight system.
- Hyundai IONIQ 6 (2025): A sleek electric sedan with impressive structural integrity and excellent avoidance technology.
- Hyundai Sonata (2025): Rated highly for its crash safety and driver assistance performance.
- Hyundai IONIQ 5 (2025): A popular electric crossover with excellent impact protection and outstanding safety technology.
- Hyundai Kona (2025): A smaller SUV that provides big safety in a compact package.
- Hyundai Tucson (2025): One of the brand’s most popular models, known for its reliability and consistent top safety ratings.
- Hyundai IONIQ 9 (2025): A new addition earning top marks right away.
- Hyundai Santa Fe (2025): Redesigned and highly rated for structural strength and crash-prevention tech.
View Our Hyundai Inventory
Helpful Tips for Cape Girardeau Car Shoppers
- Check build dates: Some Top Safety Pick+ ratings only apply to models produced after a specific month, since automakers may update headlights or structural components mid-year.
- Match the vehicle to your driving environment: Cape Girardeau drivers often navigate rural highways, neighborhood roads, and evening commutes, all situations where strong headlights and driver assistance features make a real difference.
- Consider safety tech you’ll actually use: Features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping systems, and strong LED headlights can meaningfully improve your day-to-day safety.
Why These Ratings Matter in Cape Girardeau
From high-speed highway drives along I-55 to slower neighborhood traffic and pedestrian areas near the riverfront, Cape Girardeau drivers experience a range of conditions. A Top Safety Pick+ model offers an added layer of protection through both crash strength and features that help prevent accidents in the first place.
Find the Safest Cars for Sale at Our Dealerships
The Ford Explorer, Buick Enclave, and the Kia and Hyundai models above are some of the best options available. These vehicles combine protective engineering with advanced technology to help keep you safe on the road.
