2025 Tesla Model Y

📊 Our Analysis

The 2025 Tesla Model Y belongs to the Midsize luxury SUVs category. This vehicle class has one of the lowest driver death rates of any category on the road — significantly below the national average of 38 deaths per million registered vehicle years. Drivers of vehicles in this class benefit from a combination of substantial curb weight, advanced structural engineering, and — statistically — more cautious driver demographics.

With an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the Tesla Model Y meets the institute's most stringent criteria for 2026: Good ratings in all six crashworthiness evaluations, an Advanced or Superior rating for front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian), and Good or Acceptable headlights across all available trims. This is the highest distinction IIHS offers, and fewer than 30% of tested vehicles earn it.

In individual crash test components, the Tesla Model Y earned 4 "Good" ratings out of 5 evaluated categories. This is a strong overall showing, with only minor areas where the vehicle didn't achieve the top rating.

At an estimated class death rate of ~11 per million, driving a vehicle in this class is statistically among the safest choices available. For context, this is 71% below the national average. Our cigarette equivalence calculator illustrates how vehicle choice affects life expectancy in more intuitive terms.

Important note: Death rates are class-level estimates adjusted for driver age and sex (Farmer, 2023). Individual model risk may vary based on specific safety features, weight, and how the vehicle is driven. Read our full methodology for details on how we calculate safety scores. This analysis is produced independently — we have no affiliations with Tesla or any vehicle manufacturer. Learn more about us.

⚡ The Tesla Safety Paradox

Tesla aces crash tests but has above-average brand-level death rates. We analyze four possible explanations — crash test optimization, driver demographics, Autopilot/FSD, and instant torque.

🌍 International Crash Test Results

International test results are for the same-generation model sold in their respective markets. Body structures are typically identical across regions; differences are mainly in standard safety features and test protocols. Learn more about vehicle safety →