IIHS driver death rates, 181 models

Safest Used Cars, Ranked by Real Driver Death Rates

New-car rankings rely on crash tests. This one uses the number that matters most: how many drivers of each model actually died per million registered vehicle years, straight from IIHS.

See all 181 models

The safest used car in IIHS death-rate data is the 2019-20 BMW X3 4WD: 0 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years, against a class average of 10.9 for midsize luxury SUVs, with typical used prices of $22,000 to $36,000. Only 4 of the 181 models studied recorded a death rate of 0 (BMW X3 4WD, Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan 4WD, Lexus ES 350, Nissan Pathfinder 2WD); the median model sits at 31, and the worst, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4, reached 205.

All 181 Used Vehicles Ranked by Safety Score

Sorted by our used-car safety score, which blends each model's own driver death rate with its class. Death rates are per million registered vehicle years; lower is better. Price data is available for 30 of the 181 models.

Showing all 181 models. Price caps use the low end of each model's typical used price range.

# Vehicle Class Model years Driver death rate Used price Reliability Score
1 BMW X3 4WD Safest Pick Midsize luxury SUVs 2019-20 0 class avg 10.9 $22,000 to $36,000 2.5/5 98.6
2 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan 4WD Safest Pick Large luxury cars 2017-20 0 class avg 18.5 $24,000 to $42,000 3.5/5 97.3
3 Audi Q5 4WD Safest Pick Midsize luxury SUVs 2018-20 2 class avg 10.9 $23,000 to $38,000 3.0/5 97.1
4 Subaru Outback Safest Pick Midsize station wagons/minivans 2020 5 class avg 5.0 $19,000 to $28,000 3.5/5 96.9
5 Volvo XC90 4WD Safest Pick Midsize luxury SUVs 2018-20 4 class avg 10.9 $26,000 to $42,000 3.5/5 96.3
6 Volvo XC60 4WD Safest Pick Midsize luxury SUVs 2018-20 5 class avg 10.9 $23,000 to $36,000 4.0/5 95.5
7 Lexus RX 350 4WD Safest Pick Midsize luxury SUVs 2017-20 5 class avg 10.9 $26,000 to $40,000 4.0/5 95.5
8 Lexus ES 350 Safest Pick Midsize luxury cars 2019-20 0 class avg 24.8 $24,000 to $35,000 4.0/5 94.5
9 Acura RDX 4WD Safest Pick Midsize luxury SUVs 2019-20 6 class avg 10.9 $22,000 to $34,000 4.5/5 93.6
10 BMW X5 4WD Safest Pick Midsize luxury SUVs 2019-20 6 class avg 10.9 $28,000 to $48,000 2.0/5 93.6
11 Porsche Macan Honorable Mention Midsize luxury SUVs 2017-20 6 class avg 10.9 $32,000 to $52,000 1.5/5 93.6
12 Acura MDX 4WD Honorable Mention Midsize luxury SUVs 2017-20 6 class avg 10.9 $24,000 to $36,000 4.0/5 93.6
13 Lexus NX 300 2WD Honorable Mention Midsize luxury SUVs 2018-20 6 class avg 10.9 $22,000 to $32,000 4.0/5 93.6
14 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD Honorable Mention Midsize SUVs 2018-20 0 class avg 24.9 $16,000 to $26,000 3.5/5 93.2
15 Nissan Murano 2WD Honorable Mention Midsize SUVs 2018-20 4 class avg 24.9 $16,000 to $25,000 3.5/5 90.8
16 Lexus RX 450h 4WD Honorable Mention Midsize luxury SUVs 2017-20 7 class avg 10.9 $28,000 to $42,000 4.0/5 89.7
17 Chevrolet Traverse 4WD Honorable Mention Midsize SUVs 2018-20 6 class avg 24.9 $18,000 to $30,000 3.0/5 88.1
18 Subaru Ascent Honorable Mention Midsize SUVs 2019-20 6 class avg 24.9 $22,000 to $32,000 n/a 88.1
19 Ford Edge 4WD Honorable Mention Midsize SUVs 2019-20 6 class avg 24.9 $17,000 to $28,000 3.5/5 88.1
20 Lexus RX 350 2WD Honorable Mention Midsize luxury SUVs 2017-20 10 class avg 10.9 $24,000 to $38,000 4.0/5 87.4
21 Toyota Sienna 2WD Honorable Mention Very Large station wagons/minivans 2018-20 5 class avg 26.4 $22,000 to $35,000 3.5/5 87.3
22 Acura MDX 2WD Honorable Mention Midsize luxury SUVs 2017-20 11 class avg 10.9 $22,000 to $34,000 4.0/5 86.6
23 Audi A4 2WD Honorable Mention Midsize luxury cars 2017-20 7 class avg 24.8 $18,000 to $30,000 3.5/5 85.6
24 Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD Honorable Mention Large SUVs 2017-20 9 class avg 22.5 $28,000 to $48,000 3.5/5 85.4
25 Honda Odyssey Honorable Mention Very Large station wagons/minivans 2018-20 6 class avg 26.4 $20,000 to $32,000 3.5/5 85.4
26 GMC Canyon Crew Cab 4WD Honorable Mention Small pickups 2017-20 5 class avg 28.0 $22,000 to $35,000 4.0/5 84.6
27 Lexus NX 300 4WD Honorable Mention Midsize luxury SUVs 2018-20 13 class avg 10.9 $24,000 to $34,000 4.0/5 84.6
28 Honda Pilot 2WD Honorable Mention Midsize SUVs 2019-20 7 class avg 24.9 $20,000 to $32,000 3.5/5 84.2
29 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan 4WD Honorable Mention Midsize luxury cars 2017-20 9 class avg 24.8 $20,000 to $34,000 3.5/5 84.0
30 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab long bed 4WD Honorable Mention Small pickups 2018-20 6 class avg 28.0 $26,000 to $38,000 3.5/5 82.7
31 GMC Acadia 2WD Midsize SUVs 2017-20 10 class avg 24.9 n/a 3.0/5 81.9
32 GMC Acadia 4WD Midsize SUVs 2017-20 11 class avg 24.9 n/a 3.0/5 81.1
33 Tesla Model S 4WD Large luxury cars 2017-20 17 class avg 18.5 n/a n/a 80.2
34 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD Midsize SUVs 2017-20 12 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 80.0
35 Toyota C-HR Small SUVs 2018-20 2 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 79.4
36 Honda Pilot 4WD Midsize SUVs 2019-20 13 class avg 24.9 n/a 3.5/5 79.2
37 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD Large SUVs 2017-20 16 class avg 22.5 n/a 3.5/5 79.2
38 Tesla Model 3 2WD Midsize luxury cars 2019-20 15 class avg 24.8 n/a n/a 78.6
39 Audi A4 4WD Midsize luxury cars 2017-20 17 class avg 24.8 n/a 3.5/5 77.4
40 GMC Yukon 4WD Large SUVs 2017-20 22 class avg 22.5 n/a n/a 74.5
41 Volkswagen Atlas 4WD Midsize SUVs 2019-20 20 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 74.1
42 Toyota Tundra Double Cab short bed 4WD Large pickups 2018-20 12 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 73.1
43 Ford Ranger Crew Cab 4WD Small pickups 2019-20 14 class avg 28.0 n/a n/a 72.9
44 GMC Yukon XL 1500 4WD Very Large SUVs 2017-20 11 class avg 28.7 n/a n/a 72.9
45 Jeep Gladiator 4WD Small pickups 2020 15 class avg 28.0 n/a n/a 71.8
46 Nissan Murano 4WD Midsize SUVs 2018-20 22 class avg 24.9 n/a 3.5/5 71.8
47 Ford Explorer 4WD Midsize SUVs 2020 22 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 71.8
48 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab 4WD Large pickups 2019-20 14 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 71.6
49 Chrysler Pacifica 2WD Very Large station wagons/minivans 2017-20 20 class avg 26.4 n/a n/a 71.4
50 GMC Yukon 2WD Large SUVs 2017-20 24 class avg 22.5 n/a n/a 71.0
51 Dodge Durango 4WD Large SUVs 2017-20 24 class avg 22.5 n/a n/a 71.0
52 Buick Enclave 4WD Midsize SUVs 2018-20 23 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 70.2
53 Chevrolet Blazer 2WD Midsize SUVs 2019-20 23 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 70.2
54 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan 2WD Large luxury cars 2017-20 27 class avg 18.5 n/a 3.5/5 68.5
55 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 4WD Small pickups 2017-20 21 class avg 28.0 n/a n/a 67.1
56 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD Midsize SUVs 2018-20 25 class avg 24.9 n/a 3.5/5 66.3
57 Honda CR-V 4WD Small SUVs 2020 14 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 66.1
58 Chevrolet Bolt Small cars 2017-20 8 class avg 60.5 n/a n/a 65.3
59 Kia Sorento 4WD Midsize SUVs 2017-20 26 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 65.2
60 Genesis G80 Large luxury cars 2017-20 30 class avg 18.5 n/a n/a 65.0
61 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD Very Large SUVs 2017-20 21 class avg 28.7 n/a n/a 64.4
62 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan 2WD Midsize luxury cars 2017-20 28 class avg 24.8 n/a 3.5/5 64.2
63 Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD Small SUVs 2019-20 17 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 63.8
64 Cadillac Escalade 4WD Large luxury SUVs 2017-20 26 class avg 26.0 n/a n/a 63.8
65 Ram 1500 Classic Quad Cab 4WD Large pickups 2019-20 23 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 63.4
66 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab short bed 4WD Small pickups 2018-20 24 class avg 28.0 n/a 3.5/5 62.8
67 Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD Small SUVs 2019-20 19 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 62.6
68 Toyota RAV4 hybrid 4WD Small SUVs 2019-20 20 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 61.9
69 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 4WD Large pickups 2019-20 24 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 61.5
70 Chevrolet Traverse 2WD Midsize SUVs 2018-20 30 class avg 24.9 n/a 3.0/5 60.9
71 Ford F-250 SuperCab 4WD Very Large pickups 2017-20 22 class avg 37.1 n/a n/a 60.9
72 Subaru Impreza wagon Small station wagons/minivans 2017-20 23 class avg 36.7 n/a n/a 60.7
73 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class 4WD Small luxury SUVs 2017-20 20 class avg 43.0 n/a n/a 60.5
74 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4WD Very Large luxury SUVs 2017-20 27 class avg 27.0 n/a n/a 60.3
75 Acura TLX 2WD Midsize luxury cars 2018-20 31 class avg 24.8 n/a n/a 59.9
76 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 4WD Large pickups 2019-20 25 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 59.5
77 Buick Envision 4WD Midsize luxury SUVs 2017-20 36 class avg 10.9 n/a n/a 59.0
78 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab short bed 2WD Small pickups 2018-20 27 class avg 28.0 n/a 3.5/5 58.9
79 Subaru XV Crosstrek Small station wagons/minivans 2018-20 24 class avg 36.7 n/a n/a 58.7
80 Toyota Camry hybrid Midsize cars 2018-20 19 class avg 58.1 n/a n/a 58.5
81 Ram 1500 Crew Cab short bed 2WD Large pickups 2019-20 28 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 56.0
82 Jeep Cherokee 4WD Midsize SUVs 2017-20 34 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 55.8
83 Ford F-150 SuperCab 4WD Large pickups 2019-20 29 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 54.9
84 Kia Sorento 2WD Midsize SUVs 2017-20 35 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 54.7
85 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 2WD Large pickups 2019-20 30 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 54.1
86 Ford F-150 SuperCrew 4WD Large pickups 2019-20 30 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 54.1
87 Dodge Durango 2WD Large SUVs 2017-20 40 class avg 22.5 n/a n/a 53.1
88 Toyota Prius Prime Small cars 2017-20 23 class avg 60.5 n/a n/a 52.5
89 Jeep Compass 2WD Small SUVs 2017-20 27 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 52.1
90 Buick Enclave 2WD Midsize SUVs 2018-20 38 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 52.0
91 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4WD Large pickups 2019-20 31 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 51.8
92 Jeep Wrangler 4-door 4WD Midsize SUVs 2018-20 39 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 51.2
93 Ford F-350 Crew Cab 4WD Very Large pickups 2017-20 29 class avg 37.1 n/a n/a 50.8
94 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 4WD Small SUVs 2017-20 28 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 50.6
95 Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab 2WD Small pickups 2017-20 34 class avg 28.0 n/a n/a 50.4
96 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2WD Midsize SUVs 2017-20 40 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 50.4
97 Ford Fusion hybrid Midsize cars 2019-20 25 class avg 58.1 n/a n/a 50.0
98 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 2WD Large pickups 2019-20 33 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 49.8
99 Toyota Tundra Crew Max 4WD Large pickups 2018-20 34 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 49.0
100 Chevrolet Equinox 4WD Small SUVs 2020 30 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 48.6
101 Subaru Forester Small SUVs 2019-20 30 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 48.6
102 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 2WD Small pickups 2017-20 36 class avg 28.0 n/a n/a 48.1
103 Ram 1500 Crew Cab short bed 4WD Large pickups 2019-20 35 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 47.9
104 Buick Envision 2WD Midsize luxury SUVs 2017-20 51 class avg 10.9 n/a n/a 47.7
105 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4WD Very Large pickups 2017-20 32 class avg 37.1 n/a n/a 46.5
106 Honda HR-V 4WD Small SUVs 2017-20 31 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 46.3
107 Ram 2500 Crew Cab short bed 4WD Very Large pickups 2017-20 33 class avg 37.1 n/a n/a 45.7
108 Nissan Frontier King Cab 2WD Small pickups 2017-20 40 class avg 28.0 n/a n/a 44.9
109 Ford Edge 2WD Midsize SUVs 2019-20 49 class avg 24.9 n/a 3.5/5 44.2
110 Tesla Model 3 4WD Midsize luxury cars 2019-20 52 class avg 24.8 n/a n/a 42.8
111 Toyota RAV4 2WD Small SUVs 2019-20 35 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 42.4
112 Dodge Grand Caravan Very Large station wagons/minivans 2017-20 48 class avg 26.4 n/a n/a 42.2
113 Ram 3500 Crew Cab long bed 4WD Very Large pickups 2017-20 37 class avg 37.1 n/a n/a 41.4
114 Mitsubishi Outlander 2WD Small SUVs 2017-20 36 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 41.2
115 Jeep Wrangler 2-door 4WD Midsize SUVs 2018-20 54 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 39.1
116 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2WD Small SUVs 2017-20 39 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 38.9
117 Jeep Cherokee 2WD Midsize SUVs 2017-20 55 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 38.3
118 Hyundai Tucson 4WD Small SUVs 2019-20 40 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 38.1
119 Kia Sedona Very Large station wagons/minivans 2017-20 53 class avg 26.4 n/a n/a 38.0
120 Ram 2500 Crew Cab long bed 4WD Very Large pickups 2017-20 42 class avg 37.1 n/a n/a 37.6
121 Dodge Charger 4WD Large cars 2017-20 32 class avg 90.9 n/a n/a 36.9
122 Jeep Compass 4WD Small SUVs 2017-20 41 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 36.6
123 Ford Escape 4WD Small SUVs 2020 43 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 35.8
124 Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab short bed 4WD Large pickups 2019-20 51 class avg 28.5 n/a n/a 35.4
125 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2WD Midsize luxury cars 2017-20 64 class avg 24.8 n/a n/a 35.0
126 Dodge Journey 2WD Midsize SUVs 2017-20 62 class avg 24.9 n/a n/a 34.8
127 Subaru WRX Small cars 2017-20 38 class avg 60.5 n/a n/a 34.2
128 Buick Encore 4WD Small luxury SUVs 2017-20 45 class avg 43.0 n/a n/a 33.7
129 Kia Niro hybrid Mini station wagons/minivans 2017-20 43 class avg 48.0 n/a n/a 33.1
130 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab short bed 4WD Small pickups 2017-20 56 class avg 28.0 n/a n/a 32.5
131 Chevrolet Equinox 2WD Small SUVs 2020 49 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 31.9
132 Jeep Renegade 4WD Small SUVs 2017-20 49 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 31.9
133 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab short bed 2WD Small pickups 2017-20 58 class avg 28.0 n/a n/a 31.7
134 Honda Accord hybrid Midsize cars 2018-20 45 class avg 58.1 n/a n/a 30.9
135 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 2WD Very Large SUVs 2017-20 54 class avg 28.7 n/a n/a 30.9
136 Jeep Renegade 2WD Small SUVs 2017-20 50 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 30.4
137 Honda Accord Midsize cars 2018-20 46 class avg 58.1 n/a n/a 29.8
138 Toyota Prius Small cars 2017-20 45 class avg 60.5 n/a n/a 29.6
139 Nissan Rogue 2WD Small SUVs 2019-20 52 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 29.2
140 Volkswagen Jetta Midsize cars 2019-20 47 class avg 58.1 n/a n/a 29.0
141 Toyota Camry Midsize cars 2018-20 48 class avg 58.1 n/a n/a 28.6
142 Subaru Impreza sedan Small cars 2017-20 46 class avg 60.5 n/a n/a 28.4
143 Nissan Rogue 4WD Small SUVs 2019-20 53 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 28.4
144 Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD Small SUVs 2017-20 53 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 28.4
145 Honda Civic Small cars 2019-20 49 class avg 60.5 n/a n/a 26.5
146 Honda Fit Mini station wagons/minivans 2017-20 53 class avg 48.0 n/a n/a 25.7
147 Toyota RAV4 4WD Small SUVs 2019-20 56 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 25.7
148 Kia Soul Small station wagons/minivans 2020 63 class avg 36.7 n/a n/a 24.9
149 Chevrolet Trax 4WD Small SUVs 2017-20 59 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 24.1
150 Hyundai Tucson 2WD Small SUVs 2019-20 60 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 23.4
151 Honda HR-V 2WD Small SUVs 2017-20 63 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 22.2
152 Ram 2500 Mega Cab 4WD Very Large pickups 2017-20 65 class avg 37.1 n/a n/a 22.0
153 Ford EcoSport 4WD Small SUVs 2018-20 67 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 20.2
154 Buick Encore 2WD Small luxury SUVs 2017-20 64 class avg 43.0 n/a n/a 20.0
155 Toyota Corolla Small cars 2020 58 class avg 60.5 n/a n/a 19.5
156 Ford EcoSport 2WD Small SUVs 2018-20 84 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 17.9
157 Chevrolet Trax 2WD Small SUVs 2017-20 89 class avg 42.6 n/a n/a 17.5
158 Ford Mustang coupe Midsize sports cars 2017-20 59 class avg 77.7 n/a n/a 17.3
159 Ford Fusion Midsize cars 2019-20 67 class avg 58.1 n/a n/a 16.2
160 Chrysler 300 2WD Large cars 2017-20 61 class avg 90.9 n/a n/a 14.8
161 Kia Optima Midsize cars 2019-20 80 class avg 58.1 n/a n/a 14.6
162 Honda Civic hatchback Small cars 2019-20 78 class avg 60.5 n/a n/a 13.6
163 Chevrolet Malibu Midsize cars 2017-20 91 class avg 58.1 n/a n/a 13.0
164 Ford Mustang GT coupe Midsize sports cars 2017-20 77 class avg 77.7 n/a n/a 12.6
165 Chevrolet Impala Large cars 2017-20 80 class avg 90.9 n/a n/a 10.5
166 Hyundai Elantra Small cars 2020 103 class avg 60.5 n/a n/a 10.1
167 Nissan Altima Midsize cars 2019-20 113 class avg 58.1 n/a n/a 9.9
168 Chevrolet Sonic Small cars 2017-20 107 class avg 60.5 n/a n/a 9.7
169 Ford Mustang convertible Midsize sports cars 2017-20 97 class avg 77.7 n/a n/a 9.5
170 Kia Forte Small cars 2019-20 111 class avg 60.5 n/a n/a 9.0
171 Dodge Charger 2WD Large cars 2017-20 91 class avg 90.9 n/a n/a 8.9
172 Chrysler 300 4WD Large cars 2017-20 100 class avg 90.9 n/a n/a 7.8
173 Chevrolet Camaro coupe Large sports cars 2017-20 110 class avg 111.5 n/a n/a 5.3
174 Dodge Charger HEMI 2WD Large cars 2017-20 118 class avg 90.9 n/a n/a 5.1
175 Chevrolet Camaro convertible Large sports cars 2017-20 113 class avg 111.5 n/a n/a 4.5
176 Dodge Challenger 2WD Large cars 2017-20 154 class avg 90.9 n/a n/a 3.5
177 Kia Rio sedan Mini cars 2018-20 122 class avg 162.6 n/a n/a 1.9
178 Chevrolet Spark Mini cars 2017-20 151 class avg 162.6 n/a n/a 1.6
179 Hyundai Accent Mini cars 2018-20 152 class avg 162.6 n/a n/a 1.2
180 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback Mini cars 2017-20 183 class avg 162.6 n/a n/a 0.4
181 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Mini cars 2017-20 205 class avg 162.6 n/a n/a 0.0

Death-rate source: IIHS driver death rates by make and model. Reliability: RepairPal. Prices: typical listings for the model years shown.

Safest Used Cars by Budget

The lowest driver death rates among models whose typical used price starts at or below each cap. Only the 30 models with price data are eligible, so a model missing here may simply lack pricing.

Under $30,000

VehicleDeath rateFrom
BMW X3 4WD
2019-20, midsize luxury SUVs		 0 (avg 10.9) $22,000
Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan 4WD
2017-20, large luxury cars		 0 (avg 18.5) $24,000
Lexus ES 350
2019-20, midsize luxury cars		 0 (avg 24.8) $24,000
Nissan Pathfinder 2WD
2018-20, midsize SUVs		 0 (avg 24.9) $16,000
Audi Q5 4WD
2018-20, midsize luxury SUVs		 2 (avg 10.9) $23,000
Volvo XC90 4WD
2018-20, midsize luxury SUVs		 4 (avg 10.9) $26,000
Nissan Murano 2WD
2018-20, midsize SUVs		 4 (avg 24.9) $16,000
Subaru Outback
2020, midsize station wagons/minivans		 5 (avg 5.0) $19,000

Under $20,000

VehicleDeath rateFrom
Nissan Pathfinder 2WD
2018-20, midsize SUVs		 0 (avg 24.9) $16,000
Nissan Murano 2WD
2018-20, midsize SUVs		 4 (avg 24.9) $16,000
Subaru Outback
2020, midsize station wagons/minivans		 5 (avg 5.0) $19,000
Chevrolet Traverse 4WD
2018-20, midsize SUVs		 6 (avg 24.9) $18,000
Ford Edge 4WD
2019-20, midsize SUVs		 6 (avg 24.9) $17,000
Honda Odyssey
2018-20, very large station wagons/minivans		 6 (avg 26.4) $20,000
Audi A4 2WD
2017-20, midsize luxury cars		 7 (avg 24.8) $18,000
Honda Pilot 2WD
2019-20, midsize SUVs		 7 (avg 24.9) $20,000

Under $20,000 the standout is the Nissan Pathfinder 2WD (2018-20) at a death rate of 0 from about $16,000, followed by the Nissan Murano 2WD at 4. No model with price data currently starts below $15,000; for older, cheaper models see safest cars under $10,000.

How We Rank Used Cars

Unlike our new-car rankings, which use crash tests, this list uses actual IIHS driver death rates: drivers killed per million registered vehicle years, adjusted by IIHS for driver age and gender. Lower is better.

70% Model-Specific

How this exact model performs in real crashes vs. all other models

30% Vehicle Class

Accounts for size advantages: larger vehicles protect occupants better

Demographic Adjusted

IIHS adjusts for driver age and gender to reduce demographic skew

Death rates reflect more than vehicle safety. As IIHS notes, these rates capture how vehicles and their drivers perform. Luxury car buyers and minivan families tend to drive more cautiously, which flatters those classes.

That's why we weight model-specific data at 70% and class data at only 30%, to acknowledge the demographic factor without ignoring the very real protection that larger, newer vehicles provide.

A death rate of 0 doesn't mean zero risk. It means too few deaths occurred during the study period, relative to registrations, to separate the rate from zero. Each detail page shows the confidence interval, which is the range of plausible true rates. Data covers 2018 to 2021 crashes for the model years listed. Source: IIHS. Full method: how we score.

Safest Used Cars: Common Questions

What is the safest used car?

The 2019-20 BMW X3 4WD tops our ranking of 181 used vehicles with an IIHS driver death rate of 0 per million registered vehicle years, against a class average of 10.9 for midsize luxury SUVs. Its safety score is 98.6 out of 100, and used examples typically sell for $22,000 to $36,000.

What used cars have the lowest death rates?

4 of the 181 models recorded a driver death rate of 0: BMW X3 4WD, Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan 4WD, Lexus ES 350, Nissan Pathfinder 2WD. Zero means fewer deaths than the statistical floor during the study period, not that no one can die in the vehicle. The next-lowest rates belong to the Audi Q5 4WD (2) and the Toyota C-HR (2).

What is the safest used car under $20,000?

Among models with a typical used price starting at or below $20,000, the Nissan Pathfinder 2WD (2018-20) has the lowest driver death rate at 0 per million, from about $16,000. 9 models in our dataset start under $20,000; use the price buttons above the main table to see them all.

Are older cars less safe?

Generally yes. These death rates come from 2018 to 2021 crashes involving the 2017 and newer model years listed beside each vehicle, so they describe those specific generations. Older versions of the same nameplate often lack the side-impact structure, roof strength and automatic emergency braking that pushed rates down in this study period. The spread inside a single study is still enormous: from 0 for the BMW X3 4WD to 205 for the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. See the most dangerous cars for the bottom of the list.

Related Rankings

Most dangerous cars by death rateThe other end of this list Safest budget carsUnder $10,000 Safest cars for teensYoung drivers Best cars for college studentsStudents Safest car brandsBy manufacturer Death rates as cigarette equivalentsRisk in plain terms