Driving in a busy city like Chicago, safety is a top priority when choosing a vehicle. The safest cars available right now include several models known for exceptional crash-test performance and advanced driver assistance features. These cars can help protect you on Illinois roads – from congested Chicago traffic to slippery winter highways. Below, we highlight the top 5 safest cars on the market today and how their safety benefits you. Call Insure On The Spot in Chicago at 773-202-5060 to learn how driving a safer car could even save you money on auto insurance.
1. Honda Accord – Midsize Sedan Safety Leader
The Honda Accord is consistently rated as one of the safest midsize sedans on the road. For 2025 models, the Accord earned top marks in crash tests thanks to its strong frame and advanced airbag systems. Chicago drivers appreciate the Accord’s standard Honda Sensing suite, which includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. These features act like an extra set of eyes on Chicago’s crowded expressways – automatically braking or correcting steering to help avoid accidents in stop-and-go traffic.
- Top Safety Awards: The Accord has won IIHS Top Safety Pick+ thanks to superior crash protection and collision avoidance technology.
- Advanced Driver Aids: Features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come standard or available, making city parking and merging safer.
- All-Weather Stability: With electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes (ABS) standard, the Accord handles confidently on rainy or icy Illinois roads.
2. Kia Telluride – Family SUV with High-Tech Safety
The Kia Telluride is a popular three-row SUV that stands out for its comprehensive safety equipment. It’s built tough, scoring excellent results in frontal and side-impact crash tests. Every 2025 Telluride includes Kia Drive Wise driver assists, so Chicago families can drive with peace of mind. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist will automatically brake if it detects a potential crash ahead – a crucial benefit in unpredictable city traffic. Meanwhile, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance help on multi-lane highways like the Kennedy or Dan Ryan Expressway by warning of vehicles alongside or drifting out of lane.
- Highway Driving Assist: The Telluride’s adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist can smoothly manage your speed and keep you centered in your lane during long drives on I-90.
- 360° Awareness: This SUV offers an available Surround View Monitor (360-degree camera) to simplify parking in tight Chicago spots and avoid fender-benders.
- Rugged & Secure: A reinforced body structure and seven airbags protect all three rows of passengers, earning the Telluride a Top Safety Pick+ rating and top customer safety reviews.
3. Subaru Legacy – Confidence in All Conditions
The Subaru Legacy sedan has a reputation for safety and confidence, especially in rough weather. It comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology, which includes Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Centering. These systems can prevent or mitigate accidents by keeping a constant digital eye on traffic around you. For Chicagoans, the Legacy’s standard all-wheel drive adds an extra layer of safety by improving grip on snowy streets and wet pavement. Whether you’re commuting on Lake Shore Drive or navigating icy suburban roads, the Legacy’s combination of traction and active safety features helps keep you in control.
- Top Crash Ratings: The Legacy consistently earns 5-Star NHTSA safety ratings and IIHS Top Safety Pick awards for its excellent crash test performance.
- Active Lane Safety: If you start to drift on the Stevenson Expressway, Lane Departure Warning will alert you, and Lane Keep Assist can gently steer you back to your lane.
- Comparable Safe Sedans: Other safe midsize cars like the Toyota Camry also offer comprehensive safety suites (Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ in the Camry), but the Legacy stands out with its added traction and Subaru’s focus on safety engineering.
4. Tesla Model Y – Electric SUV with Cutting-Edge Protection
The Tesla Model Y is not only an eco-friendly electric vehicle but also one of the safest cars available today. Built with a low center of gravity (thanks to its floor-mounted battery pack) and a rigid chassis, the Model Y performs exceptionally well in crash tests, including rollover assessments. Chicago drivers who choose the Model Y get the benefit of Tesla’s advanced Autopilot system, which can automatically steer, brake, and accelerate within your lane under supervision. This technology acts as a co-pilot during highway commutes on I-290 or I-94, helping maintain a safe distance from other cars and reducing driver fatigue.
- IIHS & NHTSA Top Marks: The Model Y has earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a 5-Star overall rating from NHTSA, reflecting its strong crashworthiness and crash avoidance.
- Collision Avoidance Tech: Tesla’s system can warn you of forward collisions and even apply brakes to prevent impact. The car’s array of cameras and sensors constantly monitors for danger in every direction.
- City Driving Benefits: Instant electric torque and responsive handling mean the Model Y can maneuver quickly to avoid hazards. Plus, features like pedestrian detection are valuable when driving in Chicago’s busy downtown streets.
5. Honda Odyssey – Safest Minivan for Families
When it comes to family safety, the Honda Odyssey minivan is a top contender. Designed with family life in mind, the Odyssey is equipped with an array of safety features to protect precious cargo. Its solid frame and advanced ACE™ body structure distribute crash forces effectively, and the vehicle is packed with airbags (front, side-curtain, and even third-row coverage) to cushion all passengers. Parents driving in Chicago will love standard aids like Collision Mitigation Braking System and Lane Departure Warning, which are part of Honda Sensing on the Odyssey. These systems watch the road diligently – ideal for busy parents who may be momentarily distracted by kids in the back seat.
- Child-Friendly Safety: The Odyssey makes it easier to keep kids safe with features like rear seat reminder (so you don’t forget anything or anyone in the back) and excellent LATCH anchors for car seats. It consistently performs well in child-safety seat installation checks.
- Blind Spot Information: Changing lanes on Chicago’s crowded interstates is less stressful with the Odyssey’s Blind Spot Information system and Rear Cross-Traffic Monitor, helping you avoid side swipes and parking lot accidents.
- Trusted Record: With top safety ratings year after year, the Odyssey gives Illinois families confidence. Competing minivans like the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica are improving, but the Odyssey remains a benchmark for safety in its class.
How Do Safe Cars Affect Insurance Rates in Chicago?
Choosing a safer car doesn’t just protect you on the road – it can also protect your wallet. Insurance companies in Illinois reward drivers who own vehicles with advanced safety features because these cars are less likely to be involved in accidents or theft. Many common safety technologies translate into discounts on your auto insurance premium. For example, here are some features that often qualify for savings:
| Safety Feature | Potential Insurance Discount |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | 5% – 10% off the premium for having ABS |
| Airbags (front, side, curtain) | 2% – 5% off per airbag (approximate) |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | ~5% off for improved stability |
| Anti-Theft Devices (Alarm, GPS) | 5% – 25% off comprehensive coverage |
| Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) | Often bundled into safety discounts |
| Adaptive Cruise & Lane Assist | Indicates lower risk, may reduce rates |
Note: Actual discounts vary by insurer, but most Illinois companies offer some savings for modern safety features.
Illinois law even requires some discounts – for instance, mature drivers who take a defensive driving course must get a reduced rate. While there’s no specific “safe car” discount, having a vehicle with top safety ratings tends to result in fewer claims and can lead to lower premiums over time. Chicago drivers with high-tech safety equipment can also ask their agent about feature-specific discounts (for example, a discount for anti-lock brakes or anti-theft systems). Always list all your car’s safety features when getting an insurance quote to maximize your savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the minimum auto insurance required in Illinois?
A: Illinois drivers are required to carry at least 25/50/20 liability coverage. This means a minimum of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. Illinois also mandates uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of at least 25/50 to protect against drivers with no insurance.
Q: Does driving a safer car lower my insurance rates in Chicago?
A: Generally, yes – safer cars can lead to lower insurance costs. Cars with high safety ratings and modern safety features are less likely to be in severe accidents, which lowers the risk for insurers. Many Illinois insurers offer discounts for features like anti-lock brakes, airbags, stability control, or anti-theft devices, helping reduce premiums for safety-minded drivers.
Q: What safety features can get me an insurance discount?
A: Features that reduce the chance or severity of a crash often come with insurance perks. Airbags, anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control, and advanced driver aids (like automatic braking or lane assist) typically qualify for discounts with various carriers. Anti-theft alarms or GPS recovery systems can also lower your comprehensive coverage cost since they reduce theft risk in cities like Chicago.
Q: Are newer cars safer than older cars?
A: Yes, newer cars are generally much safer due to improved engineering and technology. Modern vehicles have advanced crash structures, more airbags, and smarter electronics that older models lack. For example, a 2025 car will likely have standard stability control and collision avoidance systems, whereas a 2005 car may not – meaning the new car better protects Chicago drivers and could be cheaper to insure as well.
Q: How can I check a car’s safety rating before buying?
A: You can research safety ratings easily online. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) publishes annual crash test results and awards Top Safety Pick designations to the best performers. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) also provides 5-Star Safety Ratings for vehicles. Before you buy, look up the model on these sites to see its crash-test scores, and review what safety features come standard.
Get a Quote Today!
Insure On The Spot has specialized in protecting Illinois drivers – especially here in Chicago – with affordable auto insurance since 1986. Our team understands local driving challenges and how modern safety features can earn you big discounts. We’re here to help you get the coverage you need at the best price. Call 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today to see how much you could save while staying safe on the road.