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Safest cars for every budget

Cars with a 5-star NHTSA crash rating, with the fewest recalls first. Luxury cars left out so the list stays affordable.

✓ Our picks, not ads · how we chose: 5★ crash test and few recalls (NHTSA)
1 2022 Nissan Versa5★ safety35 MPG5 seatsCheap and reliable $13,000used · estimate≈ $242/mo est.Full guide →2 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid5★ safety52 MPG5 seatsGas sipper $18,500used · estimate≈ $351/mo est.Full guide →3 2022 Chevy Trax5★ safety26 MPG5 seatsSame car, all new $15,000used · estimate≈ $282/mo est.Full guide →4 2022 Hyundai Kona5★ safety29 MPG5 seatsSame style, bold look $19,000used · estimate≈ $361/mo est.Full guide →5 2026 Kia K45★ safety28 MPG5 seatsBold and budget-friendly $23,500new · estimate≈ $426/mo est.Full guide →6 2022 Buick Encore GX5★ safety27 MPG5 seatsA step up in comfort $19,000used · estimate≈ $361/mo est.Full guide →7 2022 Toyota Camry5★ safety26 MPG5 seatsSmooth, safe, lasts forever $23,500used · estimate≈ $450/mo est.Full guide →8 2022 Toyota RAV45★ safety30 MPG5 seatsAmerica’s favorite SUV $27,000used · estimate≈ $519/mo est.Full guide →9 2022 Honda Civic5★ safety34 MPG5 seatsFun and thrifty $20,500used · estimate≈ $391/mo est.Full guide →10 2022 Honda Accord5★ safety33 MPG5 seatsGrown-up and comfy $24,500used · estimate≈ $470/mo est.Full guide →11 2022 Subaru Outback5★ safety29 MPG5 seatsReady for any weather $25,000used · estimate≈ $480/mo est.Full guide →12 2022 Toyota Sienna5★ safety36 MPG8 seatsThe family hauler $37,000used · estimate≈ $718/mo est.Full guide →

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Prices and payments are Carvessa estimates, not offers (Georgia tax and fees; good credit, $1,750 down, 72 months). Safety stars and recalls from NHTSA, MPG from EPA. We are not paid to rank any car. All car guides →

© 2026 Carvessa · Atlanta, GAPrices and payments are estimates, not offers. Car data from NHTSA and EPA.