Mazda and Safety

When you’re shopping for a new car or SUV, safety ratings aren’t just another spec on a comparison chart — they’re one of the most important factors in protecting you, your passengers, and your peace of mind. Even the most cautious drivers can encounter unexpected situations, which makes advanced safety engineering and proven crash protection essential.

Mazda has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most consistent leaders in vehicle safety. Across its lineup, Mazda vehicles continue to earn top marks from the two most trusted safety organizations in the United States. Here’s how Mazda stacks up against competitors — and why its approach to safety stands out.

What Are Vehicle Safety Ratings?

In the U.S., vehicle safety is evaluated primarily by two independent organizations:

• https://www.nhtsa.gov/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

While both conduct rigorous testing, they evaluate safety from slightly different perspectives.

NHTSA Explained

NHTSA focuses on how well vehicles protect occupants during crashes. Tests include frontal, side, and rollover impacts. Vehicles receive star ratings in each category, with five stars being the highest possible score. According to NHTSA, a five-star overall rating means the risk of serious injury is significantly lower than average.

IIHS Explained

IIHS looks beyond crash protection alone. In addition to crashworthiness, it evaluates crash avoidance and mitigation technologies, such as:

• Automatic emergency braking

• Pedestrian detection

• Lane-keeping assistance

• Blind spot monitoring

Its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards recognize vehicles that not only protect occupants in a collision, but also help drivers avoid accidents in the first place.

Mazda’s Commitment to Vehicle Safety

Mazda’s approach to safety is holistic. Rather than treating safety as a collection of add-on features, Mazda integrates protection into every stage of vehicle design. This includes:

• Active safety technologies that help prevent or reduce the severity of collisions

• Passive safety engineering that protects occupants if a crash occurs

The result is a lineup that consistently performs at the highest level in independent testing — regardless of vehicle size or segment.

Key Safety Features in Mazda Vehicles

Mazda’s advanced safety technologies are grouped under i-Activsense®, a suite designed to work seamlessly with the vehicle and the driver.

Using millimeter-wave radar and advanced camera systems, Mazda vehicles can:

• Monitor traffic, pedestrians, and road edges

• Provide visual and audible warnings

• Apply automatic braking when necessary

Mazda also embraces the philosophy of Jinba Ittai — the oneness between driver and vehicle. Thoughtful design choices like seat positioning, mirror placement, and intuitive controls help drivers stay alert, comfortable, and connected, reducing fatigue and improving reaction time.

How Mazda Stacks Up Against Competitors

Mazda is widely regarded as one of the most consistently safe brands on the road today — and the awards back it up.

For the 2025 model year, the following Mazda vehicles earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition:

• Mazda3 Hatchback

• Mazda3 Sedan

• CX-30

• CX-50

• CX-50 Hybrid

• CX-70

• CX-70 PHEV

• CX-90

• CX-90 PHEV

Each of these models also achieved overall five-star crash ratings from NHTSA, reinforcing Mazda’s ability to deliver top-tier safety across its entire lineup.

Whether you’re looking for a sporty compact like the Mazda3 or a three-row family SUV like the CX-90, Mazda offers some of the best safety ratings in the industry, without compromise.

Experience Mazda Safety for Yourself

Safety ratings tell an important story — but experiencing Mazda’s technology firsthand makes all the difference. Visit Martin Mazda to explore Mazda’s top-rated vehicles, see the safety features in action, and take a test drive with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are vehicle safety ratings determined?

Both NHTSA and IIHS conduct independent crash tests and evaluate safety technologies. While their methods differ, the results complement each other and provide a well-rounded view of vehicle safety performance.

How often are safety ratings updated?

NHTSA ratings are assigned once per model year and remain permanent for that year. IIHS tests vehicles year-round and retests models when significant changes in design or technology occur.

Are Mazda SUVs safer than Mazda sedans?

Mazda applies the same engineering standards and i-Activsense® technologies across its entire lineup. As a result, both Mazda sedans and SUVs consistently earn top safety ratings.

Do safety ratings affect insurance costs?

While ratings themselves don’t directly determine premiums, the safety features behind those ratings often do. Many insurers offer discounts — sometimes up to 20% — for vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems like automatic braking and lane-keeping technology.

If safety is high on your priority list, Mazda continues to prove that you don’t have to choose between style, performance, and protection — you can have all three

For more information, please contact Martin Mazda at: 302-738-5200