Which Pickup Trucks Offer the Best Safety Ratings Right Now?
When you’re eyeing a pickup, it’s easy to get swept up in horsepower, towing numbers, or that unmistakable tough-guy stance. But let’s be honest—none of that matters if the truck can’t keep you and your family safe. So, which pickups actually deliver when it comes to crash protection and advanced safety tech? According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a handful of new trucks stand out from the pack.
What Makes a Pickup Truly Safe?
It’s not just about surviving a crash anymore. Modern safety is a mix of strong crash-test performance, smart driver-assistance features, and even how well a truck protects pedestrians. The IIHS puts pickups through a battery of tests—think small overlap crashes, roof strength, and headlight effectiveness. Trucks that earn Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ badges have to ace these challenges. In 2024, only a select few made the cut, reflecting just how tough the standards have become.
Which Models Are Leading the Pack for 2024?
Let’s cut to the chase. The Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, and Ram 1500 consistently land at the top of the IIHS safety charts. The Ford F-150, for example, not only boasts a high-strength steel frame but also comes standard with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. The Toyota Tundra impresses with its robust crash structure and a suite of driver aids, while the Ram 1500 earns praise for its advanced airbag system and solid roof strength.
It’s worth noting that not every trim level gets the same safety gear. Some base models may lack features like blind-spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control, so double-check the spec sheet before you buy. According to IIHS data, trucks with optional safety packages often perform better in real-world crash scenarios.
How Do Pickups Stack Up Against SUVs and Sedans?
Here’s where things get interesting. Pickups have come a long way, but they still face unique challenges. Their higher ride height can be a double-edged sword: great for visibility, but potentially riskier for smaller vehicles and pedestrians in a collision. Recent studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that while modern pickups now rival many SUVs in crashworthiness, they still lag behind top-rated sedans in some categories—especially when it comes to rear-seat passenger safety.
That said, the gap is closing fast. Manufacturers are investing heavily in high-strength materials and advanced restraint systems, and it shows in the latest crash-test results.
What Advanced Safety Features Should You Look For?
Don’t just settle for airbags and anti-lock brakes. The best pickups now offer features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and even rear cross-traffic alert. Some, like the latest Ford F-150, go a step further with hands-free driving on certain highways. These systems aren’t just marketing fluff—they’re proven to reduce accidents. According to a 2023 IIHS report, vehicles equipped with automatic emergency braking saw 50% fewer rear-end crashes compared to those without.
If you’re planning to use your truck for family duty, look for models with good child-seat anchor ratings and rear-seat reminders. These small touches can make a big difference in everyday safety.
Are There Any Real-World Examples of Pickup Safety in Action?
Absolutely. Take the case of a Texas family whose Ram 1500 was T-boned at an intersection last year. Thanks to the truck’s reinforced side structure and side-curtain airbags, everyone walked away with only minor bruises. Or consider the F-150 owner in Colorado who credits the truck’s automatic emergency braking for avoiding a deer strike on a foggy morning. These aren’t isolated incidents—insurance data consistently shows that pickups with advanced safety features lead to fewer injury claims.
What Should You Keep in Mind When Shopping for a Safe Pickup?
Don’t get distracted by chrome wheels or off-road badges. Focus on the safety ratings, and dig into the details—especially which features come standard versus optional. Check the IIHS and NHTSA websites for up-to-date crash-test results. And if you’re buying used, make sure the truck hasn’t been in a major accident and that all safety recalls have been addressed.
The big takeaway? Choosing a safe pickup isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week—maybe test-drive a model with more advanced safety tech—and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.
