A car’s safety rating is determined by a series of crash tests and the vehicle’s safety features. Car safety ratings in Canada are vehicle safety scores that are used to determine how well a vehicle will protect you in a crash or help you avoid a crash. These scores are determined by multiple institutions based on a series of crash tests.
You can use Canadian car safety ratings to determine how safe the car you want to buy is overall. You can also use these ratings to see how the car performs in certain situations – for example, if you get into a rollover or are involved in a head-on collision.
There are three main institutions that set car safety ratings in Canada. Each institution has a different rating system to show vehicle safety.
The NHTSA is a US-based institution that rates vehicle performance based on a 5-star safety rating program. A 5-star rating is the highest a vehicle can get, while 1 star is the lowest. These ratings provide an overall score, as well as separate scores for different crash categories. They are posted online and on window stickers for new vehicles.
NHTSA rating system example
An example of this rating system is shown below for a 2024 Toyota Corolla.
The IIHS is a not-for-profit based out of the US that uses a classification system to rate vehicles from poor to good, or from basic to superior. Results are represented visually on a colour-coded scale (as shown in the image below).
IIHS rating system example
An example of this rating system is shown below for a 2023 Toyota Corolla.
Vehicle manufacturers and importers must adhere to the standards set by the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (MVSR) in Canada. Drivers can look for the national safety mark on vehicles and child car seats as an indicator of reliability.
Canadian car safety ratings can be a critical factor when it comes to saving your life in a collision. According to the IIHS, the driver of a vehicle rated as “good” is 70% less likely to die in a left-side collision than the driver in a vehicle rated as “poor.” When you’re selecting your next car, check its safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS to ensure that you’re making a solid decision based on more than just getting a good price at the dealership.
Crash tests may be different based on which regulatory body you’re looking to for the best car safety ratings in Canada. You can expect some of the following crash tests to be performed:
| Test | Scenario |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash tests | Sends vehicle into a head-on crash at 35 mph and evaluates crash test dummies for injuries. |
| Side barrier tests | Crashes a heavy barrier into a standing vehicle at 38.5 mph and evaluates crash test dummies for injuries. |
| Side pole tests | Pulls the side of a vehicle into a pole on the driver’s side at 20mph and evaluates crash test dummies for injuries. |
| Rollover and roof strength tests | Tests how likely a vehicle is to flip over during a sharp turn or similar and assesses how strong the roof is. |
| Accessories tests | Examines the efficiency of headlights, mirrors, backup cameras and anchors for car seats, among other things. |
Modern vehicles also come with a host of advanced driver assistance technologies to help you stay safe on the road. These features have the potential to reduce the risk and occurrence of accidents, so they’re an important factor to consider when choosing a car.
For example, the NHTSA recommends looking for a car with technology such as:
Other driver assistance systems to look for include:
There are a few ways that you can keep your vehicle safe beyond getting a car with special safety features or a high car safety rating:
Canadian car safety ratings are defined by crash tests carried out by car safety rating institutions. Each institution uses a different grading system to determine what car safety rating your vehicle receives. Find out which car safety rating systems you should keep an eye on to find the safest cars in Canada.
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