Mazda Tops Consumer Reports Safety Verdict Ranking

Consumer Reports has named Mazda its first-ever safest new-car brand in the Safety Verdict assessment, based on crash tests, braking, handling and ADAS.

Mazda has been named the safest new-car brand in Consumer Reports’ newly introduced Safety Verdict ranking, becoming the first automaker to top this brand-wide safety assessment.

The Safety Verdict is designed as a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond individual models. It combines IIHS crash-test results, assessments of braking performance and emergency handling, the effectiveness and availability of crash-avoidance systems, and the usability of in-vehicle controls. Consumer Reports assigns three tiers—Basic, Better, and Best—based on how consistently a brand meets demanding safety benchmarks.

To reach the highest tier, vehicles must achieve strong results in IIHS side-impact testing, including the updated Side Impact 2.0 protocol with a heavier barrier, as well as solid protection in moderate-overlap frontal crashes. Standard equipment must include highway-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and predictable handling in both everyday and emergency driving situations.

Mazda states that these principles have long guided its engineering strategy. The company has consistently pursued top IIHS ratings, earning eight IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards in 2025—one of the strongest showings among automakers. Models recognized with high safety ratings include the Mazda3, CX-30, CX-50, CX-70, and CX-90.

Consumer Reports also considers whether advanced driver-assistance systems are standard rather than optional. Mazda’s i-Activsense suite includes features such as Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which, according to Mazda documentation, uses radar sensors and visual or audible warnings to alert drivers to approaching vehicles when reversing out of parking spaces.

Handling performance plays a significant role in the evaluation as well. Consumer Reports factors in how predictably a vehicle responds during abrupt maneuvers and hard braking. Mazda links this to its human-centric engineering philosophy and the Jinba Ittai concept—the idea of unity between car and driver. In Germany, Mazda3 previously received strong marks in an ADAC and Hochschule Augsburg study for intuitive controls and reduced driver distraction.

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid appears alongside the announcement. For the 2026 CX-50 lineup, Mazda confirms standard i-Activ AWD and advanced safety systems. Automotive publications report that the hybrid variant pairs a 2.5-liter engine with an electric system producing a combined 219 horsepower and uses a continuously variable transmission.

Consumer Reports emphasizes that the new Safety Verdict system is intended to help consumers evaluate safety at the brand level. In this framework, Mazda’s leadership suggests that a substantial portion of its lineup meets the most rigorous criteria. As crash-test protocols become stricter and driver-assistance technologies continue to evolve, comprehensive safety rankings like this are likely to gain increasing influence in purchase decisions.