Safest Pickup Trucks of All Time

How IIHS and NHTSA Test Pickup Truck Safety

Before we dive into the safest trucks, it’s important to understand how safety ratings are determined. Both the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) conduct extensive crash testing, but their methodologies differ slightly.

The IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards are based on multiple crashworthiness tests:

• Small overlap front crash (driver and passenger sides)

• Moderate overlap front crash

• Side-impact crash

• Roof strength test

• Head restraint and seat safety

• Crash avoidance and mitigation (automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection)

A truck must receive at least “Good” ratings across these tests to qualify for a Top Safety Pick award. The Top Safety Pick+ designation requires additional high marks in headlight performance and updated crash tests that consider real-world crash scenarios.

NHTSA, on the other hand, uses a five-star safety rating based on:

• Frontal crash test (driver and passenger side-impact at 35 mph)

• Side crash test (simulating impact from another vehicle or a pole)

• Rollover resistance test

While NHTSA ratings provide a solid overview of vehicle safety, IIHS tests tend to be more rigorous, particularly in pedestrian detection and modern crash avoidance technologies.

The Safest Pickup Trucks of All Time

Despite strict testing standards, a few pickups have consistently demonstrated exceptional crash protection and advanced safety technology. Here’s a closer look at the few trucks that made the cut.

The Safest Midsize Trucks

Rivian R1T

The R1T might be a fancy electric truck, but it’s actually built for the real world. Rivian’s truck has adjustable air suspension, sophisticated off-road modes, and, of course, the beloved gear tunnel that packs extra storage without taking up bed space. Whether you're climbing trails or rolling through town, it feels tough, capable, and just plain cool.

Customization is where the R1T really stands out. You can pick from bold colors and sleek interior finishes, and you can even throw in a slide-out camp kitchen for off-grid adventures. Safety? That’s covered too. Top ratings and a suite of advanced driver-assist features mean this truck isn’t just fun to drive — it’s built to keep you safe. If you're looking for something that does it all and stands out while doing it, the R1T is in a league of its own.

Why is the Rivian R1T so safe?

• Low center of gravity: The R1T’s battery pack is located at the bottom of the chassis, making it more stable and less prone to rollover accidents.

• Strong crash structure: The high-strength steel and aluminum frame provides excellent passenger protection.

• Advanced driver-assistance systems: The R1T has automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and pedestrian detection.

While nearly perfect everywhere else, the Rivian R1T received an “Acceptable” rating in lower leg protection for the driver and pedestrian detection performance. Yet it remains the safest truck on the market.

Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz stands out as a unique offering on the American truck market. It is basically a ute, part car/part truck, making it one of the coolest options on the market. Its compact size is perfect for city driving while still offering a little but useful open bed for hauling gear, bikes, or weekend project supplies. Hyundai packed the Santa Cruz with smart features like an in-bed trunk for extra storage and a lockable tonneau cover to keep cargo secure. Plus, with Hyundai’s reputation for safety, the Santa Cruz boasts strong crash test ratings and comes loaded with driver-assist tech like forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. It’s a truck that feels as safe as it is stylish.

For those who want to add a personal touch, the Santa Cruz offers light customization options through the aftermarket. Owners can easily tailor the truck to fit their lifestyle, whether it’s upgraded wheels, bed accessories, or small suspension tweaks. This flexibility makes it appealing to both weekend warriors and everyday commuters. Hyundai also backs its vehicles with one of the best warranties in the industry, adding peace of mind to the mix. All in all, the Santa Cruz is more than just a practical hauler — it’s a well-rounded, safe, and stylish ride with just enough customization potential to keep things interesting.

Strengths:

• Excellent crash test ratings in frontal and side-impact collisions

• Standard driver-assistance features, including automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert

• Compact design that enhances maneuverability and reduces rollover risk

The Santa Cruz has not yet earned a Top Safety Pick+ award due to inconsistent headlight performance and occasional “Acceptable” ratings in updated impact tests. Smaller cars and SUVs sometimes struggle with headlight ratings. This category remains the Achilles’ heel for many otherwise good-scoring vehicles.

Toyota Tacoma

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma came out hot as an all-new model. That redesign was marked by updated tech and improved performance. The 2024 model introduces a new hybrid powertrain option with the i-FORCE MAX engine, offering more power and better efficiency than ever before. The TRD Pro trim now features a factory lift, FOX internal bypass shocks, and a multi-link rear suspension. Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite comes standard, bringing advanced safety features like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alerts.

One of the best parts of the 2024 Tacoma is how customizable it remains. The aftermarket community is already buzzing with options for this latest generation — from lift kits and off-road tires to custom bumpers and light bars. The Tacoma has been a top pick for overlanding enthusiasts since its inception over 20 years ago. Thanks to its strong frame and endless accessories, the Tacoma is the perfect rig for owners who want to build a truck tailored to their needs.

The redesigned Toyota Tacoma for 2024 came out strong, achieving flawless crashworthiness ratings. However, it missed out on a Top Safety Pick+ award due to headlight ratings and child seat anchor accessibility.

Toyota’s safety updates to the Tacoma included:

• A reinforced frame and better side-impact protection

• A more advanced suite of driver-assistance technologies

• Strong roof strength and headrest safety ratings

While it didn’t achieve “+” status, its overall performance still makes it one of the safest midsize trucks available.

The Safest Full-Size Trucks

Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra stands out as one of America's favorite full-size trucks. The big Toyota truck is strong, comfortable, and a bit aggressive. The Tundra also packs advanced safety with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering features like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alerts.

The aftermarket scene offers endless ways to make this truck truly your own — from lift kits and off-road tires to custom grilles and lighting upgrades. Toyota even offers factory-ready options with trims like the TRD Pro, featuring FOX suspension, skid plates, and a more aggressive stance.

Notable safety features include:

• Rigid chassis with crumple zones to absorb impact forces in a crash

• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision warning

• Side-impact crash protection, earning high marks in IIHS testing

Toyota’s Tundra was a leader in truck safety, earning Top Safety Pick+ awards in 2022 and 2023. However, in 2024, its status dropped to Top Safety Pick due to lower scores in rear passenger safety.

Despite strong overall performance, the rear passenger protection in updated crash tests did not meet IIHS’ stricter 2024 standards, preventing it from keeping the “+” designation.

Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 offers an insane range of engine options, ranging from the reliable 3.3L V6 to the beastly 5.0L V8 and the innovative PowerBoost hybrid, there’s a setup for everyone. It’s packed with smart tech like the optional Pro Power Onboard generator, offering up to 7.2 kW of usable power right from the truck bed. Safety is another highlight — Ford Co-Pilot360 brings features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.

Customization is a huge part of the F-150's appeal. Whether you’re lifting it for off-road adventures or adding sleek aftermarket wheels, the options are endless. Ford offers factory-ready upgrades with the Tremor and Raptor trims, but the aftermarket world takes it even further with suspension kits, performance tuners, and custom lighting. From rugged overland builds to sleek street trucks, the F-150 gives owners the perfect canvas to make something uniquely their own.

The fourteenth-generation Ford F-150 earned Top Safety Pick awards in 2021 and 2022, demonstrating solid crash test results. However, it never achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating due to:

• Inconsistent headlight performance

• Lower-than-expected seat belt reminder effectiveness

Despite this, the F-150 holds a five-star NHTSA rating and remains a top safety choice in the full-size pickup category.

RAM 1500

The RAM 1500 stands out in the truck world for its comfort, performance, and durability. With a lineup that offers everything from the efficient 3.6L V6 eTorque to the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 in the TRX, there's a powertrain for every kind of driver. Inside, the Ram 1500 feels more like a luxury SUV, with high-end materials, massive infotainment screens, and best-in-class rear seat comfort. Safety is another strong point with features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with automatic braking.

Customization is a key part of what makes the RAM 1500 so popular. Factory trims like the Rebel cater to off-road enthusiasts with lifted suspension and skid plates, while the Limited trim brings upscale luxury. Beyond the factory, the aftermarket scene offers endless ways to make the truck your own — from lift kits and aggressive off-road tires to custom exhausts and LED lighting, or a full-blown brodozer. Whether you're building a rugged overlander or a head-turning street truck, the RAM 1500 is a versatile platform with a dedicated community of enthusiasts.

Between 2020 and 2022, the RAM 1500 secured a Top Safety Pick award, but as IIHS standards evolved, the truck’s ratings slipped. By 2024, a “Poor” rating in the updated frontal crash test caused it to lose its standing entirely.

That said, the RAM 1500 Crew Cab still holds a five-star NHTSA rating, and its passenger protection in previous tests was among the best in its class.