Consumer Reports Names Mazda Its First-Ever Safest New-Car Brand

Vehicle safety is one of the most important factors for drivers when choosing a new car or SUV. In 2026, Mazda received a major recognition when Consumer Reports named Mazda the first-ever Safest New-Car Brand in its new Safety Verdict rankings.

This new evaluation looks beyond traditional crash test scores to measure how well vehicles help drivers avoid accidents and protect passengers if a collision occurs.

For Mazda drivers in Philadelphia, Delaware County, and South Jersey, this recognition highlights the brand’s continued focus on safety, engineering, and driver confidence.

What Is Consumer Report's Safety Verdict?

Consumer Reports introduced a new safety evaluation called the Safety Verdict, which analyzes multiple aspects of vehicle safety rather than relying on a single test.

The Safety Verdict looks at several key factors, including:

• Crash test performance

• Emergency braking capability

• Handling and braking performance

• Crash-avoidance technology

• Ease of using safety systems and vehicle controls

Vehicles that perform well across these areas help drivers avoid accidents in the first place while also protecting occupants during a crash.

Mazda ranked at the top of this new evaluation, ahead of several other major automotive brands.

Why Mazda Vehicles Performed So Well

Consumer Reports highlighted several reasons why Mazda vehicles performed strongly in the Safety Verdict assessment.

First, Mazda focuses heavily on predictable handling and responsive braking, which helps drivers maintain control during both everyday driving and emergency situations.

Second, Mazda vehicles include many advanced safety technologies as standard equipment rather than optional upgrades, ensuring that drivers benefit from these systems regardless of trim level.

Finally, Mazda designs its interiors and control layouts to be simple and intuitive, helping reduce driver distraction while operating the vehicle.

These combined factors helped Mazda achieve the top ranking in Consumer Reports’ new safety evaluation.

Mazda Safety Technology

A key part of Mazda’s safety approach is its i-ACTIVSENSE® suite of driver-assistance technologies. These systems use cameras and radar sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and assist the driver in avoiding potential hazards.

Common i-ACTIVSENSE safety features include:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection

• Blind Spot Monitoring

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert

• Lane Departure Warning

• Adaptive Cruise Control

These technologies work together to help drivers stay aware of their surroundings and respond quickly to changing road conditions.

Mazda Models Recognized for Safety

Many Mazda vehicles have also received strong safety ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Several Mazda models have earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards, reflecting excellent crash protection and advanced safety features.

Models recognized for strong safety performance include:

• Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback

• Mazda CX-30

• Mazda CX-50

• Mazda CX-70

• Mazda CX-90

These vehicles combine advanced safety technology with responsive handling and durable vehicle design.

Why Safety Matters for Philadelphia Drivers

Drivers around Philadelphia face a variety of road conditions every day, including busy highways, city traffic, and changing weather.

Having a vehicle designed with strong safety systems can help drivers feel more confident when navigating:

• Congested city streets

• Highway traffic on I-95 and I-76

• Winter driving conditions

• Weekend trips throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Mazda’s approach to safety focuses not only on protecting passengers during a collision but also on helping drivers avoid accidents altogether.

Experience Mazda Safety for Yourself

Mazda’s recognition as Consumer Reports’ first-ever Safest New-Car Brand reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to engineering vehicles that protect drivers, passengers, and everyone sharing the road.

Drivers in Philadelphia, Delaware County, and South Jersey can explore Mazda’s lineup of cars and SUVs to experience these advanced safety technologies firsthand.