These 17 trucks earn the top NHTSA crash-test scores for 2026, ranked by overall rating for safety-minded buyers, led by the 2026 Ford F-150.
Powered by a 2.7L, twin-turbo, v6 producing 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. It takes the top spot with the highest NHTSA rating of 5/5 — well above the segment average of 4/5. That's better than 97% of trucks.
Powered by a 3.6L v6 producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 5/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 95% of trucks.
Powered by an electric powertrain producing 452 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, with 240 miles of range. It delivers 5/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 92% of trucks.
Powered by an electric powertrain producing 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque, with 270 miles of range. It delivers 5/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 89% of trucks.
Powered by a 2.5L, inline-4 producing 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. NHTSA rating: 4/5 — 1/5 less than the #4 spot. That's better than 87% of trucks.
Powered by a 2.7L, turbo, inline-4 producing 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 4/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 84% of trucks.
Powered by a 2.3L, turbo, inline-4 producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 4/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 82% of trucks.
Powered by a 3.8L v6 producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 4/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 79% of trucks.
Powered by a 2.7L, turbo, inline-4 producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 4/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 76% of trucks.
Powered by a 2.7L, turbo, inline-4 producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 4/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 74% of trucks.
Powered by a 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 producing 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 4/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 71% of trucks.
Powered by a 2.7L, turbo, inline-4 producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 4/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 68% of trucks.
Powered by a 2.7L, turbo, inline-4 producing 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 4/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 66% of trucks.
Powered by a 5.3L, v8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 4/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 63% of trucks.
Powered by a 6.4L v8 producing 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 4/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 61% of trucks.
Powered by a 3.4L twin-turbocharged v6 producing 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 4/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 58% of trucks.
Powered by a 6.2L, v8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It delivers 4/5 NHTSA rating. That's better than 55% of trucks.
Full Comparison: Safest Trucks by NHTSA Rating in 2026
| # | Truck | NHTSA Rating | Price | HP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 Ford F-150 | 5/5 | $38,500 | 325 hp |
| 2 | 2026 Ram 1500 | 5/5 | $40,275 | 305 hp |
| 3 | 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning | 5/5 | $54,995 | 452 hp |
| 4 | 2026 Rivian R1T | 5/5 | $69,900 | 533 hp |
| 5 | 2026 Ford Maverick | 4/5 | $26,500 | 191 hp |
| 6 | 2026 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD | 4/5 | $31,500 | 237 hp |
| 7 | 2026 Ford Ranger | 4/5 | $33,000 | 270 hp |
| 8 | 2026 Nissan Frontier | 4/5 | $33,000 | 310 hp |
| 9 | 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD | 4/5 | $38,500 | 310 hp |
| 10 | 2026 GMC Canyon | 4/5 | $38,900 | 310 hp |
| 11 | 2026 Toyota Tacoma | 4/5 | $39,500 | 278 hp |
| 12 | 2026 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD | 4/5 | $39,500 | 310 hp |
| 13 | 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 | 4/5 | $39,500 | 310 hp |
| 14 | 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD | 4/5 | $46,500 | 355 hp |
| 15 | 2026 Ram 2500 | 4/5 | $48,500 | 410 hp |
| 16 | 2026 Toyota Tundra | 4/5 | $54,500 | 389 hp |
| 17 | 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD 6.2L | 4/5 | $61,500 | 420 hp |
The Bottom Line
The 2026 Ford F-150 takes the top spot with 5/5. The 2026 Ram 1500 is a close second. These 17 trucks rank among the highest in the 2026 segment, which averages 4/5.
How the Safest Trucks Rank for 2026
This list is ranked by the NHTSA overall rating, a five-star government score that combines frontal, side, and rollover crash-test results. A five-star overall is the top result and a key reassurance for safety-minded buyers. The trucks here span gas V6 models, including mild-hybrid setups, along with hybrid and electric pickups, so safety performance crosses powertrains.
Ratings can vary by cab and configuration, and not every truck or trim is fully tested, so an absent rating does not always mean a poor result. NHTSA scores also differ from the separate insurance-industry crash tests, so cross-checking both is wise. Modern trucks increasingly bundle driver-assistance features that complement crash-test performance. Listed prices exclude destination and incentives.
What to weigh before buying
- Whether the specific trim and cab configuration you want is actually rated.
- Both NHTSA and insurance-industry crash results.
- Standard versus optional driver-assistance features.
- Rollover resistance, which is relevant for taller trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest truck by NHTSA rating in 2026?
The 2026 Ford F-150 earns a top NHTSA overall rating in our 2026 ranking. NHTSA scores can vary by cab and configuration, and not every trim is tested, so confirm that the exact version you want carries the rating. It is also worth cross-checking the separate insurance-industry crash results.
What does the NHTSA overall rating measure?
It is a five-star government score that combines frontal-crash, side-crash, and rollover-resistance results into a single overall figure. Five stars is the highest result. Because it blends multiple tests, it offers a useful at-a-glance summary, though reviewing the individual category scores adds detail.
Does every truck and trim get a NHTSA rating?
No. NHTSA does not test every model, cab, or trim, so a missing overall rating does not necessarily indicate poor safety. If the configuration you want is unrated, look at the rated versions of the same truck, the insurance-industry tests, and the standard driver-assistance features.
How is NHTSA different from the insurance-industry tests?
NHTSA runs the federal five-star program, while a separate insurance-industry organization conducts its own crash and crash-avoidance evaluations using different criteria. The two can reach different conclusions, so consulting both gives a fuller picture of how a given truck protects occupants and avoids collisions.