The American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released the list of vehicle models that achieved high safety ratings after undergoing comprehensive crash testing, according to the organization’s official press briefing.
Speaking on the results, IIHS President David Harkey remarked that this year’s winners demonstrate exceptional protection for vehicle occupants and for vulnerable road users alike.
A total of 71 cars earned top safety status, reflecting a notable increase over last year. This uptick follows IIHS’s tightened criteria for award eligibility, a move that underscores the benchmark nature of the accolades. Hyundai Motor Group led the field with the most awards, tallying 16 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ recognitions. Among the models earning these honors were the Hyundai Ioniq 6, Hyundai Kona, Genesis G80, Genesis GV60, and Kia Telluride.
Toyota and Lexus combined claimed 13 safety championships. Within this group, models such as the Toyota Prius, Toyota Crown, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Prius Prime, along with Lexus UX and Lexus RZ, stood out as consistently strong performers.
Mazda also earned a notable share of top honors, receiving the most Top Safety Pick+ awards for a single automaker. The brand earned recognition for five of its models, including the Mazda 3 hatchback, Mazda 3 sedan, Mazda CX-30, Mazda CX-50 (introduced after August 2023), and Mazda CX-90.
IIHS also noted that safety performance varies across segments. For instance, among large pickup trucks, only four models reached the Top Safety Pick tier, and none captured the highest status.
The institute highlighted the evolving landscape of vehicle safety testing and its impact on consumer choice, noting that several models earned recognition for innovative protection features and advanced restraint systems. These awards reflect ongoing improvements across multiple brands and vehicle classes. .
Further context from the IIHS findings indicates continued improvements in structural integrity, crash avoidance technology, and crash compatibility across popular family sedans, SUVs, and trucks. The results are designed to help buyers make informed decisions based on real-world protection performance, not just marketing claims. .
Overall, the IIHS awards program remains a critical consumer guide in the United States and Canada, highlighting which models meet stringent safety standards and how manufacturers respond to evolving test criteria. .