The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently concluded its safety awards for 2024, recognizing 19 new vehicles with the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ and Top Safety Pick designations. These awards are highly coveted in the automotive industry for their stringent safety criteria and rigorous testing procedures.
Among the 48 new, redesigned, or refreshed vehicles that earned the Top Safety Pick+ designation this year are popular models like the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E, 2024-2025 Infiniti QX60, 2025 Mazda CX-70, and the 2025 Subaru Forester. These vehicles excelled in various crash tests and safety assessments to earn this top-tier safety award.
In addition, nine new vehicles secured the Top Safety Pick designation, showcasing their commitment to safety and protection. Models such as the 2024-2025 Audi Q8, 2025 Toyota Corolla sedan, and the 2025 Nissan Kicks were among those recognized for their exceptional safety features and performance.
Genesis, the luxury brand of Hyundai, stood out with six Top Safety Pick+ honors, including the GV80 three-row SUV and the G90 full-size sedan. Mazda also shined with five Top Safety Pick+ awards for its lineup of vehicles, demonstrating a strong commitment to safety across its range.
Subaru and Hyundai also performed well, with several models receiving upgrades to headlights that boosted their safety ratings. However, some vehicles, like the Cadillac Lyriq and Ford Bronco Sport, fell short of the criteria due to specific safety shortcomings.
The annual list of Top Safety Pick+ and Top Safety Pick winners highlighted the success of brands like Hyundai, Genesis, Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, and Rivian. Crossover SUVs generally fared well in the tests, while trucks and sedans faced challenges in meeting the stringent safety standards set by the IIHS.
The IIHS continuously raises the bar for safety standards, making its safety awards more dynamic and challenging for automakers to achieve. The criteria for earning a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award have become more rigorous over the years, pushing manufacturers to prioritize safety features and technologies in their vehicles.
Advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) play a crucial role in earning these safety awards, with the IIHS testing the effectiveness of features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The organization also evaluates how vehicles protect rear-seat passengers in various crash scenarios, reflecting the evolving safety needs of modern vehicles.
Overall, the IIHS safety awards serve as a benchmark for automakers to strive for excellence in vehicle safety and protection. With the automotive industry continually evolving and advancing in safety technology, these awards play a vital role in promoting safer vehicles for consumers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has made significant strides in improving vehicle safety, particularly in head-on crashes. A recent study by the IIHS found that front seat passengers in vehicles rated “Good” in the original front crash test were 46% less likely to die in a head-on crash compared to those in vehicles rated “Poor.” This is a substantial improvement in safety standards and demonstrates the importance of vehicle ratings in protecting occupants during accidents.
Building on this success, the IIHS has now set its sights on improving safety for rear seat passengers. The organization has introduced tougher requirements and updated award criteria for 2024 in the hopes of achieving similar results for rear seat occupants. IIHS President David Harkey emphasized the importance of these changes, stating that this year’s winners offer the highest level of protection for both vehicle occupants and other vulnerable road users.
The 2024 Top Safety Pick+ qualifiers include a diverse range of makes and models, spanning cars, crossover SUVs, trucks, and minivans. Some notable winners in the car category include the Acura Integra, Honda Accord, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Toyota Camry. In the crossover SUV category, vehicles such as the Ford Explorer, Honda CR-V, Kia Telluride, and Subaru Forester were recognized for their exceptional safety features.
Trucks and minivans also made the list of Top Safety Pick qualifiers, with models like the Ford F-150, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and Toyota Sienna meeting the stringent safety criteria set by the IIHS. These vehicles have demonstrated a commitment to safety and provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Overall, the IIHS’s continued focus on improving vehicle safety standards is a positive step towards reducing injuries and fatalities on the road. By recognizing and honoring vehicles with top safety ratings, the IIHS is driving the automotive industry towards safer design and technology. Drivers can now make more informed decisions when choosing a vehicle, knowing that safety is a top priority for manufacturers.
