The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has unveiled its prestigious Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards for the year's 2024 models. This annual recognition, which serves as a benchmark for vehicle safety, divides awards among 12 categories ranging from midsize cars to large pickups. With road safety increasingly being at the forefront of consumer decision-making, the comprehensive safety evaluations provide invaluable guidance.
To achieve the most coveted honor of Top Safety Pick+, vehicles must excel under the stringent testing rewrites introduced as of 2022. This involves passing updated moderate front overlap crash tests and meeting rigorous standards for second-row passenger safety. Vehicles must also achieve ratings of "Good" or "Acceptable" in headlight evaluations across all versions and demonstrate effective front crash prevention measures, especially with pedestrians.
This year, 19 new models have made the cut, encompassing electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles, representing various segments from heavy-duty trucks to compact urban cars.
Among the noteworthy winners, Mazda surged to the spotlight with two Top Safety Pick+ awards bestowed upon the 2024-2025 Mazda3, available as both sedan and hatchback variants. The accolade speaks volumes about Mazda's commitment to passenger safety, echoing the sentiments of safety-conscious consumers. Following closely, other winners included the 2024 Toyota Prius HEV, 2025 Honda Civic sedan, and the 2024-2025 Acura Integra hatchback, all showcasing significant advancements.
Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota all clinched Top Safety Pick+ awards for larger midsize models, with the 2024 Honda Accord, 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6, and the 2025 Toyota Camry all cited for their superior safety features and crash test performances. Meanwhile, the luxury segment saw competition narrow down to just one winner, the 2024-2025 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, illustrating the growing emphasis on safety among higher-end vehicles.
Hyundai's luxury division, Genesis, made waves by sweeping the Top Safety Pick+ category for large luxury vehicles with its impressive G80, G80 Electrified, and G90 models for 2024-2025. This dominance reflects the brand's goal of not only providing luxury but ensuring the utmost safety for its consumers.
Interestingly, the awards for small SUV vehicles did not feature any brands from Europe and America this year. Instead, Asian manufacturers showcased several models like the 2024-2025 Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, and Mazda CX-50, along with the Subaru Forester. This year’s selection also noted the inclusion of electric vehicles such as the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6, 2024 Subaru Solterra, and 2024-2025 Genesis GV60, highlighting the shifting dynamics of the auto industry.
For the midsize SUV category, Mazda continued its trend with four Top Safety Pick+ awards for its CX-70 (2024-2025) and CX-90 (2025) models, including their plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variations. They were joined by other high-ranking models like the 2024 Ford Explorer, 2025 Honda Pilot, and the KIA Telluride, illustrating the fierce competition among manufacturers to win consumer trust through safety ratings.
Luxury midsize SUVs also saw significant participation from established names like Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, yet Genesis again proved to be formidable with its GV70 and GV80 models claiming Top Safety Pick+ statuses. The growing recognition of Genesis correlates with increasing consumer awareness and demand for not just aesthetics but safety as well.
Things took another exciting turn with the sole winner of the large SUV category being the electric Rivian R1S 2025. Meanwhile, the large pickups field yielded only two strong contenders: the 2024-2025 Rivian R1T and the 2025 Toyota Tundra, both celebrated for their robustness and safety features.
Vehicles achieving only Top Safety Pick recognition included larger cars, minivans, and midsize pickups. The Toyota Crown, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and Toyota Tacoma were among those honored, showcasing continuing advancements across various classes.
According to IIHS, these accolades reflect not just corporate investment but also consumer interest, urging vehicle manufacturers to prioritize occupant protection and vehicle safety across all contemporary automotive lines. With automobile safety standards becoming increasingly pivotal, consumers are encouraged to review these safety ratings diligently when shopping for their next vehicle.
The Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards serve as guiding lights for vehicular safety, reflecting the continuous improvements made by manufacturers and emphasizing the importance of keeping drivers and passengers safe on the road.
