The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released its annual list of Top Safety Pick award winners, maintaining its stringent criteria for vehicle safety. The IIHS has once again raised the bar for safety awards, making it more challenging for new vehicles to qualify.
Tightened Criteria for Safety Awards
The IIHS tightened its award criteria, introducing an updated frontal crash test focused on rear occupant protection. Additionally, the requirements for nighttime pedestrian front crash prevention systems were modified.
Top Safety Pick Winners
Despite the stricter criteria, 22 vehicles earned Top Safety Pick Plus titles, and 49 vehicles made it to the Top Safety Pick category. Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia brands, secured the most 2024 awards overall. Toyota, encompassing Toyota and Lexus brands, followed closely, while Mazda earned the most Top Safety Pick Plus awards.
Winners by Category
Small SUVs, midsize SUVs, and midsize luxury SUVs are tied for the most Top Safety Pick Plus awards, with five each. Some of the notable midsize SUV winners include:
- 2024 Ford Explorer
- Kia Telluride
- Mazda CX-90
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Subaru Ascent
Midsize Luxury SUV Winners include:
- Acura MDX
- BMW X3
- Genesis GV80
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
- Tesla Model Y
IIHS Emphasis on Road Safety Behavior
While emphasizing the importance of good crash protection technology in vehicles, the IIHS also highlights that road safety behavior remains a significant challenge. David Harkey of the IIHS stresses that “the seatbelt is still the most important safety device you have in the vehicle.” The organization advises drivers to stay off their phones, avoid speeding, and buckle up.
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