The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently announced new safety ratings for sixteen 2025 and 2026 vehicle models. Representing 12 different brands, these vehicles have achieved either the organization’s Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designation. With these additions, the total number of 2025 winners rises to 66 for the top-tier award and 18 for the lower tier.
Highlights
- Thirteen models secured the highest Top Safety Pick+ award, including the Tesla Cybertruck and Volvo EX90.
- Three models earned the Top Safety Pick distinction, including the Tesla Model 3 and Acura ADX.
- Award criteria demand robust performance in front and side crash tests and pedestrian crash prevention.
- Several vehicles required mid-year production modifications to qualify for these safety accolades.
Top Safety Pick+ Recipients
Thirteen vehicles from the latest round of testing earned the premier Top Safety Pick+ award. To qualify for this “plus” distinction, a vehicle must achieve a good rating in the moderate overlap front test.
The winners in this category include:
- Audi: A6 Sportback e-tron, All-new Q5, and All-new Q5 Sportback
- Genesis: G80
- Honda: Passport
- Infiniti: QX60
- Kia: Sorento
- Lexus: NX
- Subaru: Forester
- Tesla: Cybertruck
- Volkswagen: Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport
- Volvo: EX90
For certain models, these awards apply only to units manufactured after specific dates. For example, the Audi Q5 rating applies to vehicles built after July 2025, and the Tesla Cybertruck rating applies to those built after April 2025.
Top Safety Pick Recipients
Three models earned the Top Safety Pick award. While these vehicles meet high safety standards, they differ from the top-tier winners primarily in moderate overlap front test performance. An acceptable rating in this specific test is sufficient for the standard award.
The recipients are:
- Acura: ADX
- Hyundai: Palisade
- Tesla: Model 3
Scoring Methodology and Criteria
To qualify for either award in the 2025 cycle, vehicles must meet strict performance metrics across several evaluations.
Required ratings across all trims include:
- Good ratings in the small overlap front and side crash tests.
- Acceptable or Good ratings in the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation.
- Acceptable or Good ratings for headlights.
Many of the newly awarded models demonstrate improved performance in the moderate overlap front test compared to their predecessors. Some manufacturers implemented design modifications midway through the model year to achieve these gains.
Models Missing the Cut
Four newly rated vehicles did not qualify for either safety award: the Jeep Gladiator, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Ram 1500 crew cab, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The specific reasons for disqualification vary by model:
- Jeep Gladiator: Failed to qualify due to subpar headlight performance and pedestrian crash avoidance ratings. Additionally, it has not yet undergone the small overlap crash test.
- Ram 1500, VW Tiguan, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class: These models missed the awards due to marginal or poor ratings in the moderate overlap front test.
Consumers reviewing these ratings may also note data on seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use, though these metrics are not currently part of the award criteria.
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