The Elite Dozen: 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winners Setting New Standards in Vehicle Protection

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has once again raised the bar for vehicle safety, introducing more stringent requirements for its highly coveted 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards. This year’s adjustments place a significant, renewed emphasis on the protection of second-row occupants, a critical area where advancements had lagged compared to front-seat safety. The goal is clear: to encourage automakers to integrate advanced seat belt technology and other vital safety innovations throughout the entire cabin, making comprehensive protection the norm, not just an option.

This shift has undeniably made the awards more challenging to obtain, as evidenced by the dramatic reduction in qualifying models. Only 48 models have earned 2025 awards so far, a notable decrease from 71 at this time last year. Of these, an impressive 36 vehicles secured the pinnacle TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, while 12 earned the TOP SAFETY PICK award. IIHS President David Harkey underscored the Institute’s mission, stating, “We’re once again challenging automakers to make their new models even safer than those they were building a year ago.” He added, “Every vehicle that earns a 2025 award offers a high level of safety in both the front seat and the second row,” a testament to the heightened standards.

Central to these updated criteria is the revised moderate overlap front test, which now includes a second dummy positioned behind the driver, representing a small woman or 12-year-old child. This updated test utilizes new metrics specifically focused on the types of injuries most frequently observed in rear-seat occupants. This change addresses a concerning finding: in newer vehicles, the risk of a fatal injury is actually higher for belted adults in the rear seat than in the front. While the second row remains the safest position for children under 13, the IIHS aims to ensure adult passengers receive comparable protection. To achieve the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, vehicles must now earn a ‘Good’ rating in this updated moderate overlap front test, alongside ‘Good’ ratings in the small overlap front and updated side tests, plus acceptable or good ratings for headlights and pedestrian front crash prevention. Let’s delve into some of the elite models that have successfully navigated these rigorous new benchmarks.

1. **Honda Civic hatchback**The Honda Civic hatchback stands out as a prime example of a small car achieving the highest level of safety recognition in the demanding 2025 IIHS awards. Its inclusion among the TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners is particularly significant because it demonstrates that exceptional safety is not exclusive to larger, heavier vehicles, even though IIHS acknowledges that “larger vehicles generally offer more protection in a crash.” The Civic’s performance underscores Honda’s commitment to engineering a compact vehicle that provides robust protection for all occupants.

To earn the coveted TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, the Honda Civic hatchback had to achieve a series of top-tier ratings across multiple rigorous evaluations. This includes a ‘Good’ rating in the small overlap front crash test, which simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front corner strikes another vehicle or object. It also required a ‘Good’ rating in the updated side crash test, designed to simulate a severe side impact, and crucially, a ‘Good’ rating in the newly stringent updated moderate overlap front crash test that assesses rear-seat passenger safety.

Beyond crashworthiness, the Civic hatchback also demonstrated excellence in preventative safety measures. It features standard good- or acceptable-rated headlights, ensuring optimal visibility for the driver and reducing the risk of nighttime collisions. Furthermore, its pedestrian front crash prevention system, evaluated in both daytime and nighttime conditions, earned a ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ rating, showcasing its ability to avoid or mitigate collisions with pedestrians. These combined achievements make the Honda Civic hatchback a top choice for consumers prioritizing comprehensive safety in a compact package.

This recognition by the IIHS is a strong indicator for consumers seeking a vehicle that offers advanced protection. With only 48 models qualifying for awards this year, and only 36 earning the TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, the Civic hatchback’s success highlights its advanced engineering. Its performance in the updated moderate overlap front test, specifically designed to address the previous gap in rear-seat safety, assures buyers that both front and back seat passengers are well-protected against the forces of a collision, reflecting the IIHS’s renewed challenge to automakers.

Car Model Information: 2024 Honda Civic EX-L
Caption: 2024 Honda Civic liftback
Manufacturer: Honda
Aka: ubl
Production: 1972–present
Class: Subcompact car
BodyStyle: fastback,Sedan (automobile)
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Honda N600,Honda Z600
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars
Summary: The Honda Civic is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1972. As of 2023, the Civic is positioned between the Honda Fit/City and Honda Accord in Honda’s global passenger car line-up. It is one of the best-selling automobiles in history, with over 27 million units sold through 2021. The first-generation Civic was introduced in July 1972 as a two-door fastback sedan, followed by a three-door hatchback that September. With a 1,169 cc transverse engine and front-wheel drive, the car provided good interior space despite its small overall dimensions. Initially gaining a reputation for being fuel-efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly, later iterations have become known for performance and sportiness, especially the Civic Si, SiR, and Type R versions. It is currently in its eleventh generation, which has been produced since 2021. The Civic has often been rebadged for international markets, and it served as the basis for the Honda CR-X, the Honda CR-X del Sol, the Concerto, the first generation Prelude, the Civic Shuttle (which later became the Orthia) and the CR-V (which in turn was used as the basis for the Honda FR-V).

Get more information about: Honda Civic

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Honda Model: Civic
Price: $25,080 Mileage: 31,016 mi.

Mazda3 (2007) — File:2007-Mazda3-sedan.jpg – Wikipedia, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

2. **Mazda 3 sedan**Another small car to secure the distinguished TOP SAFETY PICK+ award is the Mazda 3 sedan, further cementing Mazda’s reputation for prioritizing safety across its vehicle lineup. Mazda, in fact, distinguished itself by securing eight Top Safety Pick+ awards, more than any other automaker in the 2025 evaluations. The Mazda 3 sedan’s achievement is a testament to the brand’s consistent engineering and design philosophy, which evidently integrates high safety standards into its compact offerings, much like its hatchback counterpart.

For the Mazda 3 sedan to qualify for the highest honor, it successfully met the rigorous demands of the 2025 IIHS testing protocols. This included achieving a ‘Good’ rating in the critical small overlap front crash test, which evaluates the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a challenging offset frontal impact. It also excelled in the updated side crash test, designed to assess protection in modern, high-speed side impacts, ensuring occupants are shielded from intrusion and injury.

Crucially, the Mazda 3 sedan also earned a ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test. This particular test is pivotal for the 2025 awards, as it specifically measures how well vehicles protect second-row passengers – a key focus of the IIHS’s enhanced criteria. Its success here indicates that Mazda has effectively implemented advanced safety innovations to safeguard all occupants, addressing the Institute’s concerns about previously disproportionate front- versus rear-seat protection. This showcases a holistic approach to safety design.

Beyond crash protection, the Mazda 3 sedan’s standard headlight systems received either a ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ rating, which is a fundamental requirement for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, ensuring adequate illumination for safer nighttime driving. Furthermore, its pedestrian front crash prevention system demonstrated robust performance, earning a ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ rating in both daytime and nighttime scenarios. This comprehensive safety profile positions the Mazda 3 sedan as an excellent choice for consumers who value both advanced crash protection and proactive crash avoidance technologies in a stylish, compact sedan.

Car Model Information: 2020 Hyundai PALISADE SEL
Name: Mazda3
Manufacturer: Mazda
Aka: Mazda Axela (Japan and China, 2003–2019)
Production: 2003–present
Class: Compact car
BodyStyle: Sedan (automobile),hatchback
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Mazda Familia
Categories: 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles needing rewrite, All articles with dead external links
Summary: The Mazda3 is a compact car manufactured by Mazda since 2003 over four generations. The body styles have been a 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan across all generations. It was sold as the Mazda Axela in China and Japan until 2019. The first generation was produced in Japan from June 2003 until November 2008 and replaced the Familia (also known as the 323 or Protegé) as Mazda’s C-segment model. It was sold in North America for the 2004-2009 model years. It was also produced in Colombia from 2004 until 2014, in Iran from 2006 until 2010, and in China from 2007 until 2013. The second-generation Mazda3 for the 2009 model year was unveiled in late 2008, with the sedan premiering at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the hatchback at the Bologna Motor Show. For the 2012 model year, Mazda began offering the Mazda3 with their newly developed Skyactiv technology, including a more rigid body, a new direct-injection engine, and a new 6-speed transmission. The third generation was introduced in mid-2013 for the 2014 model year. The third-generation model is the first Mazda3 to adopt the “Kodo” design language and a more complete Skyactiv range of technologies and the first to be made by Mazda independently. The fourth-generation Mazda3 for the 2019 model year was unveiled in November 2018 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. For the 2019 model, the all-new Mazda3 is equipped with the updated Skyactiv technologies, including a spark-controlled compression ignition engine marketed as the Skyactiv-X. A performance-oriented version of the Mazda3 was marketed until 2013 as the Mazdaspeed3 in North America, Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan, and the Mazda3 MPS in Europe and Australia. The Mazda3 became one of Mazda’s fastest-selling vehicles, with cumulative sales in January 2019 of over 6 million units.

Get more information about: Mazda3

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Mazda Model: 3 sedan
Price: $22,884 Mileage: 82,599 mi.

3. **Honda Accord**The Honda Accord, a perennial favorite in the midsize car segment, has earned its place among the elite 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winners, reinforcing its status as a leading choice for families and individuals seeking a blend of practicality and advanced safety. Honda’s consistent performance in IIHS testing, with the Accord’s success complementing that of the Civic hatchback, highlights the automaker’s dedication to integrating high safety standards across its diverse vehicle categories. This achievement in a competitive segment speaks volumes about the Accord’s engineering integrity.

To achieve the TOP SAFETY PICK+ accolade, the Honda Accord successfully navigated the IIHS’s most demanding crash tests, securing ‘Good’ ratings in all three primary evaluations. This includes the small overlap front crash test, which assesses protection in severe frontal impacts, and the updated side crash test, which measures occupant protection against significant side-impact forces. Most importantly, the Accord earned a ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, the new benchmark for second-row occupant safety, confirming its superior protection for passengers in both rows.

This ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front test is especially critical, given the IIHS’s focus on closing the safety gap between front and rear passengers. By excelling in this test, the Accord demonstrates its advanced seat belt technology and structural integrity are effectively designed to protect all occupants, including the representative dummy positioned in the second row. This ensures that the risk of injury for belted adults in the rear seat is minimized, aligning with the IIHS’s push for comprehensive safety solutions.

Further solidifying its top-tier safety, the Honda Accord comes equipped with standard headlights that received ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings, providing excellent visibility. Its pedestrian front crash prevention system also earned ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings in both daytime and nighttime conditions, showcasing its advanced ability to detect and react to pedestrians, thereby preventing or mitigating potential collisions. The Accord’s comprehensive performance makes it an exemplary midsize car that offers a high level of safety in all critical aspects, making it a highly recommended option for consumers seeking robust protection.

Car Model Information: 2015 Honda Accord Sport
Name: Honda Accord
Caption: 2023 Honda Accord LX (US)
Alt: Front three-quarter view of a front-engined four-door car.
Manufacturer: Honda
Production: 1976–present
Class: Compact car
BodyStyle: hatchback
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Honda 1300
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars
Summary: The Honda Accord, also known as the Honda Inspire in Japan and China for certain generations, is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, best known for its four-door sedan variant, which has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States since 1989. The Accord nameplate has been applied to a variety of vehicles worldwide, including coupes, station wagons, hatchbacks and a Honda Crosstour crossover.

Get more information about: Honda Accord

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Honda Model: Accord
Price: $17,961 Mileage: 58,521 mi.

4. **Hyundai Ioniq 6**The Hyundai Ioniq 6 has made a significant impact by earning the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, showcasing that cutting-edge electric vehicle technology can go hand-in-hand with the highest levels of safety. As an electric midsize car, its achievement highlights the progress automakers are making in designing EVs that not only offer efficiency and advanced features but also meet the IIHS’s increasingly rigorous safety standards, particularly concerning comprehensive occupant protection for all passengers.

The Ioniq 6’s journey to the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award involved excelling in all the required crashworthiness tests. It secured a ‘Good’ rating in the small overlap front crash test, a testament to its robust front-end structure and occupant compartment integrity. It also achieved a ‘Good’ rating in the updated side crash test, indicating strong protection against impacts from the side, a common collision scenario where vehicle design is crucial for passenger safety.

Crucially, this electric midsize car also earned a ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, which is central to the 2025 awards’ heightened focus on rear-seat safety. This demonstrates that the Hyundai Ioniq 6 is engineered to provide advanced protection for second-row occupants, addressing the IIHS’s finding that previous safety advancements were often disproportionately applied to the front seats. Its performance confirms that even in an electric platform, comprehensive safety has been a priority in its design.

Beyond crash protection, the Ioniq 6’s standard headlights were rated ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’, an essential criterion for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, ensuring safe nighttime driving. Furthermore, its pedestrian front crash prevention system received a ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ rating in both daytime and nighttime evaluations, highlighting its ability to actively prevent or reduce the severity of collisions with vulnerable road users. This holistic safety profile makes the Hyundai Ioniq 6 a compelling choice for consumers looking for an environmentally conscious vehicle that does not compromise on paramount safety features, solidifying its place among the best.

Car Model Information: 2021 Buick Envision Preferred
Name: Hyundai Ioniq 6
ModelCode: CE
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company
Production: July 2022 – present
ModelYears: 2023–present (North America)
Assembly: unbulleted list
Designer: SangYup Lee
Class: Mid-size car
BodyStyle: fastback,Sedan (automobile)
Layout: unbulleted list
Platform: Hyundai E-GMP
Related: unbulleted list
Motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Battery: Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides
ElectricRange: Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure
Charging: unbulleted list
Wheelbase: 2950 mm
Abbr: on
Length: 4855 mm
Width: 1880 mm
Height: 1495 mm
Weight: convert
Categories: All Wikipedia articles written in British English with Oxford spelling, All articles lacking reliable references, Articles containing Korean-language text, Articles lacking reliable references from December 2024, Articles with short description
Summary: The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a battery electric mid-size fastback sedan produced by Hyundai Motor Company. It is the second vehicle marketed under the electric car-focused Ioniq sub-brand after the Ioniq 5, and the fourth model developed on the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The vehicle was first sold in South Korea in late 2022, with deliveries in the United States beginning in March 2023.

Get more information about: Hyundai Ioniq 6

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Hyundai Model: Ioniq 6
Price: $19,500 Mileage: 52,471 mi.

5. **Mercedes-Benz C-Class**Representing the luxury segment, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has proudly secured a 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award in the midsize luxury car category. This achievement underscores that premium vehicles are not just about comfort and performance; they also meet and exceed the highest benchmarks for occupant protection established by the IIHS. The C-Class’s success illustrates how luxury automakers are adapting their sophisticated designs to incorporate advanced safety features for all occupants, including those in the often-overlooked second row.

To earn the ultimate TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class demonstrated superior crashworthiness across all critical IIHS evaluations. It achieved ‘Good’ ratings in the small overlap front crash test, which challenges the vehicle’s structural integrity in a specific type of frontal collision. Additionally, it secured a ‘Good’ rating in the updated side crash test, signifying robust protection in side-impact scenarios, which are often complex due to the potential for intrusion and occupant movement.

Significantly, the C-Class also earned a ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, the cornerstone of the 2025 awards. This ‘Good’ rating is paramount as it confirms the vehicle’s ability to provide a high level of protection for second-row occupants, a key area of improvement mandated by the IIHS. This indicates that Mercedes-Benz has incorporated sophisticated safety measures, such as advanced seat belt technology, to ensure all passengers receive comparable protection, effectively addressing the identified safety gap.

In addition to its exceptional crash performance, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is equipped with standard headlights that achieved ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings, ensuring excellent visibility during low-light conditions. Its pedestrian front crash prevention system also delivered strong results, earning ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings in both daytime and nighttime evaluations. This combination of stellar crashworthiness and proactive crash avoidance technologies firmly establishes the C-Class as a top-tier choice for luxury consumers who demand uncompromised safety alongside their refined driving experience.

6. **Genesis GV60**Leading the charge for small SUVs in the luxury segment, the Genesis GV60 has impressively earned the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. Its inclusion is notable as SUVs, particularly small and midsize categories, account for the bulk of this year’s awards. The GV60’s achievement highlights Genesis’s rapid rise as a luxury brand that excels not only in design and technology but also in delivering top-tier safety, especially within the context of the IIHS’s new, more stringent criteria for rear-seat occupant protection.

To achieve the highest safety accolade, the Genesis GV60 demonstrated exemplary performance across the IIHS’s suite of crashworthiness tests. It secured ‘Good’ ratings in both the small overlap front crash test and the updated side crash test, underscoring its robust structural design and effective deployment of safety systems in common, severe collision types. These results confirm the GV60’s capability to protect its occupants from various angles of impact, a critical aspect of overall vehicle safety.

Crucially for the 2025 awards, the Genesis GV60 also earned a ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. This is a significant accomplishment as it directly addresses the IIHS’s enhanced focus on second-row passenger safety, utilizing a new dummy and metrics to assess protection in the rear. By excelling in this test, the GV60 assures consumers that it offers high-level protection for all its passengers, regardless of their seating position, thereby setting a new standard for luxury small SUVs in comprehensive safety.

Furthermore, the GV60 is equipped with standard headlights that received ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings, an essential requirement for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, contributing to safer driving conditions by ensuring adequate road illumination. Its pedestrian front crash prevention system also earned ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings in both daytime and nighttime evaluations, showcasing its advanced ability to detect and respond to pedestrians. The Genesis GV60’s comprehensive safety profile makes it an outstanding choice for consumers seeking a luxurious, technologically advanced, and exceptionally safe small SUV.” , “_words_section1”: “1945

Car Model Information: 2023 Genesis GV60 Performance
Name: Genesis GV60
Manufacturer: Genesis Motor
ModelCode: JW1
Production: 2021–present
ModelYears: 2023–present (North America)
Assembly: Ulsan
Designer: Jung Myung-jin
Class: Compact executive car,crossover SUV
BodyStyle: coupe SUV
Layout: unbulleted list
Platform: Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform
Related: unbulleted list
Motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Powerout: cvt
Transmission: reduction gear
Battery: unbulleted list
ElectricRange: unbulleted list
Charging: Vehicle-to-grid
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: unbulleted list
Width: cvt
Height: cvt
Weight: cvt
Categories: All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2025, CS1: unfit URL
Summary: The Genesis GV60 is a battery electric compact luxury crossover SUV produced by Genesis, a luxury vehicle marque of Hyundai. Slotted below the GV70, it is the first Genesis product to be developed on the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

Get more information about: Genesis GV60

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Genesis Model: GV60
Price: $33,995 Mileage: 16,530 mi.

7. **Toyota Camry**The Toyota Camry, a stalwart in the midsize car segment, consistently delivers on its promise of reliability and value. Now, for 2025, it has also secured the highly coveted TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, reinforcing its status as a leading choice for individuals and families seeking a vehicle that blends practicality with the highest levels of advanced safety. This recognition by the IIHS confirms the Camry’s comprehensive protection, aligning perfectly with the Institute’s renewed emphasis on safeguarding all occupants.

To achieve the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, the Camry successfully navigated the IIHS’s most demanding crashworthiness evaluations, earning ‘Good’ ratings in every primary test. This includes the small overlap front crash test, which simulates a severe frontal impact on a small portion of the vehicle’s front corner, and the updated side crash test, which uses a more robust barrier to assess protection against high-speed side impacts. These top scores underscore the Camry’s strong structural integrity and effective deployment of safety systems.

Crucially, the Toyota Camry also achieved a ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, a cornerstone of the 2025 IIHS awards. This particular test is designed to directly assess protection for second-row passengers, employing a second dummy behind the driver to measure potential injuries with new, specific metrics. The Camry’s excellent performance in this rigorous evaluation signifies that Toyota has effectively engineered advanced safety measures to provide comparable protection for rear-seat occupants, addressing a critical area of focus for the IIHS.

Beyond its exceptional crash performance, the Camry comes equipped with standard headlights that received ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings, ensuring optimal visibility for drivers during nighttime conditions—a vital component of accident prevention. Furthermore, its pedestrian front crash prevention system demonstrated robust capabilities, earning ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings in both daytime and nighttime scenarios. This showcases its active role in detecting and reacting to vulnerable road users, thereby helping to prevent or mitigate potential collisions.

The Toyota Camry’s consistent presence among the TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners solidifies its position as an outstanding choice for consumers prioritizing proven safety, alongside its well-established reputation for dependability. Its ability to meet and exceed the most stringent 2025 IIHS criteria positions it as a definitive leader in comprehensive occupant protection within the competitive midsize car segment, offering unparalleled peace of mind for all.

Car Model Information: 2023 Toyota Camry XSE
Name: Toyota Camry
Caption: 2018 Toyota Camry Ascent (ASV70, Australia)
Manufacturer: Toyota
Production: March 1982 – present
Aka: ubl
Class: ubl
Layout: ubl
Predecessor: ubl
Successor: Toyota Avensis (T250)
Categories: 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles
Summary: The Toyota Camry is an automobile sold internationally by the Japanese auto manufacturer Toyota since 1982, spanning multiple generations. Originally compact in size (narrow-body), the Camry has grown since the 1990s to fit the mid-size classification (wide-body)—although the two widths co-existed in that decade. Since the release of the wide-bodied versions, Camry has been extolled by Toyota as the firm’s second “world car” after the Corolla. As of 2022, the Camry is positioned above the Corolla and below the Avalon or Crown in several markets. In Japan, the Camry was once exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store retail dealerships. Narrow-body cars also spawned a rebadged sibling in Japan, the Toyota Vista—also introduced in 1982 and sold at Toyota Vista Store locations. Diesel fuel versions have previously retailed at Toyota Diesel Store. The Vista Ardeo was a wagon version of the Vista V50.

Get more information about: Toyota Camry

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Toyota Model: Camry
Price: $28,985 Mileage: 34,850 mi.

8. **Hyundai Ioniq 5**The Hyundai Ioniq 5, a groundbreaking electric small SUV, has unequivocally proven that cutting-edge electric vehicle technology can go hand-in-hand with the highest standards of automotive safety, earning a 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. Its inclusion among this year’s elite winners is particularly significant, as SUVs account for the bulk of the awards, and the Ioniq 5’s achievement highlights the remarkable progress in designing EVs that excel in comprehensive occupant protection, including those in the second row.

To secure the highly distinguished TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, the Ioniq 5 demonstrated exemplary performance across all the IIHS’s required crashworthiness tests. It earned ‘Good’ ratings in the challenging small overlap front crash test, a testament to its robust front-end structure and the integrity of its occupant compartment. It also achieved a ‘Good’ rating in the updated side crash test, which is designed to simulate more severe side impacts and assess protection against intrusion and occupant movement.

Critically, this innovative electric small SUV also earned a ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, the linchpin of the 2025 awards’ heightened focus on rear-seat safety. This ‘Good’ rating confirms that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is meticulously engineered to provide advanced protection for second-row occupants, effectively addressing the IIHS’s findings that previous safety advancements were often disproportionately applied to the front seats. Its performance ensures top-tier safety for everyone inside.

Complementing its robust crash protection, the Ioniq 5 is equipped with standard headlights that received ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings, a fundamental requirement for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. These ratings ensure excellent visibility for the driver, significantly enhancing safety during nighttime driving conditions. Furthermore, its advanced pedestrian front crash prevention system also earned ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings in both daytime and nighttime evaluations, showcasing its proactive ability to detect and react to pedestrians, actively helping to mitigate collisions.

For consumers in search of an environmentally conscious small SUV that makes no compromises on paramount safety features, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 presents a compelling choice. Its 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ status reassures buyers that they are selecting a vehicle engineered for the highest level of safety, combining innovative design with a holistic approach to occupant protection and crash avoidance, making it a standout in its class.

Car Model Information: 2021 Buick Envision Preferred
Sp: uk
Name: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company
ModelCode: NE
Production: March 2021 – present
ModelYears: 2022–present (North America)
Assembly: Unbulleted list
Designer: Lee Ji-hyeon
Class: Compact crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: Unbulleted list
Platform: Hyundai E-GMP
Related: Unbulleted list
Motor: permanent magnet synchronous motor
Battery: SK On
ElectricRange: cvt
Charging: ubl
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: Unbulleted list
Width: Unbulleted list
Height: Unbulleted list
Weight: Unbulleted list
Categories: All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, Articles containing Korean-language text, Articles with short description, CS1 Indonesian-language sources (id)
Summary: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a battery electric compact crossover SUV produced by Hyundai since 2021. It is the first product to be marketed under the Ioniq sub-brand, and the first model developed on the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

Get more information about: Hyundai Ioniq 5

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Hyundai Model: Ioniq 5
Price: $19,500 Mileage: 52,471 mi.

9. **Kia Telluride**The Kia Telluride, a highly popular midsize SUV celebrated for its spacious, family-friendly design and impressive value, has proudly joined the ranks of 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ awardees. This achievement not only underscores Kia’s unwavering commitment to integrating advanced safety into its well-loved family haulers but also reinforces the significant trend of SUVs dominating the IIHS awards list, showcasing their robust adaptation to the industry’s increasingly stringent safety benchmarks, particularly those concerning multi-passenger protection.

To earn the highest safety recognition from the IIHS, the Kia Telluride delivered ‘Good’ ratings across the board in all critical crashworthiness evaluations. This comprehensive performance included the demanding small overlap front test, which assesses the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a highly concentrated frontal impact, and the updated side crash test, which challenges a vehicle’s structure with a tougher barrier to simulate more severe side-impact forces. These results speak volumes about the Telluride’s engineered strength.

Most significantly for the 2025 awards, the Telluride also achieved an outstanding ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. This pivotal evaluation directly measures the protection offered to second-row occupants, a key area of improvement mandated by the IIHS. By excelling in this test, the Telluride demonstrates that its design effectively safeguards all passengers, making it an exceptionally reliable choice for families who prioritize comprehensive safety across all seating positions.

Beyond its impressive crash protection, the Kia Telluride comes equipped with standard headlights that garnered ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings, fulfilling a crucial requirement for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award and ensuring optimal visibility for drivers in various lighting conditions. Its pedestrian front crash prevention system further enhances safety, earning ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings in both daytime and nighttime scenarios, actively helping to prevent or reduce the severity of collisions with vulnerable road users.

The Kia Telluride’s 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award makes it an even more compelling option for families and anyone seeking a spacious, dependable, and now, definitively top-safe midsize SUV. Its ability to not only meet but exceed the new, more challenging IIHS criteria for comprehensive occupant protection firmly establishes it as a leader in its segment, offering invaluable peace of mind on every journey.

Car Model Information: 2021 Kia Telluride SX
Name: Kia Telluride
Caption: 2022 Kia Telluride EX (US)
Manufacturer: Kia
Production: February 2019 – present
ModelYears: 2020–present (North America)
Class: Mid-size crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: unbulleted list
Related: Hyundai Palisade
Predecessor: Kia Mohave
Sp: us
Categories: All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with short description, Cars introduced in 2019, Commons category link from Wikidata, Crossover sport utility vehicles
Summary: The Kia Telluride is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured and marketed by Kia since 2019. Positioned above the smaller Sorento, the Telluride was previewed as a concept car in 2016, with the production model debuting in early 2019 as a 2020 model. It shares components and specifications with its sister model, the Hyundai Palisade, including its engine, transmission, and wheelbase. Named after the town of Telluride, Colorado, the Telluride is the largest vehicle Kia has manufactured in the United States.

Get more information about: Kia Telluride

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Kia Model: Telluride
Price: $27,990 Mileage: 94,312 mi.

10. **BMW X5**In the competitive landscape of midsize luxury SUVs, the BMW X5 has distinguished itself by securing a 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. This significant accomplishment highlights that premium vehicles are not solely defined by their comfort, performance, and sophisticated technology, but also by their ability to meet and surpass the most stringent benchmarks for occupant protection established by the IIHS. The X5’s success demonstrates how luxury automakers are adapting their advanced designs to incorporate comprehensive safety features for all occupants, including those in the often-overlooked second row.

To earn the ultimate TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, the BMW X5 exhibited superior crashworthiness across all critical IIHS evaluations. It achieved ‘Good’ ratings in the small overlap front crash test, which rigorously challenges the vehicle’s structural integrity in a specific type of frontal collision, and the updated side crash test, signifying robust protection in side-impact scenarios that are often complex due to the potential for intrusion and occupant movement. These scores underscore BMW’s commitment to foundational safety.

Crucially for the 2025 awards, the BMW X5 also earned a ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. This ‘Good’ rating is paramount as it unequivocally confirms the vehicle’s ability to provide a high level of protection for second-row occupants, a key area of improvement mandated by the IIHS. This indicates that BMW has effectively integrated sophisticated safety measures, such as advanced seat belt technology, to ensure all passengers receive comparable protection, effectively addressing the identified safety gap.

In addition to its exceptional crash performance, the BMW X5 is equipped with standard headlights that achieved ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings, ensuring excellent visibility during low-light conditions—a fundamental requirement for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. Its pedestrian front crash prevention system also delivered strong results, earning ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings in both daytime and nighttime evaluations, showcasing its advanced ability to detect and mitigate potential collisions with pedestrians. This combination highlights a holistic approach to safety.

For discerning consumers who demand both exhilarating driving dynamics and uncompromised safety in a luxury package, the BMW X5 is an exemplary choice. Its 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award unequivocally places it among the safest midsize luxury SUVs on the market, providing the ultimate peace of mind alongside its refined driving experience and state-of-the-art features, reaffirming its standing as a leader in premium automotive safety.

Car Model Information: 2010 BMW X5 xDrive48i
Name: BMW X5
Manufacturer: BMW
Class: Mid-size,luxury vehicle,crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Production: 1999–present
Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description
Summary: The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by BMW. The X5 made its debut in 1999 as the E53 model. It was BMW’s first SUV. At launch, it featured all-wheel drive and was available with either a manual or automatic gearbox. The second generation was launched in 2006, and was known internally as the E70. The E70 featured the torque-split capable xDrive all-wheel drive system mated to an automatic gearbox. In 2009, the X5 M performance variant was released as a 2010 model. BMW marketed the X5 officially as a “Sports Activity Vehicle” (SAV), rather than an SUV, to indicate its on-road handling capability despite its large dimensions. The X5 signaled a shift away from the utilisation of body-on-frame construction, in favour of more modern monocoque chassis construction. Although the Mercedes-Benz M-Class was introduced more than a year prior to the X5, the X5 was the first to utilise a monocoque chassis. The M-Class used body-on-frame construction until its second generation. The X5 is primarily manufactured in North America, at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. Assembly operations also took place in Russia by Avtotor until February 2022, along with operations in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The X5 is also modified for armoured security versions, at the BMW de México Toluca plant. The automaker’s SAV series, which was started by the X5, has expanded with derivations of other number-series BMWs. This began in 2003 with the X3, and continued in 2008 with the X6 (which shares its platform with the X5).

Get more information about: BMW X5

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: BMW Model: X5
Price: $8,564 Mileage: 101,541 mi.

11. **Rivian R1S**The Rivian R1S, a cutting-edge large electric SUV, has made a remarkable and impactful entry into the exclusive circle of 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ awardees, specifically for models built after August 2024. This achievement is particularly significant as large SUVs, while representing fewer models than smaller categories, are crucial for comprehensive safety across diverse conditions. Its success underscores the ability of newer electric vehicle manufacturers to design for both innovation and paramount occupant protection, setting a new benchmark for vehicles in its robust segment.

To secure the highly prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, the Rivian R1S demonstrated outstanding crashworthiness across all required IIHS tests. It earned ‘Good’ ratings in the small overlap front crash test, which assesses the vehicle’s structural integrity in a challenging frontal impact, and the updated side crash test, indicating superior protection against severe side-impact forces. These top scores are especially vital for a large SUV, confirming its capability to shield occupants from various angles of collision.

Crucially, the Rivian R1S also achieved a ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, a key requirement for the 2025 awards specifically designed to evaluate the safety of second-row occupants. Its strong performance in this test confirms that Rivian has prioritized comprehensive safety, ensuring passengers in both front and rear seats receive top-tier protection. This is particularly groundbreaking for a large SUV, addressing the IIHS’s specific concerns about comprehensive rear-seat protection across all vehicle types.

Beyond its exceptional crash performance, the Rivian R1S is equipped with standard headlights that were rated ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’, providing excellent illumination and enhancing safety during low-light conditions—a critical factor for driver visibility. Its pedestrian front crash prevention system also delivered strong results, earning ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings in both daytime and nighttime evaluations, showcasing the blend of active and passive safety in its advanced electric platform and its proactive ability to prevent accidents.

The Rivian R1S stands out as a top-tier choice for consumers seeking a large, technologically advanced electric SUV that does not compromise on safety. Its 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, especially with the enhanced focus on rear-seat protection and its specific build date requirement, provides invaluable confidence that this innovative vehicle offers a high level of protection for the entire family, pushing boundaries in both EV performance and comprehensive safety.

Car Model Information: 2022 Rivian R1S Launch Edition
Name: Rivian R1S
Manufacturer: Rivian
Production: 2022–present
ModelYears: 2022–present
Assembly: Rivian Automotive,LLC
Designer: Paul Hoste (2014)
BodyStyle: SUV
Related: Rivian R1T
Drivetrain: Individual wheel drive,Four-wheel drive
Powerout: cvt
Doors: 4 doors + 1 in rear
Transmission: Single-speed
Battery: Flashlight
ElectricRange: cvt
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: cvt
Width: cvt
Height: cvt
Weight: cvt
Categories: Articles with short description, Commons category link from Wikidata, Full-size sport utility vehicles, Production electric cars, Rivian SUVs
Summary: The Rivian R1S is an all-electric seven passenger, mid-size, off-road SUV manufactured by Rivian. Customer deliveries started in 2022, after 10 years under development. Depending on the configuration, it has either two, three, or four electric motors.

Get more information about: Rivian R1S

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Rivian Model: R1S
Price: $58,999 Mileage: 41,809 mi.

12. **Toyota Tundra crew cab**Breaking through a traditionally challenging segment for top safety honors, the Toyota Tundra crew cab has earned a 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, standing out as the only large pickup truck to achieve this distinction. This accomplishment is particularly groundbreaking given that pickups, especially large ones, have historically faced hurdles in meeting the IIHS’s increasingly stringent criteria, particularly concerning comprehensive rear-seat protection for all occupants. The Tundra’s success sets a new standard for safety in its class.

Securing the coveted TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation required the Toyota Tundra crew cab to achieve ‘Good’ ratings in all core IIHS crashworthiness evaluations. This includes the small overlap front crash test, which rigorously challenges the vehicle’s integrity in specific frontal collisions, and the updated side crash test, which assesses protection in severe side impacts—a critical area for large vehicles that often experience significant forces in collisions. These top marks confirm its robust design and protective capabilities.

A major highlight of the Tundra’s achievement is its ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. IIHS President David Harkey explicitly noted, “The new emphasis on back seat protection appears to have winnowed minivans and pickups from the winners’ ranks.” The Tundra’s exceptional success in this test demonstrates that Toyota has effectively engineered this large pickup to provide advanced protection for second-row occupants, thereby addressing a key safety gap and ensuring comparable protection for all passengers, regardless of their seating position.

Furthermore, the Toyota Tundra crew cab is equipped with standard headlights that received ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings, fulfilling an essential requirement for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award and ensuring adequate road illumination for safer driving conditions. Its pedestrian front crash prevention system also earned ‘Good’ or ‘Acceptable’ ratings in both daytime and nighttime conditions, actively contributing to preventing or mitigating collisions with vulnerable road users through its advanced detection and response capabilities.

For those who demand the formidable utility and capability of a large pickup but refuse to compromise on the highest levels of safety for their family, the Toyota Tundra crew cab is the undeniable leader. Its 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award positions it as the benchmark for safety in the large pickup segment, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to comprehensive occupant protection under the IIHS’s rigorous new standards and offering unparalleled peace of mind to its discerning buyers.

Car Model Information: 2024 Toyota Tundra Limited
Name: Toyota Tundra
Manufacturer: Toyota
Production: May 1999 – present
ModelYears: 2000–present
Assembly: San Antonio,Texas
Class: Pickup truck#Full-size pickup truck
Layout: unbulleted list
Related: Toyota Sequoia
Predecessor: Toyota T100
Caption: 2022 Toyota Tundra Limited
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck manufactured in the United States by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota since May 1999. The Tundra was the second full-size pickup to be built by a Japanese manufacturer (the first was the Toyota T100), but the Tundra was the first full-size pickup from a Japanese manufacturer to be built in North America. The Tundra was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year in 2000 and 2008. Initially built in a new Toyota plant in Princeton, Indiana, production was consolidated in 2008 to Toyota’s San Antonio, Texas, factory.

Get more information about: Toyota Tundra

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Toyota Model: Tundra
Price: $48,565 Mileage: 29,512 mi.

As we look ahead, the IIHS continues to push the envelope, ensuring that automakers continuously innovate to make vehicles safer for everyone on the road. The 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners showcased here are not just a list of safe vehicles; they represent a significant stride forward in automotive safety, proving that cutting-edge technology and thoughtful engineering can provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. By prioritizing comprehensive protection, especially for those in the second row, these models set a new standard, guiding consumers toward the safest choices for their families and reaffirming the industry’s dedication to a future with fewer road fatalities and injuries.