Nine new models from the 2025 and 2026 lineups have earned safety awards in the latest round of vehicle evaluations conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The newest Top Safety Pick+ recipients include the Audi All-new A5, Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron, BMW X3, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and Kia Sportage. For the X3, Sportage, and Explorer, the awards apply only to vehicles manufactured after specific build dates listed in the IIHS table.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota Corolla Cross received the Top Safety Pick designation, representing the second-tier safety award.
Additional testing results were also released for the Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, Kia EV6, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota 4Runner, and Toyota Grand Highlander.
To qualify for either the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ recognition in 2025, vehicles must achieve Good ratings in the small overlap front and side crash tests, an Acceptable or Good rating in the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation, and Acceptable or Good headlight performance across all trim levels.
An Acceptable score in the moderate overlap front crash test is sufficient to earn the Top Safety Pick award, but only a Good score in that category qualifies a vehicle for the higher Top Safety Pick+ distinction.
Most of the newly recognized vehicles performed well in pedestrian crash avoidance evaluations, earning Good ratings overall. The exception is the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which received an Acceptable rating in that category.
Both the BMW X3 and Ford Explorer achieved their awards after manufacturers improved headlight performance, while better side-crash test results helped elevate the Toyota Corolla Cross and Nissan Rogue to award status.
However, several models failed to meet IIHS award standards due to weaknesses in key crash tests. Subpar performance in the moderate overlap test disqualified the Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, Kia EV6, and Toyota 4Runner.
The 4Runner also fell short of the headlight requirement because some trims still offer poor-rated headlights. Meanwhile, an Acceptable rating in the small overlap front test disqualified the Toyota Grand Highlander from earning an award.
The Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron received Poor ratings in the moderate overlap test after rear dummy measurements indicated a strong risk of chest injuries.
Test data also showed that the rear lap belt shifted from the pelvis to the abdomen, a positioning error that increases the likelihood of abdominal injuries.
The Kia EV6 and Toyota 4Runner earned Marginal ratings in the same test due to similar seatbelt issues. In both models, the rear lap belts slipped from the pelvis to the abdomen, and in the EV6, the shoulder belt also moved too close to the dummy’s neck, increasing injury risk.
The Toyota Grand Highlander missed the mark in the small overlap test because the structure around the passenger compartment allowed excessive intrusion, preventing a Good rating. However, dummy readings showed no heightened injury risk to the driver or front passenger.
The IIHS also evaluated three additional safety categories, vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention 2.0, seat belt reminders, and LATCH ease of use, which are not part of the official award criteria. Still, the organization notes that consumers may find these factors valuable to consider when making purchasing decisions.
