Crash safety is a vital selling point for many people when they decide on a new vehicle. While no one wants to be in a collision, knowing that occupants are protected is peace of mind.
In the United States, there are two major crash testing standards. The federal government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has specific requirements for rating vehicle collision performance. There’s also the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that awards the renowned Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick designations. The IIHS frequently updates its requirements for winning these awards to push automakers toward improving occupant protection.
Ten Vehicles Earn Top Safety Pick+ Awards In 2024
The IIHS just released its tally of newly tested award-winning vehicles from the organization’s evaluations throughout 2024. Ten vehicles received the Top Safety Pick+ designation this year. They were the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Infiniti QX60, Mazda CX-70, Mazda CX-70 PHEV, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Rivian R1S, Subaru Forester (but not the Wilderness trim), Toyota Tundra crew cab, and Volvo XC90 PHEV.
Nine more vehicles received the Top Safety Pick. They were the Audi Q8, Ford F-150 crew cab and extended cab, Infiniti QX80, Kia K4, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Nissan Kicks, Toyota Corolla sedan, and Toyota Crown Signia.
With the addition of these newly tested vehicles, there are a total of 48 models with a 2024 Top Safety Pick+ award. There are also 56 Top Safety Pick winners for this year.
What It Takes To Win
The 2024 rules for getting either award are achieving Good ratings in the small overlap front and updated side tests. In addition, the models need an Acceptable or Good score in the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation. Headlights with an Acceptable or Good score must be available across all trim levels.
The IIHS recently updated its moderate overlap front test to include monitoring a crash dummy in the second-row seat behind the driver. A Good rating for just the driver is a criterion to get the Top Safety Pick. A Good or Acceptable score for both occupants is necessary for a Top Safety Pick+ award.
TopSpeed’s Take
The 2024 Top Safety Pick+ award winners include an interesting mix of vehicle segments, from EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Rivian R1S to models like the Subaru Forester and Toyota Tundra. If someone is shopping for a safe vehicle, there is a wide range of safe models in various sizes and prices to choose from.
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