Nine more vehicles from the 2025 and 2026 model years have received safety awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), according to the latest round of vehicle ratings.
The Top Safety Pick+ award was given to the Audi All-new A5, Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron, BMW X3, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and Kia Sportage. For the BMW X3, Kia Sportage, and Ford Explorer, only vehicles built after specific dates qualify for the award.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota Corolla Cross earned the Top Safety Pick designation.
Additional ratings were released for other models including the Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, Kia EV6, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota 4Runner, and Toyota Grand Highlander.
To receive an IIHS safety award in 2025 or 2026, vehicles must achieve good results in small overlap front and side crash tests. They also need at least an acceptable rating in pedestrian front crash prevention evaluations and headlights rated acceptable or better across all trim levels. For Top Safety Pick+, a good rating is required in the moderate overlap front test; for Top Safety Pick a rating of acceptable is sufficient.
Most new award recipients performed well in pedestrian crash avoidance testing. The exception was the Hyundai Santa Cruz which received an acceptable rating.
Manufacturer changes to headlight systems helped improve ratings for both the BMW X3 and Ford Explorer. The Nissan Rogue and Toyota Corolla Cross achieved higher scores due to better performance in side crash tests.
Some models did not meet all criteria. The Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, Kia EV6, and Toyota 4Runner did not qualify because of their performance in moderate overlap tests. The Toyota 4Runner also failed to meet headlight requirements as some trims have poor-rated lights. The Toyota Grand Highlander was disqualified due to its structure allowing too much intrusion during small overlap testing.
In explaining poor ratings for certain vehicles: “The Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron earn poor ratings in the moderate overlap test because measurements taken from the rear dummy indicated a strong likelihood of chest injuries and the rear dummy’s lap belt moved from the ideal position on the pelvis onto the abdomen, which increases the risk of abdominal injuries.”
For other models: “The EV6 and 4Runner earn marginal ratings in the test. In both vehicles, the rear lap belts moved from the dummy’s pelvis to the abdomen. In addition, the shoulder belt in the EV6 moved too far upward toward the dummy’s neck.”
Regarding another vehicle’s result: “The Grand Highlander fell short in the small overlap test because the structure around the passenger compartment allowed too much intrusion for a good rating, although the dummy metrics did not indicate an increased risk of injury to the driver or front seat passenger.”
While three current IIHS evaluations—vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention 2.0 systems, seat belt reminders, and LATCH ease of use—are not included among award criteria this year; consumers are encouraged to consider these factors when making purchase decisions.
