IIHS Top Safety Picks Of 2024 Are Here!

The announcement of the IIHS Top Safety Picks is a momentous occasion for both automakers and consumers, setting a benchmark for vehicle safety standards each year. For 2024, a select group of vehicles have distinguished themselves by achieving the prestigious Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards, underscoring their commitment to protecting passengers through rigorous safety standards. Among the winners, small and midsized SUVs dominate, reflecting their rising popularity in the market. However, several cars and a notable electric vehicle also made the list, highlighting the industry-wide pursuit of excellence in safety. 

Leading the Pack: Small Cars Shine

The Small Cars category has always been fiercely competitive, and this year, models like the Acura Integra, Mazda 3 hatchback and sedan, and Toyota Prius have set new benchmarks for safety. Each of these vehicles has not only met but exceeded the stringent requirements set forth by the IIHS, achieving the Top Safety Pick+ designation. Their success is a testament to the automotive industry’s dedication to enhancing safety features, even in smaller vehicles that historically faced challenges in meeting such high standards.

These models stand out for their comprehensive safety packages, which include advanced driver assistance systems and superior crash test performances. The Acura Integra, Mazda 3, and Toyota Prius have all demonstrated exceptional resilience in the face of rigorous testing, particularly in the updated moderate overlap front crash test and the demanding side crash test. Their achievements underscore the fact that safety is not a matter of size, proving that even compact cars can offer robust protection to their occupants.

Safety in Size: Midsized and Large Cars

In the realm of Midsized and Large Cars, the Honda Accord, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and the Genesis Electrified G80 have emerged as the crème de la crème, each earning the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award. These models blend sophistication with safety, showcasing how midsize sedans and large luxury cars can offer both comfort and unparalleled protection. Their inclusion in this year’s top safety picks showcases the manufacturers’ commitment to not only meet but exceed evolving safety standards, integrating cutting-edge technology to safeguard passengers.

The Honda Accord and Hyundai Ioniq 6, for instance, are lauded for their advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, which now requires satisfactory performance in both daylight and dark conditions. The Genesis Electrified G80 takes safety in the luxury segment to new heights, offering a suite of standard safety technologies that have proven effective in protecting occupants during the IIHS’s stringent crash tests. These vehicles exemplify how the pursuit of luxury and performance does not come at the expense of safety, setting a benchmark for their respective categories.

Dominance of SUVs: Small to Midsized Marvels

The Small and Midsized SUV categories have proven to be a stronghold of safety in this year’s IIHS Top Safety Picks, with models like the Genesis GV60, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Ford Explorer, and Kia Telluride leading the charge. Their achievements in earning the Top Safety Pick+ award reflect the growing trend towards SUVs, which combine the versatility and space of larger vehicles with the maneuverability and efficiency of smaller ones. These models, in particular, have demonstrated that SUVs can be as safe, if not safer, than their sedan counterparts, offering families and adventurers alike peace of mind on the road.

What sets these SUVs apart is their impressive crash test results and their array of safety features designed to prevent accidents before they happen. From the Genesis GV60’s cutting-edge driver assistance technologies to the Kia Telluride’s robust safety systems, these vehicles are equipped to tackle a variety of driving scenarios, protecting occupants from common road hazards. Their success in the IIHS safety awards is a clear indicator of the industry’s focus on making SUVs safer for everyone, emphasizing the importance of safety across all vehicle sizes and types.

The Luxury of Safety: Midsized Luxury SUVs Excel

The Midsized Luxury SUVs category showcases the pinnacle of automotive safety, marrying opulence with outstanding protective measures. The Acura MDX, BMW X3, Genesis GV80, and the Tesla Model Y have each earned the Top Safety Pick+ designation, highlighting their exceptional safety profiles amid luxury and sophistication. These models not only offer sumptuous interiors and exhilarating performance but also include some of the most advanced safety technologies available today, setting a standard for what consumers should expect from a luxury vehicle in terms of safety.

The incorporation of advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking with comprehensive pedestrian detection and adaptive headlights across all trim levels, has played a significant role in these vehicles achieving top safety honors. Additionally, the inclusion of electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y in this list underscores the automotive industry’s commitment to safety without compromising on environmental sustainability. These midsized luxury SUVs prove that luxury brands are at the forefront of safety innovation, ensuring that safety is integral to the luxury driving experience.

Electric Evolution: EVs Make Their Mark

The electric vehicle (EV) segment has made a significant impact in this year’s IIHS Top Safety Picks, with models like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 standing out for their exceptional safety standards. These vehicles represent the cutting edge of automotive technology, not just in terms of propulsion but also in ensuring the safety of their occupants. Their recognition as Top Safety Picks signals a bright future for EVs in the safety domain, showcasing the industry’s ability to integrate electric powertrains with advanced safety features.

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV and Hyundai Ioniq 5 have been commended for their comprehensive approach to safety, including superior crash protection and innovative safety technologies designed to prevent collisions. These EVs are equipped with systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and pedestrian detection, which have become increasingly sophisticated to address the unique dynamics of electric vehicles. Their achievements in the IIHS safety awards demonstrate that environmental sustainability and occupant safety can go hand in hand, paving the way for a new era of safe, electric mobility.

Family Favorites: Minivans and Pickups

In the Minivans and Pickups category, the Honda Odyssey and the Ram 1500 have emerged as top choices for families and professionals seeking both safety and functionality. These vehicles have carved a niche for themselves by providing ample space and utility and ensuring that safety is paramount. The recognition of these models as IIHS Top Safety Picks reflects the importance of safety across all vehicle types, from family haulers to workhorses.

The Honda Odyssey continues to be a favorite among families for its robust safety features and exceptional crashworthiness, while the Ram 1500 stands out in the pickup segment for its comprehensive safety systems and solid performance in crash tests. These vehicles exemplify the automotive industry’s commitment to providing safety without compromise, regardless of the vehicle’s primary function. Their inclusion in this year’s top safety picks underlines the fact that whether you’re dropping kids off at school or hauling heavy loads, safety should never take a back seat.

Complete List Of Winners

2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winners

Small Cars

Acura Integra

Mazda 3 

Toyota Prius

Midsized Cars

Honda Accord

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Large Luxury Car

Genesis Electrified G80

Small SUVs

Genesis GV60

Honda HR-V

Hyundai Kona

Mazda CX-30

Mazda CX-50 (built after August 2023)

Midsized SUVs

Ford Explorer

Kia Telluride

Mazda CX-90

Nissan Pathfinder (built after November 2023)

Subaru Ascent

Midsized Luxury SUVs

Acura MDX

BMW X3

Genesis GV80 (built after August 2023)

Mercedes-Benz GLE Class

Tesla Model Y

2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick Winners

Small Cars

Hyundai Elantra

Subaru Impreza

Toyota Prius Prime

Midsized Cars

Subaru Outback

Toyota Camry

Large Car

Toyota Crown

Midsized Luxury Cars

BMW 5 Series

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Large Luxury Cars

Genesis G80

Genesis G90

Small SUVs

BMW X1

Honda CR-V

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai Tucson

Kia Sportage

Lexus UX

Lexus RZ

Subaru Solterra

Midsized SUVs

Honda Pilot

Hyundai Palisade

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Mazda CX-90 PHEV

Nissan Ariya

Toyota Highlander

Volkswagen Atlas

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport