IIHS Announces Top Safety Picks for 2024: Check Out the Safest Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and Minivans

Safest cars of 2024

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recently unveiled its prestigious 2024 Top Safety Pick awards. This year, the Hyundai Motor Group outshined the competition with an impressive 16 awards across its three brands: Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia. Additionally, Mazda earned the most Top Safety Pick+ awards among individual brands, securing a total of five.

Dominance of SUVs in Top Safety Pick Awards

It’s no surprise that SUVs dominate the Top Safety Pick awards, with the midsized luxury SUV class leading the way with 12 winners. Small SUVs, midsize SUVs, and midsize luxury SUVs each received five Top Safety Pick+ awards. According to IIHS President David Harkey, this trend reflects the popularity of SUVs in the U.S. market. However, he expressed disappointment that only four pickups and four midsize cars met the award criteria, given the popularity of these vehicle classes.

Stricter Standards for Inclusion

This year, the IIHS strengthened its standards for inclusion. The institute has demanded enhanced protection for back seat passengers and pedestrians, adding an extra layer of safety to the vehicles selected for the Top Safety Pick awards.

Cars sit on the lot at the McGrath Honda dealership on March 25, 2021 in Elgin, Illinois. Honda vehicles were among the top-rated midsize cars, trucks, and SUVs in the IIHS awards for 2024.

2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ Winners

Here are the vehicles that received the 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick awards:

Top Safety Pick+ Award Winners

Small cars

  • Acura Integra
  • Mazda 3 hatchback
  • Mazda 3 sedan
  • Toyota Prius

Midsize cars

  • Honda Accord
  • Hyundai Ioniq 6

Large luxury car

  • Genesis Electrified G80

Small SUVs

  • Genesis GV60

Midsized SUVs

  • Ford Explorer
  • Kia Telluride
  • Mazda CX-90
  • Nissan Pathfinder (built after November 2023)
  • Subaru Ascent

Midsize luxury SUVs

  • Acura MDX
  • BMW X3
  • Genesis GV80 (built after August 2023)
  • Mercedes-Benz GLE Class with optional front crash prevention
  • Tesla Model Y
  • Honda HR-V
  • Hyundai Kona
  • Mazda CX-30
  • Mazda CX-50 (built after August 2023)

Top Safety Pick Award Winners

Small cars

  • Hyundai Elantra
  • Subaru Impreza
  • Toyota Prius Prime

Midsize cars

  • Subaru Outback
  • Toyota Camry

Large car

  • Toyota Crown

Midsize 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

Midsize 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

Large SUVs

  • Audi Q7
  • Audi Q8 e-tron
  • Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron
  • Rivian R1S

Midsize luxury SUVs

  • Acura RDX
  • Audi Q4 e-tron
  • Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
  • Genesis Electrified GV70
  • Genesis GV70 built after November 2023
  • Infiniti QX60
  • Lexus NX
  • Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid
  • Lexus RX
  • Mercedes-Benz GLC
  • Volvo XC90
  • Volvo XC90 Recharge

Minivans

  • Honda Odyssey
  • Toyota Sienna

Small pickup

  • Hyundai Santa Cruz

Large pickups

  • Rivian R1T crew cab
  • Toyota Tundra crew cab
  • Toyota Tundra extended cab

2024 Top Safety Pick winner - Nissan Maxima

FAQs

Q: Which brand won the most Top Safety Pick awards for 2024?
A: The Hyundai Motor Group secured the highest number of awards this year, with a total of 16 across its three brands: Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia.

Q: Which individual brand earned the most Top Safety Pick+ awards?
A: Mazda received the most Top Safety Pick+ awards among individual brands, with a total of five.

Q: What were the most awarded vehicle classes in the Top Safety Pick+ category?
A: The midsized luxury SUV class had the most winners, with a total of 12. Small SUVs, midsize SUVs, and midsize luxury SUVs each had five Top Safety Pick+ winners.

Q: Were the inclusion standards stricter this year?
A: Yes, the IIHS toughened the standards for inclusion in the 2024 Top Safety Pick awards. The institute emphasized better protection for back seat passengers and pedestrians.

Conclusion

Safety is a top priority for car buyers, and the IIHS Top Safety Pick awards provide valuable information for those seeking the safest vehicles on the market. The 2024 winners from various categories demonstrate the advancements in automotive safety technology and the commitment of manufacturers to protect their customers. Whether you’re in the market for a small car, SUV, minivan, or pickup, the IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2024 offer an excellent starting point for your search.

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