2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK Award Winners Announced
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recently announced the winners of the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, emphasizing a stronger focus on the safety of second-row occupants. This initiative is part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to encourage automakers to improve vehicle safety standards, particularly in the back seat.
Changes to Award Criteria
For the 2025 ratings, the IIHS has introduced stricter testing requirements aimed at enhancing protection for all passengers. This has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of qualifying models, with only 48 vehicles meeting the new criteria, a notable drop from 71 models at the same point last year. Out of these, 36 vehicles have achieved the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, while 12 have earned the standard TOP SAFETY PICK award.
Enhancements in Testing Procedures
One of the key updates in this year’s testing involves the institute's moderate overlap front test, which now includes an additional dummy representing a small passenger seated in the second row, thereby underscoring the focus on back seat safety. Previously, a good rating in the original test was sufficient for the TOP SAFETY PICK award; however, the updated guidelines have phased out the original test, requiring an acceptable rating in the new test for the basic award and a good rating for the higher-tier accolade.
Safety Ratings and Vehicle Types
The comprehensive set of requirements remains unchanged, as vehicles must also receive good ratings in both small overlap front and updated side tests. Furthermore, they must achieve either an acceptable or good rating in pedestrian front crash prevention tests, which evaluate how well vehicles perform in avoiding pedestrian collisions during both day and night. It’s interesting to note that all models awarded must be equipped with headlights rated at least acceptable.
Diversity Among Award Winners
This year’s list of winners showcases a wide array of vehicles, from small cars to large pickups and from economical to luxury options. SUVs, known for their growing popularity, dominate the awards this year. They make up 28 out of the 36 TOP SAFETY PICK+ recipients, with various categories represented, including small, midsize, and large SUVs. In stark contrast, there are no minicars, large cars, or minivans among the winners, with only two large pickups qualifying: the Rivian R1T and the Toyota Tundra.
Importance of Back Seat Safety
As David Harkey, IIHS President, pointed out, this increased emphasis on back seat protection reveals shortcomings in models traditionally marketed for family use, like minivans and pickups. With these vehicles often designated as family-friendly, it remains essential to advocate for enhanced safety measures in all seating areas.
Progress Over Time
The IIHS updated its moderate overlap front test in 2022 to address higher risks of fatal injuries among rear seat passengers compared to those in the front. The updated test simulates a collision where the test vehicle strikes another vehicle at 40 mph with an overlap of 40% of the front widths. The introduction of the additional dummy helps to analyze injury risks better for those seated in the back.
As a result of these changes, around 60% of the new models tested for the 2025 awards currently achieve acceptable or good ratings, indicating promising advancements in safety for back seat passengers. However, it is evident that minivans have not been able to keep pace with the criteria, with most of the top-performing options being small and midsize SUVs.
Consumer Guidance
Moving forward, consumers interested in buying vehicles with superior back seat safety should consider these award winners as commendable options. As car manufacturers continue to innovate, it’s heartening to see a notable response in prioritizing safer designs and features for all passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of the 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK awards?
The main focus is on enhancing protection for second-row occupants, promoting advanced safety technologies in vehicles.
How many vehicles earned the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award?
A total of 36 vehicles received the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.
What changes were made to the testing procedure for 2025?
The testing procedure now emphasizes back seat safety by including an additional dummy seated in the second row during collision simulations.
Which types of vehicles dominate the 2025 award winners?
SUVs account for the majority of the 2025 award winners, with various models across different categories recognized for their safety performance.
How does IIHS ensure that vehicles meet the new safety criteria?
Vehicles must undergo rigorous testing, achieving good ratings in multiple areas, including crash tests and pedestrian safety evaluations, and must be equipped with rated headlights.
