IIHS 2023 Top Safety Picks: The Safest Vehicles on the Market

When purchasing a new vehicle, safety is often a top priority. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) annually recognizes the safest vehicles through its Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards. For 2023, only 48 models made the list—less than half of the 101 vehicles recognized in 2022. This decline isn’t due to declining vehicle safety but rather more stringent testing criteria set by IIHS to enhance real-world protection.

2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4WD

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73215 mi

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2024 Tesla Cybertruck

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445 mi

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Audi e-tron GT

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Why the List of Top Safety Picks is Smaller in 2023

The reduced number of award-winning vehicles is attributed to IIHS’s updated and more rigorous testing standards. While a car that earned recognition in 2022 may not appear on the 2023 list, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe. Instead, the latest Top Safety Picks have proven to withstand tougher crash tests and safety evaluations.

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New and Stricter IIHS Safety Standards for 2023

1. Enhanced Side-Impact Crash Test

IIHS introduced a revised side-impact crash test designed to simulate real-world collisions involving SUVs and trucks. The test now utilizes a heavier, faster-moving barrier to mimic these larger vehicles. To qualify for a Top Safety Pick, a car must receive at least an “acceptable” rating, while a “good” rating is required for the more prestigious Top Safety Pick+ designation.

2011 BMW 1 Series 128i

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2024 Acura MDX Type S

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45002 mi

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Mercedes Benz EQE

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2. Improved Pedestrian Safety Standards

With pedestrian accidents on the rise, IIHS expanded its crash prevention testing to evaluate vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention systems in both daytime and nighttime conditions. A vehicle must earn an “advanced” or “superior” rating in daylight conditions to qualify for a Top Safety Pick, and in both daylight and nighttime conditions to earn a Top Safety Pick+.

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3. Higher Headlight Standards

IIHS has made high-quality headlights a requirement for safety recognition. Vehicles must come standard with “acceptable” or “good” headlights across all trims to qualify for either award. Previously, only one trim level needed to meet this criterion.

2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winners

The highest honor in IIHS safety ratings, Top Safety Pick+, was awarded to 25 models across various manufacturers:

2011 BMW 1 Series 128i

$6176

Gas

158183 mi

Fair Deal  

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2024 Acura MDX Type S

$64030

Gas

45002 mi

Very Good Deal  

4 (5)

Mercedes Benz EQE

$102310

electric

12 mi mi

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0 (5)

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• Acura: Integra, MDX, RDX
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• Genesis: G90
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• Honda: CR-V, HR-V, Odyssey
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• Hyundai: Palisade
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• Kia: Telluride
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• Lexus: NX (including plug-in hybrid), RX, UX
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• Nissan: Pathfinder
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• Rivian: R1T
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• Subaru: Ascent, Outback, Solterra
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• Tesla: Model Y
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• Toyota: Camry, Highlander, Sienna, Tundra
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• Volkswagen: ID.4
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• Volvo: XC90, XC90 Recharge
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2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick Winners

These vehicles met stringent safety standards but fell short of the highest rating:

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• Ford: Explorer
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• Honda: Civic (hatchback and sedan, excluding Type R)
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• Hyundai: Sonata
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• Lexus: ES 350
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• Lincoln: Nautilus
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• Mazda: Mazda3, CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, CX-9
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• Nissan: Rogue
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• Subaru: Forester, Legacy
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• Toyota: Corolla, RAV4, RAV4 Prime, Venza
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Japanese Automakers Lead in Safety

Japanese manufacturers dominated the 2023 IIHS rankings. Toyota (including Lexus) had the most awards, followed by Honda (including Acura), Mazda, and Subaru. In contrast, U.S. and European brands, including Ford, Chevrolet, and Mercedes-Benz, earned significantly fewer awards than in previous years.

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The Rise of Safe SUVs and EVs

Mid-size and small SUVs showed impressive performance in crash testing. Small SUVs earned the most awards overall, demonstrating improved safety despite past weaknesses in side-impact tests. Additionally, a growing number of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles earned safety awards, including the Rivian R1T, Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4, and Volvo XC90 Recharge.

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What to Expect in 2024

IIHS has announced even stricter criteria for 2024. The updated side-impact crash test will require a “good” rating for both Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ honors. Additionally, the moderate overlap front crash test will be revised, making it harder for vehicles to qualify. These changes may significantly impact small SUVs, which have traditionally struggled in front-impact tests.

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Final Thoughts

With IIHS raising the bar, automakers must continue innovating to improve vehicle safety. The 2023 Top Safety Picks list is a valuable resource for car buyers prioritizing safety. As testing becomes more rigorous in 2024, expect an even higher standard for crashworthiness and accident prevention.

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