That number is higher than the results of last year’s crash testing, which yielded 49 earning that badge.
“We’re excited to see more vehicles on this list in 2022,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “Our awards make it easy for car buyers to find models that will protect them in a crash and increase the odds they’ll never be in one. By shooting for Top Safety Pick+, automakers are showing that they’re committed to the same goal.”
Hyundai Motor Group, which includes the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands, has the most awarded vehicles in the tested lot with 11 Top Safety Pick+ models. Ten others earned the lesser Top Safety Pick designation.
Volkswagen Group, the parent company of Audi and Volkswagen, earned eight Top Safety Pick+ awards while Volvo took home 10.
To earn the awards, winners must get Good ratings in six IIHS crashworthiness tests, including the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraint tests.
They must also be available with front crash prevention systems that earn Advanced or Superior ratings in both the vehicle- to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations, as well as at least one headlight system that earns a Good or Acceptable rating.
The top recipients had Good or Acceptable headlights as standard across all trim levels.
Notably, only one automaker had their entire lineup make the cut: Genesis. Nearly all of Volvo’s models scored high enough and Mazda also fared very well.
Top Safety Pick+ winners for 2022 are:
Acura MDXAcura RDXAcura TLXAudi A6 and A6 AllroadAudi A7Audi E-Tron and E-Tron SportbackAudi Q5 and Q5 SportbackCadillac XT6Chevrolet TrailblazerChrysler PacificaFord Bronco SportFord ExplorerGenesis G70 (built after June 2021)Genesis G80Genesis G90Genesis GV70Genesis GV80Honda AccordHonda Civic hatchback and sedanHonda InsightHonda OdysseyHyundai NexoHyundai PalisadeHyundai Santa Fe (built after July 2021)Hyundai TucsonKia K5Kia StingerLexus ES 350Lexus ISMazda CX-30Mazda CX-5Mazda CX-9Mazda Mazda3 hatchback and sedanMitsubishi Outlander (built after June 2021)Mercedes-Benz E-ClassMercedes-Benz GLE-Class (with optional front crash prevention)Nissan AltimaNissan MaximaNissan MuranoNissan RogueSubaru AscentSubaru Crosstrek HybridSubaru LegacySubaru OutbackTesla Model 3Tesla Model YToyota CamryToyota HighlanderToyota SiennaVolkswagen ID. 4Volvo C40 RechargeVolvo S60 and S60 RechargeVolvo V60 Cross CountryVolvo XC40 and XC40 RechargeVolvo XC60 and XC60 RechargeVolvo XC90 and XC90 Recharge
In 2023, IIHS will add two new evaluations to the award requirements. The updated side test will be conducted at a higher speed and with a heavier, movable barrier. It will replace the original side test. A Good rating will be required to earn Top Safety Pick+ designation.
A nighttime pedestrian crash prevention test will also be added, with vehicles being required to earn an Advanced or Superior rating to get the nod as a Top Safety Pick+ model.
“Manufacturers deserve congratulations for the steady improvements they’ve made since we last updated our award requirements, but with U.S. traffic fatalities expected to exceed 40,000 people in 2021, it’s no time for anybody to rest on their laurels,” said Harkey.
“A key reason vehicles have continued to get safer over the more than 25 years since the Institute began our ratings program is that we have never shied away from raising the bar. The high number of Top Safety Pick+ winners shows that it’s time to push for additional changes.”
