The safest vehicles in 2026, according to the IIHS
The U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just released its first list of the safest vehicles on the market in 2026.
Compared to the same date last year, the number of models has increased, even though the IIHS has raised its standards for rear-seat passenger protection in frontal collisions. Its goal is to push automakers to improve this aspect of safety.
The IIHS awarded its highest honor, the “Top Safety Pick+” award, to 45 vehicles, compared to 36 in 2025 and 22 in 2024. All of these vehicles achieved a rating of “Good” (rather than just “Acceptable”) in the new moderate-overlap front crash test, which also takes into account occupants in the second row. Many are affordable models, proving that a high level of safety is accessible even to buyers on a tight budget.
To qualify for the “Top Safety Pick+” award, the IIHS also requires a “Good” rating in the mild overlap front crash test and the new side crash test, as well as a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating for headlight performance and collision prevention with other vehicles.
Here is the list of 2026 winners:
Audi A5
Audi A6 Sportback e-tron
Audi Q5 (including the Q5 Sportback)
Audi Q6 e-tron (including the Q6 Sportback e-tron)
BMW X3
BMW X5
Genesis G80
Genesis GV60
Genesis GV70 (including the GV70 Electric)
Genesis GV80
Honda HR-V
Honda Passport
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai IONIQ 9
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Sonata
Infiniti QX60
Kia EV9
Kia K4
Kia Sorento (manufactured after September 2025)
Kia Sportage (manufactured after May 2025)
Lexus NX
Mazda3 (including the Mazda3 Sport)
Mazda CX-30
Mazda CX-50
Mazda CX-70 (including the CX-70 PHEV)
Mazda CX-90 (including the CX-90 PHEV)
Nissan Murano
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Sentra
Rivian R1S
Subaru Ascent
Subaru Forester
Subaru Outback
Tesla Cybertruck
Toyota Camry
Volvo EX90
In addition, 18 vehicles have so far earned the “Top Safety Pick” award for 2026. In any case, the list will inevitably grow, as some vehicles have not yet been evaluated. An updated list of the safest vehicles will be published in December.
Finally, it is worth noting that, once again, no minivans made the list. “It’s disappointing that minivans still struggle to provide the best possible protection for rear passengers, especially given that these are family-oriented vehicles,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “Given these results, parents might want to consider purchasing more affordable, award-winning sedans or SUVs.”
