© IIHS
Safest New Cars in America
For most car shoppers, safety is a primary concern when choosing a new model. Every new vehicle sold in America must meet standards mandated by Title 49 of the United States Code, Chapter 301, for motor vehicle safety. While airbags, seat belts and crumple zones keep occupants safe in a crash, technologies available in some new cars work to prevent the crash itself, without the need for driver input. For a vehicle to be named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+, it must earn Good ratings (Good is the highest IIHS rating) in each of six crash tests: driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint & seats. The vehicle must also earn an Advanced or Superior rating for front crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests, as well as a Good or Acceptable headlight rating.
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More Safe Choices
Starting with the 2020 model year, the IIHS added an additional requirement for a vehicle to gain distinction as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. To earn this top award, a vehicle must be available exclusively with Good or Acceptable headlights on all trim variants. The car companies paid attention and for 2021 there are more than 50 new vehicles that earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating — more than double the number of top-rated vehicles in 2020. “With these awards, we want to make it easy for consumers to find vehicles that provide good protection in crashes, sufficient lighting and effective front crash protection,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “Manufacturers have stepped up to meet the challenge, and the list of great options has grown to an impressive size this year,” Harkey noted. Here are the 2021 and 2022 models that earn a Top Safety Pick + rating.
© American Honda Motors
2022 Acura MDX
Acura introduced an all-new MDX for the 2022 model year, built on a new platform with bold styling, a spacious interior and a wide range of high-tech goodies. All Acura MDX trims are equipped with Acura’s suite of advanced safety and driver-assist features called AcuraWatch. This suite includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, a blind-spot information system and rear cross-traffic alert. These updates — along with the standard four-element Jewel Eye LED headlights — put the MDX on the Top Safety Pick+ list for the first time since 2017.
© American Honda Motors
2021 Acura RDX
All new in 2019, the Acura RDX returns to the elite group of safest vehicles in America for the third year in a row. The previous-generation RDX earned the rank of TSP+ for 2016 and 2017, but the compact crossover didn’t meet the headlight requirement for 2018. The RDX earns the highest rating for every IIHS crash test, thanks in part to the newest generation of Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, new high-strength steel door stiffener rings and eight airbags, including driver and front-passenger knee airbags. The RDX also features the AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver-assist technologies, including automatic emergency braking and road departure mitigation. Acura’s Jewel Eye LED headlights are also standard.
© American Honda Motors
2021 Acura TLX
For the first time since it was introduced in 2015, Acura’s midsize TLX achieves the Top Safety Pick+ rating. All new for the 2021 model year, the TLX features an all-new chassis and body structure that increase torsional stiffness by 50 percent and localized rigidity by 100 percent. All 2021 Acura TLX variants come standard with AcuraWatch, the brand’s suite of high-tech safety features. This includes Traffic Jam Assist, which uses the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to ensure the TLX stays in its lane and at a set distance behind the vehicle in front, reducing driver stress while sitting in traffic. The 2021 TLX also introduces new front-passenger airbag technology with a three-chamber design to help protect the front passenger in more steeply angled frontal collisions.
© Audi AG
2021 Audi A6/A6 allroad
Audi introduced a new A6 for the 2019 model year that returned to the Top Safety Pick+ list after being absent for the previous few years. The A6 allroad wagon joined the lineup one year later and also became a Top Safety Pick+ winner. The 2021 A6 and A6 allroad not only carry the latest styling cues of the Audi brand, they also possess the latest advanced safety features. A central driver-assistance controller processes data from up to five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner to provide a wide range of driver-assistance systems that include standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The A6 sedan and allroad wagon performed at the highest level in all front crash prevention tests.
© Audi of America
2021 Audi A7
In 2019 Audi introduced an all-new A7 incorporating many styling cues that originated on the flagship A8, including the larger Singleframe grille and integrated headlights. One of the most captivating luxury sportback models on the market, the A7 retains its signature sleek silhouette; however, it now provides a more comfortable environment for rear-seat occupants via increased headroom and legroom. With a full range of advanced active and passive safety features, the A7 has been a Top Safety Pick for the last few years. For 2021 Audi upgrades to LED projector headlights for all trim levels, thus meeting the criteria for the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ rating.
© Audi of America
2021 Audi e-tron
The first fully electric model from Audi, the e-tron is a premium 5-seat midsize SUV with an EPA-estimated range of more than 200 miles. Last year Audi introduced the sleeker-looking e-tron Sportback, joining the e-tron SUV. The e-tron employs a new-generation quattro electric all-wheel-drive system that features two potent electric motors — one powering each axle — that adjust the amount of torque delivered to each axle for ideal balance according to driving conditions. The Audi e-tron has the distinction of being the first fully electric vehicle to achieve the Top Safety Pick + ranking. In addition to the e-tron’s Good score in the required crash tests, the standard automatic emergency braking operates at speeds up to 52 mph for detecting pedestrians and bicyclists.
© Audi of America
2021 Audi Q5
The best-seller in Audi’s lineup, the Q5 receives an updated look for the 2021 model year featuring a thinner and wider octagonal Singleframe grille with taller side air intakes that have sporty trapezoidal inserts. As part of this 2021 refresh, the Q5 gets an advanced headlight system with standard LED lights that meet IIHS requirements, making the Q5 a Top Safety Pick + for the first time since 2017. Audi has also added its first plug-in hybrid Q5 SUV, which features a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor positioned between the engine and the 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. The Q5 55 TFSI e gets an electric-only range of 19 miles and receives an EPA combined rating of 50 MPGe.
© General Motors
2021 Cadillac XT6
An all-new model from Cadillac for 2021, the luxurious three-row XT6 is currently the only vehicle from General Motors to earn a spot on the Top Safety Pick+ list. The XT6 stands out with a large expressive grille flanked by a choice of bi-function LED projector headlights or performance LED headlights with a three-element projector array, both of which qualify the XT6 for the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ranking. This stylish crossover gets the latest safety technology such as forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, front and rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert and a rearview camera with remote wash.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
An all-new model for 2021, the Trailblazer small crossover slots into the Chevrolet lineup between the Trax and Equinox. Exterior styling of this new crossover draws from the new Blazer that returned for 2020 and features slim LED running lights flanking the upper grille and larger LED headlights positioned below. A sporty-looking Trailblazer RS features black exterior trim, a unique mesh grille and dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips. All Trailblazers are equipped with Chevy Safety Assist which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, forward collision alert and a rearview camera.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Ford Bronco Sport
Last year Ford revived one of the automaker’s legendary nameplates by creating the Bronco and Bronco Sport. The first to arrive, the Bronco Sport quickly became one of the best-selling SUVs in America, and now it earns a top rating as one of the safest. The new SUV achieved the highest score in all crash tests as well as vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention. With classic Bronco styling cues, a stepped-up roofline and upright body panels, the Bronco Sport features a bolder look compared to many of today’s compact SUVs. The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is offered in five trim levels: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands and First Edition.
© Ford Motor Company
2021 Ford Explorer
The Explorer has been one of the best-selling SUVs in America for decades, but it had never been rated one of the safest in America until its redesign for the 2020 model year. Completely new last year, the Explorer comes with Ford Co-Pilot360 — the company’s suite of advanced driver-assist features. Co-Pilot360 includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot information system, cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist and automatic high-beam headlights.
© Hyundai Motor America
2021 Genesis G70
Introduced in 2019, the G70 was the third model from Genesis — a relatively new brand in the luxury segment — and the car continues to earn the Top Safety Pick+ moniker. The G70 sedan is available in a variety of trim levels and can be equipped with full-time all-wheel drive. Genesis also offers the G70 with advanced safety tech as standard equipment across the board; this includes forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist and driver attention warning.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Genesis G80
In 2017 Korean automaker Hyundai created a luxury brand from its flagship model line. The G80 sedan was one of the first vehicles to wear the new Genesis badge, and the luxury sedan continues to be available in a variety of high-end trims with automatic emergency braking standard on all of them. Using radar from the smart cruise control and cameras from the lane-keeping assist system, the G80 can detect a slower or stopped vehicle ahead — or a pedestrian in its path — and automatically apply brakes as needed to avoid a collision. Lane Keep Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance are also standard on all Genesis models. The Genesis G80 has been a Top Safety Pick+ every year since its introduction, a record that continues with the all new 2021 Genesis G80.
© Genesis
2021 Genesis G90
Flagship of the Genesis lineup, the G90 received a major styling update for the 2020 model year. The first model of the Genesis brand when it launched in 2016, the G90 has been a Top Safety Pick + from the very beginning. All Genesis G90s come with the latest safety features including forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection as well as automatic emergency braking; rear cross-traffic collision avoidance; parking collision avoidance assist with automatic rear braking; driver attention warning; and safe exit assist that alerts a driver or passenger if an object is approaching an open door.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Genesis GV70
The newest model from Genesis, the GV70 joins the GV80 as the second SUV in the brand’s growing lineup. With this ranking, every vehicle in the Genesis lineup has a Top Safety Pick + designation. In a time when so many crossovers look alike, the GV70 stands out with its signature Crest Grille and quad headlights — a look that can be found throughout the Genesis lineup. With a coupelike roof and character line that runs from the headlights to the rear hatch, the GV70 carries a powerful stance. With 375 horsepower on tap as well as full-time all-wheel drive, the GV70 has performance cred to match its sporty styling.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Genesis GV80
Genesis expands its lineup for the 2021 model year with the brand’s first SUV, the GV80. This luxurious sport-utility vehicle quickly became the Korean automaker’s best-seller, possessing a luxurious interior as well as exterior styling that complements the Genesis portfolio. Joining the G70, G80 and G90 sedans, the new SUV is the brand’s fourth model to earn a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS. The GV80 stands out from the crowd with the brand’s signature Crest Grille with quad narrow headlights for a unique look. The quad light motif of the 2021 GV80 continues at the rear of the vehicle, where wraparound LED taillights echo the lighting style up front.
© American Honda Motors
2021 Honda Accord
One of the best-selling passenger cars in America, the Honda Accord receives a few upgrades for the 2021 model year. In addition to restyling the front end and updating the infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the automaker adds its Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features. Most importantly in the eyes of the IIHS, the Accord now meets the most stringent headlight requirements to return this popular sedan to the Top Safety Pick+ ranks. The Honda Accord has been at minimum a Top Safety Pick for more than a decade.
© American Honda Motors
2022 Honda Civic
Honda introduces a new Civic for the 2022 model year and after several years of Top Safety Pick ratings, the new model achieves the Top Safety Pick + rank. All levels of the new Civic come with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assist systems, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist. The new Civic gets built on enhanced architecture with a stronger body featuring updated styling inside and out, as well as a more powerful turbocharged engine.
© American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
2021 Honda Insight
In 2019 Honda launched the third iteration of the Insight — and this may be the best version yet. The extremely efficient hybrid sedan also scores at the top for all IIHS crash tests in its first years on the road. All Insights come with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features as standard equipment, including automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning and lake-keeping assist. The Insight achieved the best score possible on vehicle and pedestrian avoidance.
© American Honda Motors
2021 Honda Odyssey
With updates to standard safety equipment for the 2021 model year, the Honda Odyssey becomes one of only two minivans to earn the Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS. The popular minivan gets the Honda Sensing suite of safety features as standard equipment for the 2021 model year. Honda Sensing includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. LED headlights are now standard on all Odyssey trims, which improves the minivan’s headlight rating and helps the people mover earn the highest IIHS rating.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Hyundai NEXO
The NEXO remains unique on this safest new cars list as the only fuel-cell vehicle to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The second-generation fuel-cell vehicle from Hyundai, NEXO is a 5-passenger crossover featuring a stylish exterior with swept-back narrow headlights, flush door handles and a sleek roofline. The NEXO employs three separate hydrogen tanks that improve interior space as well as provide room for a large, flat cargo area. NEXO come with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert and a blind-spot view monitor as standard equipment.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Hyundai Palisade
An all-new model for Hyundai last year, Palisade represents a strong competitor in the large three-row SUV market. With bold styling, an elegant interior and room for up to eight occupants, the Palisade takes its rightful place as the flagship of the Korean brand’s SUV lineup. Palisade features a wide cascading grille flanked by composite headlights and signature daytime running lights for a more upscale style. A Top Safety Pick in its first year on the market, the Palisade now has LED headlights as standard equipment for all trims in 2021, and thus advances to the Top Safety Pick+ designation.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
Last year Hyundai introduced a new Santa Fe sporting updated styling with new signature headlights, a premium interior as well as an available hybrid powertrain. All Santa Fe variants are available with forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, park collision avoidance, highway drive assist, lane-following assist and a navigation-based smart cruise control with road curve control. New LED headlights for the 2022 model year earn the Santa Fe the Top Safety Pick + rating.
© Hyundai Motor America
2022 Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai introduced an all-new Tucson for the 2022 model year with a more expressive design, interior refinements and upgraded technology. In addition to the standard gasoline engine, the new Tucson will be offered for the first time as a gas-electric hybrid, with a plug-in hybrid scheduled to follow. Standard safety equipment for the updated Tucson includes driver attention warning, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-following assist and lane-keeping assist. The Tucson SEL adds blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning and side mirror turn signals. These updates earn the Tucson a Top Safety Pick + rating.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Kia K5
The K5 is an all-new sedan from Kia, replacing the Optima in the lineup. Built on an all-new platform, the K5 delivers fresh styling, updated features and a range of powerful and efficient engines. The overall structure of the K5 is stiffer and the suspension is tuned for stability and sporty, responsive handling. Improved sound-deadening materials contribute to improved interior quietness over the Optima, and an acoustic laminated windshield is standard for all K5 trim levels. The 2021 K5 features the Kia DRIVE WiSE suite of advanced driver-assistance systems including standard forward collision-avoidance assist, standard driver attention warning and standard lane-following assist. Also available are blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, navigation-based smart cruise control — curve, highway driving assist and safe exit assist.
© Kia Motors America
2022 Kia Stinger
Kia’s sporty 4-door Stinger gets a number of updates for the 2022 model year including a new turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, exterior design updates and interior detail refinements. Inside, the 2022 Kia Stinger adds gloss black and chrome trim on the instrument panel as well as new LED ambient lighting in a choice of colors. The 2022 Stinger can be distinguished from previous model years by LED lighting with new daytime running lights, new wheel designs and larger quad exhaust outlets. The addition of the LED headlights helps Stinger earn the coveted Top Safety Pick + rating.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
2021 Lexus ES
Lexus introduced an all-new ES sedan for the 2019 model year, complete with updated styling, an all-new chassis and the latest luxury and safety features. The seventh-generation ES comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard equipment. This suite of advanced equipment includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicycle detection, high-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and road-edge detection, lane-tracing assist and intelligent high-beam headlight.
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2021 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS receives a major refresh for the 2021 model year with bold styling, improved performance and a luxurious interior.
Adopting a front-end appearance similar to the ES and LS, the updated IS is longer and wider than its predecessor and carries a more aggressive stance. The IS also gets the latest version of the Lexus Safety System which features frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and bicyclist detection, emergency steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and all-speed adaptive cruise control. The system uses a single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar — both have been enhanced for the 2021 Lexus IS. Lane departure alert and lane-tracing assist have also been improved for the new model year.
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2021 Lexus NX
Lexus joined the growing compact luxury SUV segment when it introduced the NX for the 2015 model year. The NX has been a Top Safety Pick+ designee since its introduction, with the exception of the 2018 model year. In addition to its high scores in the required crash tests, the NX comes with the Lexus Safety System + which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert and intelligent high beams. The NX is available with the first-ever turbocharged engine in a Lexus — a 2.0-liter four cylinder that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Also available with a hybrid powertrain, the NX 300h is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in America.
© Mazda North American Operations
2021 Mazda CX-3
The CX-3 is the smallest crossover in the Mazda lineup. Introduced for the 2016 model year, the CX-3 received headlight improvements last year that helped it earn the Top Safety Pick+ rating. Mazda CX-3 boasts a dynamic design, signature Mazda sporty driving characteristics and an available sophisticated i-ACTIV AWD system offered with all three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The CX-3 comes equipped with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE, which includes a range of advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist and adaptive front lighting.
© Mazda North American Operations
2021 Mazda CX-30
Mazda introduced the all-new CX-30 for the 2020 model year, slotting the stylish crossover between the CX-3 and CX-5. With seating for five and familiar Mazda styling, the CX-30 took shape as a useful and fun-to-drive package. Inside, the CX-30 focuses on creating a premium vibe with a cockpit feeling for the driver and an open area for the front passenger. As with many vehicles that moved up from Top Safety Pick to Top Safety Pick+ for 2021, the CX-30 receives updated headlights that meet the required criteria for the highest IIHS ranking.
© Mazda North America
2021 Mazda CX-5
Mazda’s popular CX-5 crossover has been on the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ list since 2014, and the redesigned 2017 model continued this success. The CX-5 is available with advanced safety features that include lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and smart brake assist — the latter warning the driver and automatically applying the brakes to avoid or minimize damage from a frontal collision. These items are part of an i-ACTIVSENSE package that also includes high-beam headlight control, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
© Mazda North American Operations
2021 Mazda CX-9
Mazda’s three-row SUV was a recent addition to the Top Safety Pick + list, for a total of six different Mazdas on this safe vehicle list. The CX-9 passes all the requirements with a headlight update for all vehicles built after December 2019. Like the other Mazdas listed here, the brand’s flagship SUV uses radar and cameras to employ a range of advanced safety features — all part of Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE system. This includes advanced smart city brake support with pedestrian detection, smart brake assist with collision warning, Mazda radar cruise control with stop & go function, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, high-beam headlight assist, an adaptive front lighting system, and traffic-sign recognition.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Mazda Mazda3 (Sedan and Hatchback)
All new for the 2020 model year, the Mazda3 features the latest evolution of the company’s KODO design. Available as a 4-door sedan or a hatchback — both achieving Top Safety Pick+ status — the new Mazda3 can be equipped with Mazda’s i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system. Equipped with the latest advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, the Mazda3 uses an infrared camera and infrared LED to observe the driver’s condition while driving, checking to see how wide open the driver’s eyelids are and the number of times he or she blinks in order to determine the level of drowsiness or fatigue. It also monitors the driver’s line of sight and eye movements to determine when the driver is being inattentive.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Mazda Mazda6
It’s been a few years since Mazda introduced the current-generation Mazda6, and it remains the flagship of the Japan-based automaker’s lineup. With a revised chassis designed to provide a more comfortable ride, better handling and a quieter interior, the Mazda6 features the brand’s signature grille flanked by standard LED headlights and integrated fog lights that give the car a wide stance. All Mazda6 trims come the full suite of i-ACTIVSENSE safety features as standard equipment, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The best-selling passenger car in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the C-Class moved into its fourth generation for 2019 with updated styling, more power and new features. Looking like a proper Mercedes with standard LED headlights and taillights and freshened front-end styling, the C-Class can be configured in a number of trim levels with varying levels of power. The C-Class is available with the latest driver-assistance systems that include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, evasive steering assist, active lane-keeping assist, blind-spot assist and cross-traffic alert. Look for an all-new C-Class to arrive early next year.
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2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz introduced an updated E-Class for the 2021 model year that receives refreshed styling as well as a more refined interior and the latest advanced driver-assist technologies. Although E-Class is available in a number of bodystyles, only the sedan makes the grade to be named an IIHS Top Safety Pick + winner. Thanks to its active brake assist system, the E-Class was able to avoid collisions in all IIHS vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests, and the sedan’s LED projector headlights meet the requirements necessary to earn the Institute’s top safety rating.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes-Benz updated the GLE SUV last year with advancements in safety, entertainment, connectivity and drivability. The GLE has been on the Top Safety Pick+ list since its introduction in 2016 and — surprisingly — it is the only Mercedes-Benz model on the IIHS list. Equipped with all the luxury features expected of a Mercedes, the GLE comes standard with Collision Prevention Assist, which uses radar to monitor the distance to a vehicle in front and will alert the driver while priming the brakes if a crash seems imminent. Also available is Collision Prevention Assist Plus with active brake assist, which will automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision. The LED Intelligent Light System features an ultra-wide beam; it has the brightest headlights allowed on a motor vehicle.
© Mitsubishi Motors North America
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
All new for the 2022 model year, the Mitsubishi Outlander features next-generation design language for the brand, more interior room and the available Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system. Built on a new platform, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander gets reengineered to provide a higher quality interior, more capability and innovative technology. Rated as a Top Safety Pick + for the first time since 2017, the new Outlander comes with forward collision mitigation, predictive forward collision warning, active blind-spot assist, blind-spot warning / lane change assist, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, driver attention alert, rear automatic emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert and a multiview camera system.
© Nissan North America
2021 Nissan Altima
Listed as at least a Top Safety Pick since 2013, the Nissan Altima moves up to a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the updated 2021 model. The automaker rolled out the latest generation Altima two years ago with a major styling update that brings the time-honored sedan in line with the rest of the Nissan lineup. Two engines are offered, including the first production engine to use variable compression, and Altima is available with all-wheel drive. All Altima trim levels now come with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of high-tech safety features including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, high-beam headlight assist and intelligent auto headlights.
© Nissan North America
2021 Nissan Maxima
The flagship sedan of the Nissan lineup, the Maxima received a major update in 2016 when it was re-dubbed the “4-door sports car.” True to Maxima’s sports car mantra, the big sedan features a 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine teamed with a performance-oriented Xtronic continuously-variable transmission. Last year Maxima added Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment on all trim levels. This suite of safety features includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and rear automatic braking. This is the second year in a row that Maxima has been on the Top Safety Pick+ list.
© Nissan North America
2021 Nissan Murano
One of the more stylish crossovers on the market, Nissan’s Murano received exterior updates a few years ago that included a larger, more prominent V-Motion grille flanked by redesigned LED headlights and new LED fog lights. For 2021, Nissan makes the Safety Shield 360 suite of advanced safety features standard on all Muranos, and those systems helped the crossover make the Top Safety Pick + list. Safety Shield 360 includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and rear automatic braking.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Nissan Rogue
Nissan introduced an all-new Rogue for the 2021 model year. Built on a new platform with fresh styling, advanced safety features and a family-friendly interior, the 2021 Nissan Rogue will likely continue as one of the most popular SUVs in America. Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 is standard for all trim levels of the Rogue. This suite of advanced features includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking and high-beam headlight assist. Blind-spot intervention and traffic-sign recognition are available, as is Nissan’s Intelligent Around View monitor.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Subaru Ascent
In 2019 Subaru returned to the three-row crossover market with its largest production vehicle yet — the Ascent. Built on the company’s new platform, Ascent is available in a number of trim levels, all of which come with full-time all-wheel drive and Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety features as standard equipment. The safety suite includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and sway warning. The Ascent also is available with blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking. Note the 2020 Ascent did not earn the highest rating because the crossover’s standard headlights did not meet new IIHS requirements. Subaru solved the issue for the 2021 Ascent.
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2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Subaru introduced the plug-in hybrid version of the Crosstrek last year — the brand’s first plug-in for the U.S. market. The Crosstrek Hybrid comes with the latest version of EyeSight, Subaru’s innovative driver-assist technology that employs stereo forward-facing cameras as well as other sensors. With EyeSight, the Crosstrek Hybrid is available with automatic pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. In the IIHS front crash prevention tests, the Crosstrek Hybrid performed at the highest level for both vehicle and passenger avoidance. The Crosstrek Hybrid has standard LED projector headlights; however, the non-hybrid does not — which is why the hybrid version is the only Crosstrek on the Top Safety Pick+ list.
© Subaru of America
2021 Subaru Forester
All new in 2019, the current Forester is the roomiest version ever offered, with a 1.2-inch-longer wheelbase, more rear-seat legroom and more cargo capacity, as well as improvements in crash protection, comfort, quietness and driving dynamics. EyeSight driver-assist technology is standard on all trim levels, and Forester Touring features DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System that can alert the driver of fatigue or distraction as well as automatically adjust many driver settings at startup. Last year Subaru made LED projector headlights standard, which helped elevate it to the rank of Top Safety Pick+ once again.
© Subaru of America
2021 Subaru Legacy
All new for the 2020 model year, Legacy is the latest vehicle that moved to Subaru’s new global platform. Changes to the structure result in improved crash protection, with the new structure absorbing 40 percent more energy in front/side crashes than the previous model. Subaru’s Eyesight driver-assist technology with Eyesight Assist Monitor is standard on all Legacy trim levels. The updated system is designed to help prevent collisions and includes advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pre-collision braking and throttle management, and vehicle lane departure and sway warning. The Legacy can also be equipped with the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which uses an infrared camera and facial recognition to determine if the driver is fatigued or simply not paying attention. If the system determines the driver is drowsy or not paying attention, it provides both audio and visual alerts.
© Subaru of America
2021 Subaru Outback
There aren’t many wagons available in America, but the Subaru Outback — with its perfect score from the IIHS — is arguably one of the safest wagons on the market. Like the Legacy, the Outback was all new for the 2020 model year, built on Subaru’s updated global platform. The Outback has been on the Top Safety Pick+ list since 2013, and for 2021 the off-road wagon continues to score the highest marks in all tests. Standard on all Outbacks is Subaru’s innovative EyeSight system, which includes automatic emergency braking as well as an advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering and the new DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which uses both audio and visual alerts if the drive appears to be fatigued or simply not paying attention.
© Tesla Motors
2021 Tesla Model 3
As the model that earned Tesla its first Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS in 2019, the Model 3 is the eponymous third model of the innovative U.S. automaker’s electric vehicle lineup, and it happens to be the entry-level offering. The Model 3 comes well equipped with upscale features including power heated front seats, a premium audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, docking stations for two smartphones and multiple USB ports. The 2021 Model 3 also comes with a range of advanced safety features as standard equipment, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
2021 Toyota Camry
Toyota introduced the eighth-generation Camry a few years ago, and for 2021 this best-seller gets updated exterior styling, interior improvements, and the latest version of the company’s Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of safety features. In addition to the standard pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and automatic high beams, the updated Safety Sense 2.5+ also includes multiple enhancements. The updated pre-collision system can now detect a bicyclist ahead of the preceding car in addition to pedestrians in low light. Automatic emergency braking is also activated when making a left turn if the system senses an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
2021 Toyota Highlander
Toyota introduced an all-new Highlander for the 2020 model year, built on the automaker’s New Global Architecture. Highlander received fresh styling with a bold black grille as well as a roomy, premium interior. The crossover comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing a plentiful 295 horsepower — enough oomph to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped — as well as a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain option. For 2021 the Highlander earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating since all trims come with the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as well as LED headlights across the board.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
2021 Toyota Sienna
Toyota brings an all-new Sienna minivan to market for the 2021 model year. This fourth-generation Sienna gets fresh styling, an all-new chassis, a range of new features and will be available exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. Sienna is also the only hybrid minivan on the market offering all-wheel drive. Unlike a traditional all-wheel-drive system, the Sienna AWD utilizes a separate electric motor at the rear wheels to provide additional traction at any speed. Toyota equips all new Siennas with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, road sign assist and automatic high-beam headlights.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
Although the German carmaker has offered electric vehicles before, none have possessed the range and capability of the all-new ID.4. A small crossover that fits conveniently into the automaker’s U.S. lineup, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provides utility and performance in a modern yet familiar package. The ID.4 initially came to market with a rear-mounted AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor producing 201 horsepower. Now VW offers the ID.4 AWD with two electric motors generating 302 horsepower. All ID.4 variants come with a suite of advanced safety features called IQ.DRIVE. This system includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
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2021 Volvo S60/V60
Volvo introduced an all-new S60 sedan and V60 wagon for the 2019 model year. Built on Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture, both body styles are available with a variety of powertrains; however, the most powerful also happens to be the most efficient. The T8 plug-in hybrid uses a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine teamed with a powerful electric motor to generate 400 horsepower delivered to all four wheels. All Volvo S60 sedans and V60 wagons come with City Safety technology, featuring automatic braking functionality with collision avoidance systems that not only detect other vehicles but also sees pedestrians, cyclists and large animals such as moose and deer.
© Volvo Cars North America
2021 Volvo S90 / V90
The flagships of the Volvo lineup, the S90 sedan and V90 wagon are the latest Volvos to earn spots on the IIHS Top Safety Pick + list, which means every current Volvo has earned the Institute’s top safety rating. For the 2021 model year, the automaker refreshed both S90 and V90 with a new front fascia as well as updated headlights that now meet the stringent IIHS requirements. The S90 and V90 also come with the latest advanced safety features as standard equipment, including automatic emergency braking with the ability to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists or large animals during day or night.
© Volvo Cars North America
2021 Volvo XC40
When Swedish automaker Volvo introduced the XC40 for the 2019 model year, the compact crossover immediately earned a Top Safety Pick+ ranking; however, it fell off the safest new cars list last year when the IIHS added more stringent headlight requirements. For 2021 Volvo makes the signature LED projector “Thor’s Hammer” headlights standard across all trims. Also standard on all XC40 trims is City Safety, which features collision avoidance that detects vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and animals, and it can automatically apply the brakes as needed. Also standard are run-off-road mitigation and protection, lane keeping and oncoming lane mitigation, and a whiplash protection system for front-seat occupants.
© Volvo Cars North America
2021 Volvo XC60
A Top Safety Pick since its last redesign in 2018, the Volvo XC60 moves up to the Top Safety Pick+ ranking for 2021. Like the XC40, the midsize XC60 now comes with LED headlights to meet the most stringent IIHS requirements. The XC60’s extensive list of safety features includes oncoming lane mitigation with automatic steering, which detects if the car drifts over a lane marker and automatically steers it back into the proper lane. The automatic emergency braking system also detects pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2021 Volvo XC90
Volvo built its reputation creating cars that keep people safe, and for 2021 the flagship XC90 earns a Top Safety Pick + rating. Updated for the 2020 model year, the XC90 is available with a range of safety and driver-assistance features. Standard on all Volvos is City Safety, which provides automatic braking and collision avoidance with the ability to detect pedestrians, cyclists and large animals such as a moose. Also available is cross-traffic alert with auto brake, as well as an oncoming lane mitigation system that detects if the XC90 has drifted over the lane marker and automatically steers the SUV back where it belongs.
