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IIHS Top Safety Pick+
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 you and your loved ones safe in a crash, technologies available in some new cars work to prevent the crash itself. Those systems vary among car companies — some use radar, others use cameras — but the goal is lessening or avoiding impacts without the need for driver input. For a vehicle to be named an IIHS Top Safety Pick +, it must earn Good ratings (Good is the highest IIHS rating) in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. The vehicle must also earn an Advanced or Superior rating for front crash prevention, as well as a Good headlight rating.
© Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Latest Requirement
Last year the IIHS added an additional requirement for vehicles to gain distinction as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Vehicles must achieve a Good or Acceptable rating for passenger-side protection in small overlap front crashes. This is the first time that passenger-side crash test results have ever been a factor in an IIHS award, and the new requirement has resulted in a list of 42 vehicles as Top Safety Pick + winners. “Drivers expect that their passengers, who are often family, will be protected just as well as they are,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. “Manufacturers have been taking this issue seriously since we first shed light on it, and we’re confident that good small overlap protection will become the norm on the passenger side, just as it has on the driver side.” We fully expect this list to grow as manufacturers adjust their vehicles to meet these new requirements. Here, in alphabetical order, are the vehicles that achieve the elite IIHS rank of Top Safety Pick +, shown with their front crash prevention rating and points earned out of six possible.
© American Honda Motor Co.
2019-20 Acura RDX
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
All new for the 2019 model year, the Acura RDX returns to this elite group of safest vehicles in America. The previous-generation RDX earned the rank of Top Safety Pick + for 2016 and 2017, but the compact crossover didn’t meet the headlight requirement for 2018. The new model gets the highest rating for every IIHS 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 new 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. New LED headlights are also standard.
© Audi AG
2019 Audi A6
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
Audi’s updated A6 returns to the Top Safety Pick + list after being absent for the last few years. Following the new A8 and A7 Sportback models, the A6 adopts Audi’s new design direction for 2019 with taut surfaces, more prominent edges and distinct body lines. The newest version of the hexagonal grille is flanked by new headlights which helped the A6 achieve the top safety rating. A wide range of driver assistance systems are offered and —depending on the options — the central driver assistance controller can process data from up to five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner.
© Audi AG
2019 Audi e-tron
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
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. The e-tron employs a new-generation quattro electric all-wheel-drive system that features two potent electric motors — one powering each axle — that can adjust the amount of torque delivered to each axle for ideal balance according to driving conditions. The e-tron is only the second Audi to earn the IIHS top safety rating, and has the distinction of being the first fully-electric vehicle to achieve the Top Safety Pick + title. 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 detected pedestrians and bicyclists. The system can also bring the vehicle to a full stop when traveling at speeds under 25 mph.
© BMW of North America
2019 BMW 3 Series
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
For decades this iconic sport sedan has been the benchmark against which all other sport sedans are measured, and the next generation BMW 3 Series builds on that success with a striking new design and larger dimensions. With a variety of powerful engine choices as well as available xDrive all-wheel drive, the 3 Series now has a range of driver-assist systems as standard equipment. Active Guard Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking can automatically stop the vehicle to avoid or minimize the effects of a collision — in the IIHS evaluations, the 3 Series sedan avoided collisions in both the low- and high-speed tests. Three headlight options are available on the 3 Series; the LED projector headlights in the Executive Package are the only option that received a Good rating from the IIHS.
© BMW of North America
2019 BMW 5 Series
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
For the third year in a row, the BMW 5 Series luxury sedan has earned the Top Safety Pick + distinction. All new for 2017, this seventh-generation 5 Series makes extensive use of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel to improve handling and safety while reducing weight. In addition to the long list of standard safety features, the 5 Series can also be equipped with blind-spot detection, daytime pedestrian protection, lane departure warning, cross-traffic alert, active lane-keeping assistant with side collision avoidance, and frontal collision warning with collision mitigation. When equipped with the frontal collision warning system, the 5 Series was able to avoid a collision in all the IIHS autobrake tests.
© BMW USA
2019 BMW X3
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The BMW X3 was all new for the 2018 model year and now earns the TSP+ ranking for the second year in a row. The new model stands out with more aerodynamic styling, a “three-dimensional” kidney grille, available full LED headlights and a roof spoiler at the rear. The X3 achieves the highest ratings — avoiding a collision in all three IIHS collision avoidance tests —when equipped with BMW’s optional Driving Assistance Plus package. This includes frontal collision warning with collision mitigation, active lane-keeping assist and blind spot detection.
© BMW of North America
2019 BMW X5
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
BMW introduced the fourth-generation X5 for the 2019 model year, and in addition to updated styling, new features and a roomier interior, the new model gets safety advances to put it back on this Top Safety Pick + list. The standard Active Driving Assistant includes the latest high-tech safety features such as blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, rear collision warning, cross-traffic alert and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection.
© Genesis
2019 Genesis G70
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The all-new G70 is the third model for the relative-newcomer Genesis, and with its arrival Hyundai’s luxury brand now offers three luxury sedans that are all rated Top Safety Pick+. This new 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-keep assist, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist and driver attention warning.
© Genesis
2019 Genesis G80
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
For the 2017 model year, Korean automaker Hyundai created a luxury brand from its flagship model line. The G80 sedan is available in a variety of high-end trims, and automatic emergency braking is 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 and automatically apply brakes as needed to avoid a collision.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2019 Genesis G90
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
As the flagship of the relatively new Genesis brand, the G90 is designed to go head-to-head with the best European offerings — at a significantly lower price. Many high-tech safety features are standard on the G90, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assist and driver attention alert. The G90 avoided collisions in all IIHS tests, and the luxury sedan’s LED projector headlights earned the rare Good rating.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2019 Honda Insight
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
Honda brings the Insight back for a third time — 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 year on the road. All Insights come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning and lake-keeping assist.
© Hyundai Motor America
2019 Hyundai Elantra
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The Hyundai Elantra was all new for the 2017 model year. In addition to updated styling and a new chassis, the small sedan is available with the latest in safety equipment, earning it a spot on the TSP+ list. A surprising feature in the compact car class, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection is available in the Elantra. Utilizing both the forward-facing radar and camera to detect a vehicle or pedestrian, the system will warn the driver about a potential collision. If the driver does not act to avoid the impact, the system will apply emergency braking. Elantra also achieved a Good rating for headlights.
© Hyundai Motor America
2019 Hyundai Kona
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The Kona is an all-new compact crossover from Hyundai with unique styling, a spacious interior and it’s offered with the latest in high-tech convenience and safety features. The bright LED headlights are available on Kona Limited and Ultimate trims, as is advanced active safety equipment that includes forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, high-beam assist and driver attention warning. Blind-spot collision warning and a rear cross-traffic alert system are also available.
© Hyundai Motor America
2019-20 Hyundai Palisade
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
As the flagship of the Hyundai sport-utility vehicle lineup, the Palisade reigns as the Korean automaker’s most luxurious SUV to date. Palisade is available in three trims: SE, SEL and Limited. Only the Limited trim and SEL equipped with the Premium Package earned the Top Safety Pick + distinction. (The SE and SEL trims with standard headlights received Marginal headlight ratings, preventing them from earning the IIHS’s top award.) Palisade safety features include forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, high-beam assist, trailer sway control and a rearview monitor. The SEL and Limited add blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance and safe exit assist. All Palisade trims come with front wheel drive; Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system is available.
© Hyundai Motor America
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
Hyundai introduces an all-new Santa Fe for the 2019 model year with updated styling and a range of new features. The Santa Fe replaces the Santa Fe Sport as the Korean brand’s 5-passenger offering, while a new Santa Fe XL will offer three rows of seating (the Santa Fe XL did not earn a Top Safety Pick + rating, achieving an Average score for the passenger-side small overlap test). This fourth-generation Hyundai SUV comes with the latest high-tech safety items as standard equipment, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot collision warning, as well as lane-keeping and rear cross-traffic alert. Also standard is safe exit assist, which locks the rear doors to prevent rear-seat occupants from opening them into traffic when vehicles are approaching from behind.
© Hyundai Motors America
2019 Hyundai Sonata
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
One of four Hyundai models to earn a Top Safety Pick + rating, the Sonata was redesigned for the 2018 model year. With bold new styling front and rear, as well as a new rear suspension system and an improved ride, Sonata is available with the latest features that make it one of the safest cars in America. Those features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist as well as smart cruise control with start/stop functionality.
© Hyundai Motor America
2019 Hyundai Tucson
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
Hyundai introduced an all-new Tucson for the 2019 model year, which is easily recognizable thanks to a new headlight design that features LED daytime running lights, as well as a rear fascia and redesigned taillights. The new Tucson offers the latest safety features, helping it to return to the ranking of Top Safety Pick +. Forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist are both standard, with additional available safety and technology including forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, high-beam assist, rain-sensing wipers, a surround-view monitor, smart cruise control with stop and go, and driver attention warning.
© Kia Motors America
2019 Kia Forte
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
One of the lowest priced cars on this list, the Forte offers the latest in advanced safety features in a small, fuel-efficient package. All new for the 2019 model year, the Forte has a starting price of $17,690. In addition to standard electronic stability control and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, the Forte now comes standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and driver attention warning. The Forte’s optional HID projector headlights also earn the small car a top rating of Good.
© Kia Motors America
2019 Kia Niro
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
Niro is the first dedicated hybrid model to come from Kia —now available as a standard hybrid or plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle. As a crossover, the Niro smartly goes after the heart of the U.S. car market; but as a hybrid, Kia sees the Niro going after the leader: the Toyota Prius. In addition to its very fuel-efficient powertrain, the Niro is available with the latest in advanced safety features, including a forward collision warning system and autonomous emergency braking, as well as high-intensity discharge headlights. The Niro has been ranked a Top Safety Pick + since it was introduced last year.
© Kia Motors America
2019 Kia Optima
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The Optima receives a refresh for the 2019 model year with updated styling, new features and a suite of the latest safety technologies. Optima has been on the Top Safety Pick + list since its redesign in 2016. Last year there were a number of updates for Optima, including the addition of LED dual-projection headlights that achieve the top rating of Good. When equipped with the Advanced Driver Assist System, the Optima gets autonomous emergency braking, a forward collision warning system, high-beam assist, lane-keep assist and a lane departure warning system.
© Kia Motors America
2019 Kia Sorento
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
Kia introduces an all-new Sorento for the 2019 model year, and for the first time this 7-passenger SUV has earned the top safety rating from the IIHS. In addition to its updated styling and more upscale interior, the Sorento is now available with an array of high-tech advanced safety features. The Sorento’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems includes forward-collision warning system, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning and lane-keeping assist.
© Kia Motors America
2020 Kia Soul
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The Kia Soul returns to the Top Safety Pick + list with the introduction of a completely new 2020 model, featuring all-new styling and an array of new features. Even as the Soul retains its iconic shape, it gets a modern look with slim headlights, LED daytime running lights and boomerang-shaped taillights that frame the rear window. Offered in multiple trim levels, the Soul is available with advanced safety features including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, lane-change assist, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.
© Kia Motors America
2019 Kia Stinger
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
As an all-new high-performance sedan, the Stinger is unlike any vehicle Kia has offered before. Behind the signature Kia grille, Stinger makes a bold statement with a wide stance, short front overhangs, a steeply-raked windshield, a vented hood, LED headlights and prominent fenders. The sleek lines of this hatchback set it apart from other Kia models, while quad oval exhaust pipes give clear indication that Stinger is a performance car. In addition to its impressive performance, the Stinger is available with the latest safety technology, including forward collision avoidance assistance, a front collision warning system, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning with lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic collision warning and smart cruise control with stop and go.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
2019 Lexus ES
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
Lexus has introduced an all-new ES sedan for the 2019 model year, complete with updated styling, an all-new chassis and the latest in luxury and safety features. This seventh-generation ES now comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This suite of advanced safety 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-beams.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
2019 Lexus NX
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
Lexus joined the growing compact luxury SUV segment when it introduced the NX for the 2015 model year. The NX had been a Top Safety Pick + since its introduction — after missing out in 2018, the NX returns to this list. 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.
© Ford Motor Company
2019 Lincoln Continental
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
In 2017 Lincoln revived the legendary Continental luxury sedan after a 15-year hiatus. As a new flagship for the brand, Continental not only showcases top levels of luxury and comfort, it also comes with the latest safety technology. Continental gets lane-keeping alert and aid, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, collision warning, active braking and a driver alert system. With these systems in place, the new Lincoln achieved the highest IIHS score possible, avoiding collisions in both IIHS Low- and High-Speed Autobrake tests and earning the coveted Top Safety Pick + designation.
© Mazda North American Operations
2019 Mazda CX-5
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (5 points)
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. CX-5 is available with advanced safety features that include lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and smart brake assist — the latter of which warns the driver and automatically applies 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 control, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The best-selling passenger car in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the C-Class moves 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 is available in a number of trim levels with varying levels of power. Also available for 2019 are the latest driver-assistance systems which include automatic emergency braking, evasive steering assist, active lane-keeping assist, blind-spot assist and cross-traffic alert.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
When the E-Class was redesigned for 2014, Mercedes-Benz upped its safety game with many new standard and optional high-tech features. This has continued, keeping the E-Class on this safest car list. At the heart of these systems are dual cameras mounted behind the rearview mirror, along with a new multi-mode radar sensor system. These provide information to the active brake assist system that can warn the driver of an impending collision and apply brakes as necessary. This system is standard on the E-Class sdan and earned it a perfect score by stopping the vehicle before a collision in the high-speed autobrake 25-mph test.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
All new in 2016 when it replaced the outgoing GLK, the GLC is the compact luxury crossover offering in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. With a structure consisting of aluminum and high-strength steel, the GLC received the top Good rating in all the IIHS crash tests. The GLC can also be equipped with Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which uses radar-based technology to detect impending collisions and not only warn the driver but automatically apply braking to avoid the collision. Also featuring LED projector headlights, the GLC earns the Top Safety Pick + rating for the third year in a row.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
As the midsize SUV in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the GLE was completely updated for the 2016 model year. (Note that this model was previously called M-Class and had been an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winner since 2012.) 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 drive while priming the brake 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.
© Ram
2019-20 Ram 1500
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
One of the most popular pickup trucks in America, the Ram 1500 holds the honor of being named the 2019 North American Truck of the Year. The Ram 1500 comes in a multitude of engine, drivetrain, cab and bed configurations. Six trim levels are available: Tradesman, Big Horn / Lone Star, Rebel, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited. All new for the 2019 model year, the Ram 1500 features new styling and updated headlights — headlights that, on particular trims, earn the truck the top IIHS award. The LED projector headlights of the Limited and Laramie Longhorn trims built after May 2019 put the pickup over the top to earn the distinction of being a Top Safety Pick + winner. An Advanced Safety Group that includes forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control and park assist is available on the Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and Limited trims.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2019-20 Subaru Ascent
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
Subaru has returned to the 3-row crossover market with its largest production vehicle yet — the all-new Ascent. Built on the company’s new platform, Ascent is available in a number of trim levels, all of which come standard with full-time all-wheel drive and Subaru’s suite of safety features called EyeSight. The safety suite includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and sway warning. The Ascent is also available with blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking.
© Subaru of America
2019 Subaru Crosstrek
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The Crosstrek was all new for the 2018 model year, built on a global platform first introduced a year previously in the Subaru Impreza. This is the first major redesign of the popular crossover and features updated styling which includes a sculpted hood, larger fender flares, matte-black cladding and an impressive 8.7-inches of ground clearance. The Crosstrek is also available with the latest version of Eye Sight, Subaru’s innovative driver-assistance system that utilizes stereo forward-facing cameras as well as other sensors. With EyeSight, the Crosstrek is available with automatic pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. Crosstrek also offers reverse automatic braking, which stops the car if an obstacle is detected in the car’s path while backing up. The 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winner.
© Subaru of America
2019 Subaru Forester
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The 2019 Forester is all new, featuring the roomiest interior 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, and Forester Touring debuts DriverFocus safety technology that can alert the driver of fatigue or distraction as well as automatically adjust many driver settings at startup. The new Forester is powered by an updated direct-injection 2.5-liter Boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The 2019 Forester also features improved headlights, which help elevate it to the rank of Top Safety Pick + once again.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2019 Subaru Impreza
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The Subaru Impreza was all new for the 2017 model year, built on a new global platform with updated styling inside and out. In addition, Subaru made updates to headlights as well as its high-tech Eyesight system, earning Impreza a place on the Top Safety Pick+ list last year. The camera-based Eyesight system includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, sway warning and — most importantly — pre-collision braking with pre-collision throttle management. With this system in place, the Impreza earned a perfect score in the IIHS Low- and High-Speed Autobrake tests. The Impreza also meets the headlight requirement with LED steering-responsive headlights.
© Subaru of America
2019 Subaru Legacy
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
Legacy is one of six models from Subaru to earn a top ranking from the IIHS, as it has since 2013. This all-wheel drive midsize sedan is available with Subaru’s Eyesight system, which is unique in that it doesn’t use radar like more expensive systems — it relies solely on dual cameras mounted in the windshield. The Eyesight system includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist. For 2018 Subaru made the Eyesight system standard on all Legacy trims.
© Subaru of America
2019 Subaru Outback
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
There aren’t many wagons available in America, but the Subaru Outback with its perfect score from the IIHS is arguably the safest wagon on the market. Like other Subarus on this list, the Outback can be equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning, Pre-collision braking and pre-collision throttle management — all part of the innovative Eyesight system. These systems can make driving less stressful as well as much safer, and earn the Outback a place on the Top Safety Pick + list for the seventh year in a row.
© Subaru of America
2019 Subaru WRX
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
With the WRX, Subaru offers excellent performance in a very safe package. Motivated by a turbocharged 268-horsepower engine, the WRX features full-time all-wheel drive, a standard feature of every Subaru except the BRZ. The Japanese automaker made Eyesight available on the WRX for the 2016 model year, which includes a full suite of safety features; most important is automatic emergency braking. As with other Subarus on this list, the WRX Limited is also available with blind-spot detection as well as rear cross-traffic alert. The WRX was not named a Top Safety Pick + in 2017 due to headlights that did not meet the requirements. Last year LED steering-responsive headlights became available, helping the WRX earn the requisite Good rating.
© Tesla
2019 Tesla Model 3
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
Earning Tesla its first Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, 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 — entry level being a relative term. 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. With this bold level of standard equipment and safety features beyond forward collision avoidance — such as lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning — the Model 3 defies preconceived notions of what an entry sedan can be. The standard 3 has a 240-mile range; a Long Range model has a larger battery that increases the EPA-estimated driving range to 310 miles.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
2019 Toyota Avalon
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The flagship of the Toyota model line gets a complete makeover for the 2019 model year. Now in its fifth generation, Avalon is built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture, which means the premium model is longer, wider and lower for a more aggressive stance. In addition to its new styling and premium new interior, the Avalon now comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, which includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
© Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
2019 Toyota Camry
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The Toyota Camry was all new for the 2018 model year, built using a new global architecture with updated styling, a line of more powerful and efficient engines and the latest in advanced safety technology. Toyota has made Toyota Safety Sense P standard on the Camry, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and automatic high beams. This system allowed the Camry to completely avoid a collision in both low- and high-speed IIHS autobrake tests. With its available LED projector headlights, Camry earns the rating of Top Safety Pick + for the fifth year in a row.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
2019 Toyota RAV4
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
One of the original compact crossovers on the American market, the RAV4 has been completely redone for the 2019 model year. With bold styling, improved capability and better performance, the 2019 RAV4 is available with an array of new safety and convenience features. In addition to the updated styling and efficient powertrains, the RAV4 is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, full-speed range-dynamic cruise control and lane-tracing assist.
© Volvo Cars North America
2019 Volvo XC40
Front Crash Prevention: Superior (6 points)
The first compact crossover from Volvo, the XC40 was introduced last year as a 2019 model. With styling similar to the XC60 and XC90, the XC40 is the only Volvo named a Top Safety Pick +, primarily due to the current headlight requirements. No other auto brand has become as synonymous with safety as Volvo, so it’s no surprise that the new XC40 is well equipped with the latest safety technology. Standard on all XC40 trims is City Safety, which features collision avoidance that detects vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and animals and can automatically apply brakes as needed. Also standard are run-off road protection and run-off road mitigation, lane keeping and oncoming lane mitigation, and a whiplash protection system for front seats. A blind-spot information system and cross-traffic alert are available as additional options.
