IIHS’s List of Safest Cars in 2023
When buying a new vehicle, getting one ranked the safest is always a good idea based on industry standards. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed its annual list of vehicles with the highest-ranking scores in crash tests and other safety evaluations.
Shorter List in 2023
This year’s list is shorter than in prior years because the tests are much stricter, which means the vehicles that meet the standards for being a Top Safety Pick are safer than ever.
Less than 30 cars qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ Award for the 2023 model year, the highest achievement. Another 17 vehicles were named the Top Safety Pick Award this year, down from 101 award-winning models in 2022.
IIHS said the main reason for the decrease is the addition of a more comprehensive evaluation of automatic emergency braking, new headlight requirements, and a more challenging side-impact crash test. These inclusions are designed to duplicate real-world situations where collisions can occur.
How the Cars Earn Top-Rank
To earn the highest achievement, vehicles must:
- Receive a Good or Acceptable score on a side crash test designed to replicate a higher-speed impact with a bigger vehicle, like an SUV or pickup.
- Have automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems that could prevent a car accident with a pedestrian at night.
- Come with good-performing headlights illuminating the road on straightaways and curves.
Vehicles with the Most Wins
According to the IIHS, Lexus, and Toyota vehicles received the most awards, while Acura, Honda, and Mazda came in second. IIHS said more cars may be added as they continue testing vehicles throughout the year.
Other models like Cadillac CT6 and Chrysler Pacifica have not completed all the tests for an award. Depending on how they perform, one or both vehicles could end up on the list later in the year.
Since 2018, auto manufacturers have been aware of the new side-impact crash test and have designed models specifically with that in mind.
Below are the new vehicles that earned the IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick+ Award and Top Safety Pick Award.
Top Safety Pick+ Award Winners
The following vehicles have a Good rating in small/moderate overlap front-crash tests, a Good rating in the updated side-crash test, an Acceptable/Good rating for headlights, an Advanced/Superior rating for day pedestrian front-crash prevention, and an Advanced/Superior rating for night pedestrian front-crash prevention.
Small Cars and SUVs
Subaru Solterra
Honda CR-V
Honda HR-V
Acura Integra
Lexus UX
Midsized Cars and SUVs
Toyota Camry
Toyota Highlander
Subaru Outback
Hyundai Palisade
Nissan Pathfinder
Kia Telluride
Subaru Ascent
Infiniti QX60
Volkswagen ID.4
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Tesla Model Y
Lexus NX
Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid
Lexus RX
Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90 Recharge
Large Luxury Cars and Pickups
Genesis G90
Rivian R1T
Toyota Tundra
Minivans
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Sienna
Top Safety Pick Award Winners
The following vehicles earned a Good rating in the small/moderate overlap front-crash test, a Good/Acceptable rating in the side-crash test, a Good/Acceptable rating for headlights, and a Superior/Advanced rating for pedestrian front crash prevention.
Small Cars and SUVs
Mazda3
Honda Civic
Subaru Forester
Mazda CX-30
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-50
Nissan Rogue
Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4 Prime
Toyota Venza
Toyota Corolla
Midsized Cars and SUVs
Ford Explorer
Subaru Legacy
Lexus ES 350
Lincoln Nautilus
Mazda CX-9
Hyundai Sonata
Watch the YouTube video to learn about the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s list of the safest vehicles in 2023.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Personal Injury Attorney in Sacramento. If you have been hurt in a recent car accident, reach out to us for free and friendly case advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
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