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IIHS Names the Safest Vehicles in 2024, Here's the Full List

by Guillaume Rivard
Photo: Dominic Boucher

Just like it does every year in late February, the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released its list of the safest vehicles on the market. For 2024, even fewer names receive the top award.

Why? Because the IIHS has once again strengthened its requirements, challenging manufacturers to offer better protection for rear-seat passengers—something that’s lacking in many vehicles, as we reported about a few times in the past year—and improve their pedestrian crash avoidance systems.

Only 22 models earn a Top Safety Pick+ this year compared to 28 in 2023 and 65 in 2022. Each one has an acceptable or good rating in the updated front crash test with moderate overlap, which adds a second dummy seated behind the driver and emphasizes rear-seat safety. 

The IIHS also requires improved pedestrian crash prevention systems. For example, advanced or superior performance is needed in both the nighttime and daytime pedestrian tests to qualify for the top award.

Photo: Dominic Boucher

Here is the full list of winners for 2024, which mostly consists of SUVs:

Acura Integra
Acura MDX
BMW X3
Ford Explorer
Genesis Electrified G80
Genesis GV60
Genesis GV80 (built after August 2023)
Honda Accord
Honda HR-V
Hyundai IONIQ 6
Hyundai Kona
Kia Telluride
Mazda3
Mazda3 Sport
Mazda CX-30
Mazda CX-50 (built after August 2023)
Mazda CX-90
Mercedes-Benz GLE (with optional front crash prevention)
Nissan Pathfinder (built after November 2023)
Subaru Ascent
Tesla Model Y
Toyota Prius

“This year’s winners are true standouts, offering the highest level of protection for both vehicle occupants and other vulnerable road users,” IIHS President David Harkey said.

Meanwhile, as many as 49 models earn the lower-tier Top Safety Pick award, which is way more than the 20 of last year and the 36 in 2022.

Keep in mind that some new vehicles have yet to be tested by the IIHS, but they could join the list later in 2024.

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