This week, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released its initial list of 2024 Top Safety Pick award winners. For 2024, the IIHS has made it more difficult for vehicles to earn a Top Safety Pick (TSP) or Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) award. Despite the tougher requirements, 71 models qualified for awards, with Hyundai Motor Group leading the way.
In 2023, the IIHS introduced a tougher side crash test. For 2024, the institute made it tougher still with the introduction of a tougher frontal crash test that focuses on rear-seat occupant safety. The IIHS also changed the requirements for nighttime pedestrian front crash prevention systems.
To earn a TSP award, a vehicle must achieve Good ratings in the small and moderate overlap front crash tests and the side crash test. The vehicle must also receive a Good or Acceptable rating in the vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention test. Good or Acceptable rated headlights must also be standard across all trim levels. To receive the highest TSP+ award, a vehicle must secure a Good or Acceptable rating in the updated moderate overlap front collision test. This now includes an evaluation of the protection of the driver and the rear passenger.
Hyundai Motor Group, which includes the Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia brands, took home the most awards for 2024. The auto group earned six TSP+ and 10 TSP awards. Toyota Motor Corporation, which includes the Toyota and Lexus brands, came in second place for total awards. It earned one TSP+ and 12 TSP awards. Mazda won the most TSP+ awards of any single brand with five of them. The automaker also picked up one TSP award.
If we look at the awards by vehicle class, we see that just about every type of vehicle has earned a TSP award. However, SUVs led the way. Small SUVs, mid-size SUVs, and mid-size luxury SUVs all tied for the most TSP+ awards with five each. Mid-size luxury SUVs picked up 12 TSP awards, which is the most of any class. Cars, pickups, and minivans did not score as well overall.
“The high number of SUVs that earn awards probably reflects the dominance of those vehicles in the U.S. market,” said IIHS president David Harkey. “But it’s disappointing that only four pickups and four mid-size cars earn awards, considering the popularity of those classes.”
There are plenty of gasoline-powered vehicles that earned TSP awards, but there is also a sizable list of hybrid and all-electric models that have also earned awards. So, no matter what class of vehicle you are shopping for, you should be able to find one that will do an excellent job of protecting you and your family as well as pedestrians around you.
