Safety awards are useful shortlist tools because they combine several demanding evaluations, but a badge should never be copied from one model year or trim to another without checking. A redesign, airbag change, headlight option or production-date improvement can change the applicable result.
The latest additions
IIHS reported that the 2026 Audi A6, BMW X1, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid earned Top Safety Pick+. The announcement also published new ratings for five models that did not qualify for either award.
What the 2026 award asks for
IIHS says qualifying vehicles need good ratings in the moderate overlap front, small overlap front and side tests, acceptable or good headlights across all trims and qualifying standard crash-prevention systems. The plus award requires stronger pedestrian performance and an acceptable or good result in the newer vehicle-to-vehicle prevention test.
Size and compatibility still matter
IIHS evaluates vehicles within size categories and notes that larger, heavier vehicles generally provide more protection than smaller, lighter ones. That does not make every large vehicle safer; rollover, visibility, braking, crash compatibility and the exact test record still matter.
The HomeCostGrid view
Open the exact IIHS and NHTSA pages for the model year and trim, then check the VIN for unrepaired recalls. Add insurance and collision-repair pricing to the comparison because sensors, lighting and structural parts can make two equally rated cars very different to repair.
