Top-Safety-Pick Vehicles Honored by IIHS: Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Kia K4, Toyota Prisu, BZ4X, and Nissan Murano Affirmed as Safe Choices
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded its prestigious Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) designation to six 2025 models, recognising their exceptional performance in several key safety categories. The vehicles that have earned this distinction are the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K4, Toyota Prius, Toyota bZ4X, and Nissan Murano.
These vehicles excelled in various safety tests, including the small overlap front crash test and the updated side crash test, which simulate severe collision scenarios to assess vehicle structural integrity and occupant protection. They also earned good or acceptable ratings in pedestrian front crash prevention, demonstrating effective safety measures to reduce pedestrian injuries. All trim levels of these vehicles are equipped with acceptable or good-rated headlights, ensuring improved visibility and safety during night driving.
To qualify for the TSP+ "plus" distinction, a vehicle must also score a good rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, which includes more stringent evaluation of rear-seat occupant protection. This year's criteria reflect enhancements designed to increase occupant safety in a wider range of crash scenarios, emphasising protection for both front and rear passengers and improving pedestrian safety.
For several models, the award applies only to vehicles built after certain production dates which correspond to improvements, particularly in rear occupant protection and headlight quality. For instance, the Elantra qualifies only if built after October 2024, Sonata after November 2024, Kia K4 after January 2025, and the Toyota bZ4X after December 2024 when its XLE trim’s headlights were upgraded to meet the good rating standard.
However, not all vehicles met the eligibility criteria. The Ford Bronco Sport, for example, was found to have an unsafe positioning of the lap belt during the moderate overlap test, increasing injury risk. The Bronco also showed heightened risk of chest injuries in the moderate overlap test and poor performance in the updated side-impact test. Additionally, the Ford Bronco Sport did not meet the eligibility criteria due to weaknesses in headlights, pedestrian crash prevention system, and moderate overlap crash performance.
Volkswagen's Taos, on the other hand, did not receive the IIHS TSP+ award due to concerns with its safety cage in the small overlap front test, poor rear passenger protection, underperformance in the moderate overlap front test, and pedestrian crash avoidance. However, Volkswagen has made improvements to the Taos, adding pretensioners and load limiters to the rear seat belts starting in January 2025.
The IIHS TSP+ designation serves as a valuable guide for consumers seeking vehicles with top-tier safety features. This year's stricter criteria reflect the organisation's commitment to enhancing occupant safety in a wider range of crash scenarios, emphasising protection for both front and rear passengers and improving pedestrian safety.
The six vehicles honored with the TSP+ designation have shown exceptional performance in sports like the small overlap front crash test, simulating severe collision scenarios. They excel in protecting both front and rear passengers, reflecting the IIHS's emphasis on encompassing a wider range of crash scenarios for improved safety. Additionally, these vehicles have demonstrated good or acceptable ratings in pedestrian front crash prevention, further exhibiting their focus on minimizing pedestrian injuries, a key aspect in sports safety.
