Criteria: The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The first requirement for a vehicle to become a Top Safety Pick is to earn good ratings in all three Institute tests. Another requirement is that winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control. This requirement is based on Institute research indicating that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single-vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers.
However, don't compare ratings across vehicle size groups because size and weight influence occupant protection in serious crashes. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford more protection than smaller, lighter ones. Top Safety Picks are the best vehicle choices for safety within size categories, but this doesn't mean a small car that's a Top Safety Pick affords more protection than a bigger car that doesn't earn the award.
Note: 2009 Top Safety Picks are 2009 models, unless otherwise noted.
Minicar
- Honda Fit
with optional electronic stability control
Small cars
- Ford Focus
2-door models with optional electronic stability control - Honda Civic
4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control - Honda Insight
2010 models with optional electronic stability control - Kia Soul
2010 models - Mazda 3
2010 models with optional electronic stability control - Mitsubishi Lancer
with optional electronic stability control - Nissan Versa
2010 models with optional electronic stability control - Scion xB
- Subaru Impreza
- Toyota Corolla
2009-10 models with electronic stability control (optional in 2009, standard in 2010) - Toyota Prius
2010 models - Volkswagen Rabbit
4-door models
Midsize cars
- Acura TL
- Acura TSX
- Audi A3
- Audi A4
- BMW 3 series
4-door models - Chrysler Sebring
2010 models with optional electronic stability control - Dodge Avenger
2010 models with optional electronic stability control - Ford Fusion
2009-10 models with electronic stability control (optional in 2009, standard in 2010) - Honda Accord
4-door models - Lincoln MKZ
2010 models - Mercedes C class
- Mercury Milan
2009-10 models with electronic stability control (optional in 2009, standard in 2010) - Saab 9-3
- Subaru Legacy
2009-10 models - Subaru Outback
2010 models - Volkswagen CC
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Volkswagen Passat
- Volvo C30
Midsize convertibles
- Saab 9-3
- Volkswagen Eos
- Volvo C70
Large cars
- Acura RL
- Audi A6
- Buick LaCrosse
2010 models - Cadillac CTS
- Ford Taurus
2009-10 models - Hyundai Genesis
4-door models built after 11/08 - Lincoln MKS
- Mercury Sable
- Toyota Avalon
- Volvo S80
Small SUVs
- Ford Escape
- Honda CR-V
- Honda Element
- Mazda Tribute
- Mercury Mariner
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Nissan Rogue
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota RAV4
- Volkswagen Tiguan
Midsize SUVs
- Acura MDX
- Acura RDX
- Audi Q5
- BMW X3
- BMW X5
- Cadillac SRX
2010 models - Chevrolet Equinox
2010 models - Dodge Journey
2010 models - Ford Edge
- Ford Flex
- Ford Taurus X
- GMC Terrain
2010 models - Honda Pilot
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Hyundai Veracruz
- Infiniti EX35
- Lexus RX
2010 models - Lincoln MKT
2010 models - Lincoln MKX
- Mercedes M class
2009-10 models - Nissan Murano
- Saturn VUE
- Subaru Tribeca
- Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Venza
- Volvo XC90
Large SUVs
- Audi Q7
- Buick Enclave
- Chevrolet Traverse
- GMC Acadia
- Mercedes R class
built after 9/08 - Saturn Outlook
Minivans
- Honda Odyssey
- Kia Sedona
Small pickup
- Toyota Tacoma
Large pickups
- Ford F-150
- Honda Ridgeline
- Toyota Tundra
