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Top Safety Picks by year

IIHS conducts vehicle tests to determine crashworthiness — how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash. We also rate vehicles for front crash prevention, systems that warn the driver or brake automatically to avoid or mitigate a frontal collision, and evaluate headlights. The vehicles that perform best in the tests qualify for Top Safety Pick, which has been awarded since the 2006 model year, or Top Safety Pick+, which was inaugurated in 2013.

2015 TOP SAFETY PICKs

To qualify for 2016 Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn good ratings in five crashworthiness tests — driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints — as well as a basic rating for front crash prevention.

To qualify for 2016 Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in those five crashworthiness tests and an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.

Vehicles with optional front crash prevention qualify for either award only when equipped with the technology.

Models that earn Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick are the best vehicle choices for safety within size categories. Size and weight influence occupant protection in serious crashes. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford more protection than smaller, lighter ones. Thus, a small car that's a Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick doesn't necessarily afford more protection than a bigger car that doesn't earn the award.

indicates a Top Safety Pick+ winner

indicates a Top Safety Pick winner

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