Two additional models garner Top Safety Pick+ awards
September 3, 2026
Two vehicles, the 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026-27 Tesla Model Y, earn Top Safety Pick+ awards in the latest round of ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
New ratings for five other models that do not qualify for either award are also available.
To qualify for an award this year, vehicles need good ratings in the moderate overlap front, small overlap front and side crash tests and acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all trim levels.
For 2026 Top Safety Pick, the only other requirement is an acceptable or good rating in the pedestrian front crash prevention test. To earn the “plus,” vehicles need a good rating in that evaluation as well as an acceptable or good rating in the updated vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention evaluation that was introduced in 2024. Qualifying front crash prevention systems must be standard for either award.
The Telluride was redesigned for the 2027 model year. Only vehicles built after June 2026 qualify for an award. These models come with good-rated headlights, while those built earlier were equipped with marginal ones.
The newly rated Model Y, which was redesigned for model year 2026, makes the cut thanks to good ratings across the board.
Two additional IIHS evaluations — seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use — are not part of the award criteria but are included in the table on the next page. Consumers may wish to factor them into their purchase decisions