Almost all new vehicles earn good ratings in the head restraint evaluation too. IIHS researchers are exploring how that test might be updated to help eliminate more injuries from rear-impact crashes. Similarly, the vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test has been suspended because virtually all new vehicles meet the current requirements as the result of a voluntary commitment by automakers that IIHS helped broker.
Researchers are currently working on a more challenging test to address crashes that occur at higher speeds and involve vehicles other than passenger vehicles.
Further changes to the award criteria are coming in 2024. A good, rather than good or acceptable, rating in the updated side evaluation will be required for TOP SAFETY PICK as well as the higher-tier award.
In addition, a good or acceptable rating in the updated moderate overlap front test launched last year will be required for the higher-tier TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, while a good rating in the original moderate overlap front test will continue to qualify vehicles for TOP SAFETY PICK. The updated test, which incorporates an additional dummy positioned in the second row, is designed to encourage automakers to extend the high level of protection now commonly provided for the driver and front seat passenger to rear seat occupants.
For details on the full list of winners, go to iihs.org/ratings.
Source: IIHS
Abby Andrews