The agency is also continuing its work on significant safety updates for future ratings tests.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its list of 2024 model year vehicles for crash and advanced safety testing under the 5-Star Safety Ratings system, encompassing 86% of the new vehicle market.
This initiative, a cornerstone of the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), provides crucial safety information to consumers and promotes the adoption of advanced safety technologies in the automotive industry.
The list of vehicles is a diverse cross-section intended to assist consumers in making informed choices about the safest vehicles that best suit their needs. These vehicles undergo rigorous testing for occupant protection in frontal, side and rollover crashes, with the results compiled into a one-to-five-star rating system, where five stars denote the highest level of safety.
"Our 5-Star Safety Ratings system continues to give Americans the information they need to choose the vehicle that s right for them," said Ann Carlson, NHTSA's acting administrator. "The program also encourages vehicle manufacturers to incorporate advanced vehicle safety technologies into more makes and models, ultimately reducing injuries and deaths on America's roads."
The models selected for testing include a wide range of body styles from various manufacturers, such as SUVs, pickups, passenger vans and sedans, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford Mustang and the electric Hyundai IONIQ 5, reflecting the growing diversity in consumer vehicle preferences.
In addition to crash testing, NHTSA has also listed vehicles for evaluating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including technologies like lane departure warning and forward collision warning, covering models like the Ford Maverick, Honda Civic and Tesla Model Y.
These vehicle safety ratings are displayed on new car window stickers and often featured in manufacturers' advertising.
The NHTSA's efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety, in line with the objectives of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Department's National Roadway Safety Strategy.
Abby Andrews