Safety has become an obsession in modern vehicles, with manufacturers making it a priority over the past decade. Once again this year, the safety level of cars and SUVs sold in North America is improving.
The U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has published its list of the best vehicles for 2022, which has grown from 90 vehicles last year to 101 this year.
Of these, no less than 65 models have been awarded TOP SAFETY PICK+, the highest distinction awarded by the U.S. federal agency. The remaining 36 vehicles are classified as TOP SAFETY PICK, which is slightly lower than the “+” designation. The increase is also attributed to improved headlights, an important component of vehicle safety.
There are also a few trends following the IIHS list, including the dominance of the Hyundai Group (which also includes Kia and Genesis) with 11 TOP SAFETY PICK+ models and 10 TOP SAFETY PICKs. The giant Volkswagen (which also includes the Audi brand) earns eight TOP SAFETY PICK+ titles and three more with TOP SAFETY PICK. Volvo, a division accustomed to safety awards, walks away with 10 TOP SAFETY PICK+ mentions.
According to the IIHS, manufacturers have also incorporated more forward collision avoidance systems, a technology that can help in certain road situations. What’s more, the vast majority of vehicles will soon be equipped with automatic braking, starting in September.
In 2023, a new nighttime pedestrian collision avoidance test will be added to the list of tests to be completed and models will need to achieve an advanced score or better to leave with the TOP SAFETY PICK+ title.
Here is the list of the safest vehicles according to the IIHS in 2022.
TOP SAFETY PICK+
Small Cars
Honda Civic Hatchback
Honda Civic Sedan
Honda Insight
Mazda3 Hatchback
Mazda3 Sedan
Subaru Crosstrek PHEV
Mid-size cars
Honda Accord
Kia K5
Nissan Altima
Nissan Maxima
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Toyota Camry
Mid-size luxury cars
Acura TLX
Lexus ES 350
Lexus IS
Tesla Model 3
Volvo S60
Volvo S60 Recharge
Volvo V60 Cross Country
Full Size Cars
Kia Stinger
Full Size Luxury Cars
Audi A6
Audi A6 Allroad
Audi A7
Genesis G70 (assembled after June 2021)
Genesis G80
Genesis G90
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (with the option of forward collision avoidance)
Small SUVs
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Ford Bronco Sport
Hyundai Tucson
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-30
Mitsubishi Outlander (assembled after June 2021)
Nissan Rogue
Volvo C40 Recharge
Volvo XC40
Volvo XC40 Recharge
Mid-size SUVs
Ford Explorer
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai Santa Fe (assembled after July 2021)
Mazda CX-9
Nissan Murano
Subaru Ascent
Toyota Highlander
Volkswagen ID.4
Mid-size luxury SUVs
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Audi Q5
Audi Q5 Sportback
Cadillac XT6
Genesis GV70
Genesis GV80
Hyundai NEXO
Mercedes-Benz GLE (with optional forward collision avoidance)
Tesla Model Y
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC60 Recharge
Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90 Recharge
Full Size SUV
Audi e-tron
Audi e-tron Sportback
Vans
Chrysler Pacifica
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Sienna
TOP SAFETY PICK
Small cars
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Soul (with the option of forward collision prevention)
Nissan Sentra
Subaru Crosstrek (with forward collision avoidance option)
Subaru Impreza Hatchback (with Forward Collision Avoidance option)
Mid-size cars
Hyundai Sonata
Mid-size luxury cars
Audi A4
Audi A5 Sportback
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
BMW 3 Series
Full Size Cars
Toyota Avalon
Small SUVs
Buick Encore GX
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Venue
Kia Seltos
Kia Sportage (with optional forward collision avoidance)
Lexus UX
Lincoln Corsair
Toyota C-HR
Toyota Venza
Mid-size SUVs
Ford Edge
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Kia Sorento
Kia Telluride
Mid-size luxury SUVs
BMW X5
Lexus RX
Lincoln Aviator
Lincoln Nautilus
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Full-Size SUV
Audi Q8
Vans
Kia Carnival (assembled after March 2021)
Small trucks
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Large pickup trucks
Ford F-150 Crew Cab
Ford F-150 Crew Cab
Ram 1500 Crew Cab (with Forward Collision Avoidance option)