In the realm of automotive safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has been at the forefront, constantly evolving its testing standards. This year, the IIHS toughened requirements to earn the Top Safety+ award and the second-tier Top Safety Pick award. As a result, eight EVs achieved Top Safety Pick+ status in the first round of awards announced in September, with a further nine models earning the lower Top Safety Pick award.

Unveiling the Safety Stars Among EVs

2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally

On Tuesday, the IIHS announced that after an additional round of testing to accommodate models that hadn't yet undergone the updated moderate front-overlap crash test or had been changed to achieve better performance, the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E and 2025 Rivian R1S have joined the list of Top Safety Pick+ winners. This is a significant achievement for Ford and Rivian, as it showcases their commitment to safety. The Mustang Mach-E Rally is known for its sporty performance, and now it also boasts top-notch safety features. The Rivian R1S, on the other hand, is a popular electric SUV that has now been recognized for its safety.The updated moderate front-overlap test adds a second crash test dummy behind the driver and looks closer at rear-seat safety. The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E and 2025 Rivian R1S have both passed this test with flying colors, receiving a "Good" rating. This indicates that they provide excellent protection to both the driver and passengers in the event of a frontal collision.

Plug-in Hybrid Winners

Plug-in hybrid versions of the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and 2024 and 2025 Volvo XC90 are also newly minted Top Safety Pick+ winners. Mazda and Volvo have always been known for their commitment to safety, and these new models are no exception. The plug-in hybrid technology in these vehicles provides the added benefit of improved fuel economy without sacrificing safety.The Mazda CX-70 and Volvo XC90 both meet the strict requirements set by the IIHS to qualify for the Top Safety Pick+ award. They have the highest "Good" rating in the small front-overlap and updated side crash tests, an "Acceptable" or "Good" rating in the pedestrian front-crash prevention tests, and headlights with the same ratings across all trim levels. This ensures that these vehicles provide maximum protection to their occupants in all types of accidents.

2025 Rivian R1S

The 2025 Rivian R1S was introduced for the 2023 model year and sees minor changes for 2025, along with a price cut. However, these changes do not seem to have impacted its headlight ratings. The Rivian R1S has always been a popular electric SUV, and now it has been recognized for its safety as well. The updated moderate front-overlap test is a crucial factor in determining the safety of a vehicle, and the Rivian R1S has passed this test with ease.It's important to note that the IIHS works closely with automakers to address any issues found in their testing. In the case of the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq, it received a "Poor" headlight rating and missed out on the Top Safety Pick+ award. However, automakers sometimes make changes to their vehicles later in the model year to address these issues.In conclusion, the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award is a significant recognition of a vehicle's safety performance. The eight EVs and plug-in hybrids that have earned this award demonstrate the commitment of automakers to providing safe vehicles for consumers. As consumers, it's important to consider safety when choosing a vehicle, and these Top Safety Pick+ winners are a great place to start.