According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), new 2025 model cars must meet more exacting requirements to win Top Safety Pick+ awards. These include more stringent safety performance for rear seat passengers and pedestrian protection. Because of this, fewer cars are meeting the criteria for Top Safety Pick+ but the ones listed here are safer than ever before.
Top Safety Pick+ Awards
Most of the winners for 2025 are midsized SUVs and they represent the most popular segment of new car sales. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have earned the most awards, while Toyota and Lexus are also at the top of the list. IIHS tells us that in order to earn a Top Safety Pick+ award, 2025 vehicles must be awarded an Acceptable or Good score in the new front overlap crash test, which adds a crash test dummy in the rear seat behind the driver. The vehicle must also get a Good rating for the side crash test that was updated this year.
The driver assistance systems technology known as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection has been tested since 2019, but now, the vehicle must score Acceptable or Good in both daytime and nighttime conditions to better save pedestrians at all times.
With all that in mind, here are the current IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners:
Small Cars
The Integra is a premium, four-door hatchback that is both sporty and safe. It is also a blast to drive with its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure wanting with lane-keep assist, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection all comes as standard.
Starting MSRP = $34,195.
For 2025 the Civic receives styling updates and includes a hybrid model that is EPA Estimated rated at 49 miles per gallon combined. The Civic comes in both sedan and hatchback styles and all versions have Honda Sensing; an extensive suite of driver assistance features including Driver Attention Monitor, lane departure monitor, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and more.
Starting MSRP = $25,345.
All new for 2023 and winner of Motor Trend's Car of the Year in 2024, the Prius Prime PHEV for 2025 can take you an EPA Estimated 44 miles on electricity only and has a total range of 600 miles. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign monitor, blind-spot monitor and cross-traffic monitor all as standard.
Starting TSRP = $33,770.
Midsized 3-Row SUVs
The faithful Ford Explorer is the perfect family hauler. The three row SUV comes with your choice of a turbocharged four-cylinder or a twin-turbo V6. A ten-speed transmission is on tap with rear- or all-wheel drive. For 2025, the Explorer includes Ford Digital Experience software and comes standard with forward collision warning and automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and more.
Starting MSRP = $41,350.
Another sensible three-row SUV, the Pilot offers a romy cabin and comfortable ride. It features a reliable 285-horsepower V6 in front- or all-wheel drive. A rugged TrailSport model even offers off-road thrills. Honda Sensing driver assist features include adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert.
Starting MSRP = $41,595.
A top contender in the three-row midsize SUV market, the Telluride offers luxury and a refined ride, plus it can tow up to 5,500 pounds thanks to its 291 horsepower V6. It features the latest infotainment and driver assist safety features including forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Starting MSRP = $38,000.
For 2025, the three-row CX-90 has gone upscale with more comfort and luxury, new architecture and inline-six powertrains. There's even a new plug-in hybrid version and a new Premium Sport trim. A suite of safety features called i-Activsense includes adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring.
Starting MSRP = $40,945.
The nimble Pathfinder is yet another three-row SUV in the burgeoning market and wide doors make it easy to get in and out of. There's added driver assist safety features in the 2025 models including front and rear automated emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. With a 284-horse V6, Towing capacity is a maximum 6,000 pounds.
Starting MSRP = $38,040.
The Ascent has it all, cutting edge tech, rugged all-wheel drive capability, and the latest safety features. It's designed to handle snowy roads, mountain peaks and gravel roads. The three-row SUV seats eight passengers and sports 19 cup holders. Subaru's excellent EyeSight driver assist features include forward collision mitigation, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and more all as standard.
Starting MSRP = $38,795.
Midsized Cars
Redesigned for 2023, the popular Accord midsized four-door sedan is an attractive, high tech sedan with a more refined gasoline powered model as well as a stronger hybrid trim. The 11th generation Accord includes an SE trim for 2025, and Honda Sensing driver assist safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and more.
Starting MSRP = $29,100.
The all-electric Ioniq 6 features an EPA estimated range of 361 miles before you'll need a charge and is available in rear- or all-wheel drive. The base single motor version makes and EPA estimated 149 horses while the dual moor version makes 320-hp. Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control are all standard.
Starting MSRP $38,990.
New for 2025, the Camry line up is only available as hybrids, producing an EPA estimated 232 horsepower. The ninth-generation sedan brings you a redesigned cabin, fresh styling, and a deluxe suite of driver assist features including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and even a feature that gently applies the brakes before a curve.
Starting TSRP $29,535.
Small SUVs
The sleek and sultry GV60 offers a luxurious choice in a small all-electric crossover. Choose between rear- or all-wheel drive and three powertrains, from 294 to 429 hp and an EPA estimated 295 miles of range. A full suite of standard safety features includes adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, rear cross-traffic warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Starting MSRP = $53,700.
This subcompact is actually amazingly roomy. Its gasoline powered 2.0-liter four-cylinder brings 158 horsepower. The NHTSA gave it a five star safety rating and the diminutive Honda comes with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control all as standard.
Starting MSRP = $26,750.
A versatile urban runabout at a remarkable price, the Kona offers a 147-hp base engine or a 190-hp turbo upgrade. You can add all-wheel drive to all trim levels and this crossover boasts amazing safety tech as standard including automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Self-parking is extra.
Starting MSRP = $25,745.
A sporty crossover with plenty of standard features, the CX-30 gives you a lot for your money. One of the quickest subcompacts in its class, the Mazda offers an available turbocharged engine for extra oomph. Advanced safety tech is also among the best in class including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist and automated emergency braking.
Starting MSRP = $24,995.
Like all Subarus, this all-electric SUV comes with standard all-wheel drive and a spacious cabin. A dual-motor powertrain brings 215 horsepower, but the driving range is only an EPA estimated 227-miles. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode.
Starting MSRP = $46,340.
Large Luxury Car
Here we have the luxurious G80 with an all-electric powertrain. There's an EPA estimated 365 horses to get you where you are going in silent style. All the driver assist safety features are standard including Smart Park which will maneuver the car in and out of tight parking spots all by itself. Just engage Smart Park and turn up the high-end Lexicon stereo system.
Starting MSRP = $76,000.
Luxury SUVs
Totally refreshed for 2025, the fun to drive MDX is a three-row crossover with a premium cabin and most trim levels come with a 290-hp V6. However, the Type S model pumps up the horses to 355 and includes air-spring suspension. Driver assist safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, a lane-change assist feature and more.
Starting MSRP = $51,200.
The handsomely appointed X5 is both luxurious and packed with amazing tech including BMW's Highway Assist for hands-free driving. Choose between a turbo inline-6, a twin-turbo V8, or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. As for safety features, the 2025 models include a lane-change assist feature as well as such standard features as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and available adaptive cruise control.
Starting MSRP = $66,875.
In a world of hybrids, the GV80 is still gas powered only. But the updated Genesis offers high end luxury for less than BMW and Porsche. All trims come with all-wheel drive, and you can choose between a 300-hp turbocharged inline-4 or the exciting 375-hp twin-turbo V6 that also adds a third row of seating. A full suite of standard driver assist features includes a semi-autonomous driving mode.
Starting MSRP = $57,700.
Lexus NX
The NX is a subcompact luxury crossover that delivers a composed ride and comfy cabin. Powertrains include two gas engines, a hybrid, and a PHEV. For 2025, Lexus added a power liftgate and intuitive parking assist with automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control all as standard.
Starting MSRP = $41,990.
This tech-forward luxury SUV has four engines to choose from including a turbo inline-4, all the way up to a twin turbo V8, and yes, there's a PHEV version too. It includes Mercedes' MBUX Infotainment system and the standard suite of safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and available adaptive cruise control.
Starting MSRP = $64,800.
With a styling and interior refresh coming the first quarter of 2025, the XC90 brings you three powertrain options, and all are hybrids. Volvo is known for its commitment to safety and the XC90 is loaded with driver assist technology including automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and a lane-centering feature.
Starting MSRP = $58,695.Â
