Summary
- 8 EVs earned Top Safety Pick+ ratings from IIHS in recent testing
- Cadillac Lyriq did not receive the Top Safety Pick+ rating
- Mazda and Volvo PHEVs were newly added to the list of Top Safety Pick+ winners
- The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E and 2025 Rivian R1S were included in the list of Top Safety Pick+ winners
- To qualify for the Top Safety Pick+ award, vehicles need "Good" ratings in various crash tests, including headlights, which caused the Cadillac Lyriq to miss out
Article
Eight electric vehicles have been awarded Top Safety Pick+ ratings by the IIHS, but the Cadillac Lyriq did not make the cut. Mazda and Volvo plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have also joined the list of Top Safety Pick+ winners. The IIHS recently announced that the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E and 2025 Rivian R1S have also earned Top Safety Pick+ ratings after additional testing. However, no new EVs or plug-in hybrids were added to the list of winners in the latest round of testing.
In order to qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick award, vehicles must achieve the highest ratings in various crash tests and safety features. The updated requirements include a “Good” rating in small front-overlap and side crash tests, as well as an “Acceptable” or “Good” rating in pedestrian front-crash prevention tests. Additionally, vehicles must have headlights with “Good” ratings across all trim levels. Unfortunately, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq received a “Poor” headlight rating, disqualifying it from earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating.
The Cadillac Lyriq, which was introduced for the 2023 model year, has seen some minor changes for 2025 as well as a price cut. However, these modifications are unlikely to impact its headlight ratings. It is possible that Cadillac could work with the IIHS to address the issues found during testing, potentially improving its chances of receiving a Top Safety Pick+ rating in the future. The Top Safety Pick+ award also requires a “Good” or “Acceptable” score in the updated moderate front-overlap test, which examines rear-seat safety and adds a second crash test dummy behind the driver.
The IIHS announced that the addition of the 2024 Mazda CX-70 and the 2024 and 2025 Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid versions to the list of Top Safety Pick+ winners. These vehicles have met the stringent safety requirements set by the IIHS, ensuring that they offer top-notch protection for occupants in the event of a crash. While the Top Safety Pick+ award is the highest safety honor given by the IIHS, achieving this rating is a significant accomplishment for automakers and demonstrates their commitment to prioritizing safety in their vehicles.
Overall, the latest round of testing by the IIHS has seen a few more electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids earn Top Safety Pick+ ratings. The stringent requirements set by the IIHS ensure that only the safest vehicles receive this prestigious honor, highlighting the advancements made in vehicle safety technology. The newly awarded Top Safety Pick+ winners have demonstrated their commitment to providing top-tier safety features and crash protection to consumers, furthering the push towards safer and more secure vehicles on the road.
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