The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded its highest safety rating to four 2026 models. The Audi A6, BMW X1, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid all qualified for the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award after successfully completing the organisation’s latest series of safety evaluations.
The results were included in a new assessment round covering nine vehicles. While the four winning models demonstrated strong crash protection and collision-avoidance performance, several other vehicles failed to meet the increasingly demanding award requirements.
IIHS raises vehicle safety standards for 2026
Earning an IIHS safety award has become more difficult as the organisation continues to strengthen its testing criteria.
Under the 2026 requirements, vehicles must achieve a “good” rating in three major crashworthiness evaluations:
- Moderate overlap front crash test
- Small overlap front crash test
- Updated side crash test
Eligible vehicles must also offer headlights rated at least “acceptable” across every trim level.
The requirements for the Top Safety Pick+ designation go even further. Vehicles must receive a “good” rating in the pedestrian automatic emergency braking evaluation and score at least “acceptable” in the updated vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test.
Qualifying collision-prevention technology must also be fitted as standard equipment.
Audi A6 and Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid deliver strong results
The redesigned 2026 Audi A6 met all the necessary criteria and received a “good” rating in the vehicle-to-vehicle collision-prevention evaluation.
The newly introduced Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid achieved similarly strong results. IIHS evaluated the hybrid separately from the petrol-powered Crosstrek because of differences in its structure and occupant-protection systems.
Both models earned the Top Safety Pick+ title without falling short in any of the key award categories.
BMW X1 secures the highest IIHS safety award
The 2026 BMW X1 also joined the Top Safety Pick+ list after receiving a “good” result in the moderate overlap front crash test.
That evaluation was particularly important because the X1 had not previously been tested under the relevant updated procedure. Its performance confirmed that the compact premium SUV satisfies the latest IIHS crash-protection standards.
2026 Mazda CX-5 shows major safety improvement
Among the four award winners, the Mazda CX-5 recorded one of the most notable improvements.
The previous model received a “poor” rating in the vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test. Mazda addressed the weakness for the redesigned 2026 CX-5, which earned a “good” rating in the same category.
The new CX-5 also performed well in pedestrian crash-prevention testing under both daytime and nighttime conditions. The results demonstrate how independent safety assessments can encourage manufacturers to improve active safety technology between model years.
Cadillac CT5 receives disappointing IIHS ratings
Five of the nine vehicles evaluated in the latest testing round did not qualify for an IIHS award.
The Cadillac CT5 delivered the weakest overall performance. The midsize luxury sedan received “poor” ratings in the moderate overlap front crash test, updated side test and vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention assessment.
The Lexus IS received a “marginal” result, while the Nissan Kicks and Toyota Tacoma were also excluded from the award list after earning “marginal” ratings in the moderate overlap front crash test.
Why IIHS safety ratings matter
IIHS crash tests and vehicle safety awards are designed to help consumers compare the protection offered by different models. They also create pressure on manufacturers to improve structural crashworthiness, headlights and collision-avoidance systems.
The progress made by the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a clear example. After receiving a poor result in an important test the previous year, the model returned with substantially improved safety technology.
According to previous IIHS research, improvements associated with crash-testing and vehicle-rating programmes have contributed to saving tens of thousands of lives over the past three decades.
The latest results reinforce the value of transparent and independent testing—not only as a consumer information tool, but also as an important driver of continuous improvement across the automotive industry.
