The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released its list of Top Safety Picks for 2024. The IIHS evaluates vehicles on their ability to protect occupants in a crash, and vehicles that earn a Top Safety Pick rating have been shown to be among the safest on the road.
To earn a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn “good” ratings in all six IIHS crashworthiness tests: the driver-side small overlap front crash test, the passenger-side small overlap front crash test, the moderate overlap front crash test, the side crash test, the roof strength test, and the head restraint test. Vehicles must also have available front crash prevention systems that earn “advanced” or “superior” ratings and headlights that earn an “acceptable” or “good” rating.
The following vehicles have earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick award for 2024:
Iihs Top Safety Picks 2024
The IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2024 are the safest vehicles on the road. These vehicles have been shown to provide excellent protection for occupants in a crash.
- Good crashworthiness ratings
- Advanced front crash prevention
- Acceptable or good headlights
- Low risk of rollover
- Standard side airbags
- Standard lane departure warning
- Standard automatic emergency braking
- Standard adaptive headlights
- Good child seat anchors
- Easy to use LATCH system
If you are looking for a safe vehicle, the IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2024 are a great place to start your search.
Good crashworthiness ratings
Good crashworthiness ratings are essential for any vehicle that wants to be considered one of the IIHS Top Safety Picks. These ratings indicate that the vehicle has been shown to provide excellent protection for occupants in a crash.
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Driver-side small overlap front crash test
This test evaluates how well the vehicle protects the driver in a crash where the front of the vehicle strikes a fixed object, such as a tree or a pole, on the driver’s side. Vehicles that earn a “good” rating in this test have been shown to provide good protection for the driver’s head, neck, and chest.
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Passenger-side small overlap front crash test
This test is similar to the driver-side small overlap front crash test, but it evaluates how well the vehicle protects the passenger in a crash where the front of the vehicle strikes a fixed object on the passenger’s side. Vehicles that earn a “good” rating in this test have been shown to provide good protection for the passenger’s head, neck, and chest.
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Moderate overlap front crash test
This test evaluates how well the vehicle protects the occupants in a crash where the front of the vehicle strikes a fixed object at a moderate speed. Vehicles that earn a “good” rating in this test have been shown to provide good protection for the occupants’ heads, necks, and chests.
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Side crash test
This test evaluates how well the vehicle protects the occupants in a crash where the side of the vehicle is struck by another vehicle. Vehicles that earn a “good” rating in this test have been shown to provide good protection for the occupants’ heads, necks, and chests.
Vehicles that earn “good” ratings in all of these crashworthiness tests have been shown to be among the safest vehicles on the road. These vehicles are less likely to be involved in a fatal crash and are more likely to protect occupants from serious injury in the event of a crash.
Advanced front crash prevention
Advanced front crash prevention systems use sensors to detect an impending crash and automatically brake the vehicle to avoid or reduce the severity of the crash. These systems can be very effective in preventing rear-end collisions, which are one of the most common types of crashes.
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Forward collision warning
This system uses sensors to detect when the vehicle is approaching another vehicle or object too quickly. If the system determines that a collision is likely, it will alert the driver with a visual, audible, or haptic warning.
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Automatic emergency braking
This system builds on forward collision warning by automatically applying the brakes if the driver does not take action to avoid the crash. Automatic emergency braking can help to prevent or reduce the severity of a crash, even if the driver is distracted or impaired.
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Pedestrian detection
This system uses sensors to detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path. If the system determines that a pedestrian is likely to be struck, it will alert the driver and may also apply the brakes automatically.
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Adaptive headlights
This system uses sensors to adjust the headlights’ beam pattern based on the driving conditions. Adaptive headlights can help to improve visibility at night and in inclement weather.
Vehicles that have advanced front crash prevention systems that earn an “advanced” or “superior” rating from the IIHS are more likely to avoid or reduce the severity of a crash. These systems can be a valuable safety feature, especially for drivers who are often in stop-and-go traffic or who drive in areas with a lot of pedestrians.
Acceptable or good headlights
Headlights are an important safety feature, as they allow drivers to see the road ahead and to be seen by other drivers. The IIHS evaluates headlights based on their ability to illuminate the road ahead, their glare, and their overall visibility.
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Low beams
Low beams are used for driving in low-light conditions, such as at night or in fog. The IIHS evaluates low beams based on their ability to illuminate the road ahead without causing glare for oncoming drivers.
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High beams
High beams are used for driving in dark conditions, such as on unlit roads. The IIHS evaluates high beams based on their ability to illuminate the road ahead as far as possible without causing glare for oncoming drivers.
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Curve-adaptive headlights
Curve-adaptive headlights swivel to illuminate the road ahead as the vehicle turns. This can be a helpful safety feature, as it allows drivers to see around curves more easily.
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Daytime running lights
Daytime running lights are lights that are turned on automatically when the vehicle is started. These lights help to make the vehicle more visible to other drivers, even in daylight conditions.
Vehicles that have headlights that earn an “acceptable” or “good” rating from the IIHS provide good visibility for drivers and help to reduce the risk of a crash.
Low risk of rollover
Rollover crashes are one of the most dangerous types of crashes, as they can result in serious injuries or even death. The IIHS evaluates vehicles’ risk of rollover based on their height, weight, and track width. Vehicles with a lower risk of rollover are less likely to tip over in a crash.
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Height
Taller vehicles have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more likely to roll over. The IIHS considers vehicles with a height of 5 feet or less to be at a low risk of rollover.
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Weight
Heavier vehicles are less likely to roll over than lighter vehicles. The IIHS considers vehicles with a weight of 3,500 pounds or more to be at a low risk of rollover.
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Track width
Track width is the distance between the left and right wheels. Vehicles with a wider track width are less likely to roll over than vehicles with a narrower track width. The IIHS considers vehicles with a track width of 5 feet or more to be at a low risk of rollover.
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Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control (ESC) is a system that helps to prevent rollovers by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels. The IIHS considers vehicles with ESC to be at a lower risk of rollover.
Vehicles that have a low risk of rollover are less likely to be involved in a rollover crash and are more likely to protect occupants from serious injury in the event of a rollover crash.
Standard side airbags
Side airbags are designed to protect occupants from serious injury in the event of a side-impact crash. Side airbags inflate between the occupant and the door, providing a cushion of air that helps to reduce the risk of head, neck, and chest injuries.
The IIHS recommends that all vehicles have standard side airbags for both front and rear occupants. Vehicles with standard side airbags have been shown to be significantly less likely to be involved in a fatal side-impact crash.
There are two main types of side airbags: torso airbags and head airbags. Torso airbags protect the occupant’s chest and abdomen, while head airbags protect the occupant’s head and neck. Some vehicles have both torso and head airbags, while others have only one type of side airbag.
Side airbags are an important safety feature that can help to reduce the risk of serious injury in a side-impact crash. Vehicles with standard side airbags are more likely to protect occupants from serious injury and are more likely to earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.
In addition to side airbags, there are a number of other safety features that can help to reduce the risk of injury in a side-impact crash. These features include:
- Reinforced door beams
- Side curtain airbags
- Electronic stability control
Standard lane departure warning
Lane departure warning (LDW) systems use sensors to monitor the vehicle’s position within its lane. If the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane, the LDW system will alert the driver with a visual, audible, or haptic warning. LDW systems can help to prevent lane departure crashes, which are a common type of crash, especially on highways.
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Visual warnings
Visual warnings are typically displayed on the dashboard or in the instrument cluster. These warnings may include a light that flashes, a symbol that appears, or a message that is displayed.
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Audible warnings
Audible warnings are typically a chime or a beep that sounds when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane. These warnings are designed to be loud enough to get the driver’s attention, but not so loud that they are distracting.
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Haptic warnings
Haptic warnings are typically a vibration in the steering wheel or seat. These warnings are designed to get the driver’s attention without being too distracting.
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Lane keeping assist
Lane keeping assist (LKA) is a more advanced type of LDW system that can automatically steer the vehicle back into its lane if it begins to drift out. LKA systems are typically only available on higher-trim level vehicles.
LDW systems can be a valuable safety feature, especially for drivers who are tired or distracted. These systems can help to prevent lane departure crashes and can make driving safer for everyone.
Standard automatic emergency braking
Automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems use sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and automatically apply the brakes if the system determines that a collision is imminent. AEB systems can help to prevent rear-end collisions, which are one of the most common types of crashes.
AEB systems typically work in conjunction with forward collision warning (FCW) systems. FCW systems use sensors to detect when the vehicle is approaching another vehicle or object too quickly. If the FCW system determines that a collision is likely, it will alert the driver with a visual, audible, or haptic warning. If the driver does not take action to avoid the crash, the AEB system will automatically apply the brakes.
AEB systems can be very effective in preventing rear-end collisions. Studies have shown that AEB systems can reduce rear-end collisions by up to 40%. AEB systems are especially effective in preventing crashes at low speeds, such as in stop-and-go traffic.
AEB systems are becoming increasingly common on new vehicles. Many automakers now offer AEB systems as standard equipment on all of their vehicles. The IIHS recommends that all vehicles have standard AEB systems.
AEB systems are a valuable safety feature that can help to prevent rear-end collisions. Vehicles with standard AEB systems are more likely to protect occupants from serious injury and are more likely to earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.
Standard adaptive headlights
Adaptive headlights use sensors to adjust the headlights’ beam pattern based on the driving conditions. This can help to improve visibility at night and in inclement weather.
There are two main types of adaptive headlights: static adaptive headlights and dynamic adaptive headlights. Static adaptive headlights adjust the headlights’ beam pattern based on the steering angle of the vehicle. This helps to ensure that the headlights are always illuminating the road ahead, even when the vehicle is turning.
Dynamic adaptive headlights adjust the headlights’ beam pattern based on the steering angle of the vehicle and the speed of the vehicle. This helps to ensure that the headlights are always illuminating the road ahead, even when the vehicle is turning or traveling at high speeds.
Adaptive headlights can be a valuable safety feature, especially for drivers who frequently drive at night or in inclement weather. Adaptive headlights can help to improve visibility and reduce the risk of a crash.
Vehicles with standard adaptive headlights are more likely to provide good visibility for drivers and help to reduce the risk of a crash. The IIHS recommends that all vehicles have standard adaptive headlights.
Good child seat anchors
Child seat anchors are metal connectors that are built into the vehicle’s frame. These anchors provide a secure attachment point for child safety seats. Vehicles with good child seat anchors make it easy to install child safety seats correctly and securely.
The IIHS evaluates child seat anchors based on their ease of use and their ability to securely hold a child safety seat in place. Vehicles with good child seat anchors have anchors that are easy to find and access, and that provide a secure connection for the child safety seat.
Good child seat anchors are an important safety feature for families with young children. Child safety seats can only be effective if they are installed correctly and securely. Vehicles with good child seat anchors make it easier to install child safety seats correctly and securely, which helps to protect children in the event of a crash.
Vehicles with good child seat anchors are more likely to be safe for families with young children. The IIHS recommends that all vehicles have good child seat anchors.
Easy to use LATCH system
The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system is a standardized system for attaching child safety seats to vehicles. LATCH systems use two lower anchors and a top tether to secure the child safety seat in place. LATCH systems are designed to be easy to use and to provide a secure connection for the child safety seat.
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Easy to find lower anchors
The lower anchors are typically located in the seat bight, which is the area where the seat cushion and the seat back meet. The lower anchors should be easy to find and access, even when the vehicle seat is occupied.
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Easy to attach lower anchors
The lower anchors should be easy to attach to the child safety seat. The anchors should be large enough to easily accommodate the child safety seat’s connectors, and the connectors should be easy to snap into place.
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Easy to tighten top tether
The top tether is typically located at the top of the vehicle’s seat back. The top tether should be easy to find and access, and it should be easy to tighten the tether to secure the child safety seat in place.
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Clear instructions
The vehicle should have clear instructions on how to use the LATCH system. The instructions should be easy to find and understand, and they should include diagrams or pictures to help illustrate the process.
Vehicles with easy to use LATCH systems make it easier to install child safety seats correctly and securely. This helps to protect children in the event of a crash.
FAQ
The following are some frequently asked questions about the IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2024:
Question 1: What are the IIHS Top Safety Picks?
Answer 1: The IIHS Top Safety Picks are vehicles that have earned good ratings in all of the IIHS crashworthiness tests, have available front crash prevention systems that earn advanced or superior ratings, and have headlights that earn an acceptable or good rating.
Question 2: What are the benefits of buying a vehicle that is an IIHS Top Safety Pick?
Answer 2: Vehicles that are IIHS Top Safety Picks are among the safest vehicles on the road. These vehicles have been shown to provide excellent protection for occupants in a crash, and they can help to reduce the risk of a crash in the first place.
Question 3: How can I find out if a vehicle is an IIHS Top Safety Pick?
Answer 3: You can find out if a vehicle is an IIHS Top Safety Pick by visiting the IIHS website. The IIHS website has a list of all of the vehicles that have earned the Top Safety Pick award.
Question 4: Are IIHS Top Safety Picks more expensive than other vehicles?
Answer 4: IIHS Top Safety Picks are not necessarily more expensive than other vehicles. In fact, many Top Safety Picks are available at a variety of price points.
Question 5: What are some of the most popular IIHS Top Safety Picks?
Answer 5: Some of the most popular IIHS Top Safety Picks include the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord, the Subaru Outback, and the Volvo XC90.
Question 6: How can I learn more about the IIHS Top Safety Picks?
Answer 6: You can learn more about the IIHS Top Safety Picks by visiting the IIHS website or by talking to your local car dealer.
The IIHS Top Safety Picks are an excellent resource for consumers who are looking for safe and reliable vehicles. By choosing a vehicle that is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, you can help to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of a crash.
In addition to choosing a vehicle that is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, there are a number of other things you can do to stay safe on the road. These include:
Tips
In addition to choosing a vehicle that is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, there are a number of other things you can do to stay safe on the road. These include:
1. Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the most effective way to reduce the risk of injury in a crash. Make sure that you and all of your passengers are buckled up every time you get in the car.
2. Drive defensively. Defensive driving is a set of driving techniques that can help you to avoid crashes. Defensive driving techniques include being aware of your surroundings, anticipating the actions of other drivers, and avoiding distractions.
3. Obey the speed limit. Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal crashes. Always obey the speed limit and be aware of the speed limit in the area where you are driving.
4. Avoid distractions. Distracted driving is a major problem that can lead to crashes. Avoid using your cell phone, texting, eating, or doing anything else that could distract you while you are driving.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of being involved in a crash and keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.
The IIHS Top Safety Picks are an excellent resource for consumers who are looking for safe and reliable vehicles. By choosing a vehicle that is an IIHS Top Safety Pick and following these tips, you can help to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of a crash.
Conclusion
The IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2024 are the safest vehicles on the road. These vehicles have been shown to provide excellent protection for occupants in a crash, and they can help to reduce the risk of a crash in the first place.
If you are looking for a safe and reliable vehicle, the IIHS Top Safety Picks are a great place to start your search. By choosing a vehicle that is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, you can help to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of a crash.
In addition to choosing a vehicle that is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, there are a number of other things you can do to stay safe on the road. These include wearing your seat belt, driving defensively, obeying the speed limit, and avoiding distractions.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of being involved in a crash and keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.