New IIHS safety results are a mixed bag
The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS) has released new safety ratings for nine models. These results apply to 2026 model-year vehicles, and the ratings are based on a series of crashworthiness and crash-prevention tests conducted by the safety authority. Four new models achieved the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award, but several models battled with the latest moderate overlap front crash test. Here’s an overview of the results, which includes both mass-market and luxury brands.
The Latest Safety Award Winners
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Kristen Brown
The following 2026 models achieved the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award based on the latest tests:
- Audi A6
- BMW X1
- Mazda CX-5
- Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
These models all aced the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side crash tests. They also achieved generally excellent results for vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian crash prevention, although the X1’s vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention rating was merely Acceptable.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5’s award continues a phenomenal run of safety accolades for Mazda. Even older models like the Mazda 3 have won a Top Safety Pick+ award, while Mazda was also named the safest overall brand earlier in 2026, according to the new Safety Verdict from Consumer Reports.
Related: Mazda Just Took Volvo’s Safety Crown, Says Consumer Reports
Cadillac CT5’s Results Show Its Age
Cadillac first introduced the current CT5 late in 2019, so it has been on sale for nearly seven years. While still a stylish and engaging sedan, its safety scores have fallen well behind modern standards.
The CT5 scored rare Poor ratings for both the moderate overlap front and side crash tests; very few modern vehicles perform poorly in both these tests. IIHS testers found a high risk of head/neck injuries to be likely for the driver in the side-impact test, and a similar high injury risk for rear passengers in the moderate overlap front test. Of the nine cars to be newly evaluated, the CT5 was by far the worst performer, as its crash-prevention systems also underperformed.
Elsewhere, there were inconsistent results for the Audi A3, Lexus IS, Nissan Kicks, and Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab. All of these models besides the Audi have Marginal ratings for the moderate overlap front test, while the Audi was Marginal in the side test. These scores prevented any of them from achieving a safety award.
The full list of the latest scores is available on the IIHS website.
Related: Toyota Camry Vs. Nissan Altima Safety: One Sedan Is Miles Ahead
What It Means
Cadillac
The vast majority of modern vehicles are still a lot safer than an equivalent vehicle produced 10 or 15 years ago, but these fresh results show that safety levels can vary dramatically between brands. At a glance, one might expect a larger sedan like the CT5 to be safer than a small crossover like the Crosstrek, but that’s not the case.Â
Fortunately, Cadillac has plans to introduce a new CT5 in the near future, which will very likely comply with the latest safety standards. For Mazda, the CX-5’s win cements its status as one of the safest car brands at any price point.
Related: Mazda Just Beat Every Other Car Brand in Safety Awards
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