One Unexpected Automaker Dominated 2025 IIHS Safety Rankings
Safety is important to most new car buyers, and one metric customers look at is the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) crash safety ratings. As an independent non-profit organization that tasks itself with evaluating vehicle safety, the group's ratings are generally considered more or less synonymous with how safe a vehicle might be in an accident. For 2025, the automaker that takes home the most victories may surprise you. But then, if you've been paying attention, maybe it won't.
2025 Audi S3 VS 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: Which one comes out on top?
Watch More
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric N Line
Hyundai IONIQ 6
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Motor Group's brands took home the most IIHS Top Safety Awards
It wasn't Volvo, it wasn't Subaru, and it wasn't any number of other brands you might have guessed. Hyundai Motor Group earned 15 IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ (TSP and TSP+) awards. But you shouldn't be so surprised, as it's the group's second consecutive year winning this award. The Genesis G90 took home a TSP award, and the list of TSP+ winners is considerably longer, including electric models like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, mainstays of the brand like the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe SUVs, and sedans like the Elantra and Sonata. Earning a TSP or TSP+ rating isn't easy and hasn't gotten easier for 2025. In fact, the organization added stricter requirements for second-row occupants just this year, updating the moderate overlap front test.
How do the usual suspects compare? Currently, the IIHS lists three Subaru vehicles as award winners: the Forester, Solterra, and Ascent. Volvo's only winners are the XC90 and XC90 plug-in. While it isn't even close, there is a small asterisk next to Hyundai's accolade. Hyundai Motor Group comprises the Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis brands. Most automakers rely on a single nameplate, or at most two, which means there were simply fewer opportunities for awards. Another factor to consider is that some of these vehicles are, underneath, very similar or almost identical. For example, both the Elantra and K4 won TSP+ awards, but are mechanically almost twins. But hey, that doesn't make them any less safe.
Genesis G70
Kia K4
The latest IIHS awards are further evidence of how far Korean automakers have come
Even with some fine print, the latest round of IIHS safety awards paints a vastly different picture of the Hyundai Motor Group than what you would see even ten years ago. In 2015, Hyundai and Kia each had four award-winning vehicles, and only the Tucson and Genesis took home TSP+ designations. The latter of which, remember, was a standalone model, rather than an entire brand as it is today. A growing portfolio has a lot to do with it. Hyundai had around a dozen models back then, but today, it has 19 to choose from.
Autoblog Newsletter
Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too.
Sign up
or sign in with
Microsoft
Apple
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime.
Final thoughts
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have taken giant steps forward over the last few years, and safety is just one area where the Koreans have exceeded expectations. Need proof? Look no further than offerings like the IONIQ 5 N, which seems to reinvent what it means to be an engaging-to-drive EV. Remarkable what a few years of progress can add up to, isn't it?
About the Author
Steven Paul View Profile
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Children's motorbike-riding event in Ramsey awarded £3,500 grant
A motorbike event for young children on the Isle of Man has received a £3,500 grant from the Manx Lottery up by Ramsey Motorcycle Club, Little Kippers was launched in January 2024 with the aim of providing children aged four and over the chance to ride a motorbike in a safe grant will enable the club to buy picnic tables, seating, equipment storage and Leach, from Ramsey Motorcycle Club, said the funding means "we can enhance the experience" and "continue to provide a safe, supportive place". 'Making a difference' She said the children's event was conceived as a tribute to former club president Allan "Kipper" Killip."What started as a simple idea to give kids a space to ride has turned into something really special," added Ms Leach, who said the young participants had shown "such confidence and joy".She said it was "amazing to watch them grow in independence and social skills."Sarah Kelly, who chairs the Manx Lottery Trust, said: "Little Kippers is a fantastic example of a community-led initiative making a real difference for young people and their families." Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
Auto Blog
12 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Toyota Prius Generations Overview: From Bland To Grand
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: Aston Martin Valhalla: This Is What a $1M Hypercar Should Look Like Toyota's thrifty hybrid has come a long way While hybrid sales are soaring today, that wasn't always the case. Early hybrids often had gawky styling and were woefully underpowered, whereas today, you can find any number of stylish, affordable hybrids. The Toyota Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid, and its evolution is a microcosm of the hybrid segment in general. Once little more than a statement for eco-consciousness, it has flourished into a genuinely desirable compact. Here's a closer look at all five Prius generations, with a focus on the normal Prius, not the smaller Prius C hatchback or larger Prius V that used to be on sale. The Ford Mach 4 could be the brand's first sedan since 2020 Watch More First-Generation (NHW11) Toyota Prius A few years after launching in Japan, the first Toyota Prius arrived in the United States and was produced between the 2001 and 2003 model years. Unlike later Prius models, this first-gen model was a small sedan. Power was derived from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing just 70 horsepower, and the electric motor added another 44 hp, but quick the original Prius was certainly not. From the start, though, it was extremely efficient, managing 42/41/41 city/highway/combined. Digital readouts for the speed and infotainment gave the interior a high-tech look back in the day, while build quality was typically Toyota solid. At just under $20k, the first Prius followed the Honda Insight as an economical hybrid for the masses. It didn't attempt to set new standards for style or performance, but its efficiency was unbeatable. Second-Generation (XW20) Toyota Prius The second-generation Prius was produced between the 2004 and 2009 model years. Improved in every aspect, it became a liftback design positioned between the Corolla and Camry. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Under the skin, the XW20 introduced a new 1.5L four-pot and electric motor that produced 110 combined horsepower, paired with a CVT. Efficiency was up to 48/45/46 mpg, and it had an impressive range of 547 miles. Performance was better but still meek, with over 11 seconds required to get from zero to 60 mph. A spacious interior that looked futuristic for the period was another plus point for this Prius generation, which underwent a light facelift for the 2006 model year. Sales of the XW20 were much better than the first version, and it's this Prius that became a status symbol for the environmentally-conscious group – or, quite simply, those who wanted to appear environmentally-conscious. Third-Generation (XW30) Toyota Prius Toyota Prius 2010 Toyota Prius 2010 Produced between the 2010 and 2015 model years, the third-gen Prius continued with the liftback body style of its predecessor. It still looks quite odd, but the unique body did help give the car a low drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd, which obviously came with efficiency benefits. A new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor duo combined for 134 hp, while a CVT and front-wheel drive were still standard. Efficiency once again dominated, with the 2010 Prius capable of returning 51/48/50 mpg, and its range was now almost 600 miles. Toyota also sold the smaller, reliable Prius C hatchback from the 2012 model year, which could manage 53/46/50 mpg. For the 2012 model year, a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius was introduced. This one could hit 95 MPGe/50 mpg combined, but the all-electric range was only 11 miles. And, whereas today's plug-ins are almost always more powerful than normal hybrids, the original Prius PHEV still made just 134 hp. Inside, Toyota freed up more cargo space, materials used were nicer, and advanced options like radar cruise control and a solar roof became available. Fourth-Generation (XW50) Toyota Prius On sale between the 2016 and 2022 model years, the fourth-gen Prius saw further advances to the car's battery and electric motor technologies, all aimed at setting new standards for efficiency. The standard model's 1.8L four-pot and electric motor combine for 121 hp, which is actually less than the outgoing model, so it still needs well over 10 seconds to reach 60. Power went to the front wheels via a CVT as usual, but the XW50 eventually introduced the first AWD Prius in late 2018, with an electric motor powering the rear wheels but still failing to turn the Toyota into an exciting performer in any way. In Eco guise, this Prius managed 58/53/56 mpg, while the AWD variant got up to 50 mpg combined. The updated Prius Prime plug-in hybrid really began to distance itself from the normal Prius with this generation, as its all-electric range was now up to 25 miles. Efficiency was up to 133 MPGe/54 mpg combined. For 2019, Toyota introduced a facelifted model that toned down the original XW50's gawky styling. As we'll see in our next entry, this was the last of the Toyota Prius generations with awkward styling. Fifth-Generation (XW60) Toyota Prius After four generations of highly efficient but slow and oddly-styled Prius models, Toyota changed everything when the all-new, current iteration arrived for the 2023 model year. Although still a hatchback, the current Prius is considered one of the best makeovers in modern car design history. It's still a hatchback, but there's a cohesion and Lexus-like premium aura to the new look that no previous Prius came close to. Inside, it's still a high-tech affair with dual screens and the latest infotainment, but rearward visibility is still not great, and the sleeker roofline eats into headroom somewhat. The powertrain is a revelation compared to the older Prius. A new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor combination makes 194 hp in FWD models and 196 hp in AWD versions. Despite being so much more powerful, efficiency is still exemplary at up to 57/56/57 mpg. The new Prius plug-in hybrid is properly quick, courtesy of a new 220-hp powertrain. It can also go up to 45 miles on electric power alone, while efficiency is 127 MPGe/52 mpg combined. In fifth-gen form, the Prius is a perfect representation of how far hybrids have come. They no longer appeal to a niche audience or require futuristic styling to let everyone know what it is you're driving. Rather, hybrids are now considered as commonplace as any other gas car, just with superior efficiency. And the Prius is finally a car you won't buy for its efficiency alone. FAQs What generation Prius is the most reliable? Being a Toyota, any Prius has the potential to last for many years. However, the fourth-gen model has good ratings and fewer recalls than earlier Prius models. What model year is a gen-4 Prius? The fourth-gen Prius was manufactured between the 2016 and 2022 model years. What year of the Prius is one to stay away from? The 2010 Toyota Prius from the third generation looks like a troublesome one, as it has the most issues on Car Complaints. Excessive oil consumption was the leading problem faced by owners of this particular model. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Auto Blog
12 hours ago
- Auto Blog
New Tesla Model 3+ Could Hit 500 Miles on a Charge
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. View post: Every Electric Pickup Truck Ranked By 2025 Sales So Far View post: EVs Pay Off Their Carbon Debt in Just 2 Years — After That, It's No Contest View post: What It Actually Costs to Replace a Mild Hybrid Battery in 2025 Tesla Has Improved the Model 3, But There's Room for Growth Last year, Tesla unveiled a major update for the Model 3, the first redesign since its launch. The update first appeared in China before a roll-out to North America, featuring aerodynamic improvements, sleek styling tweaks (such as revised taillights and smoother front fascia), and a quieter cabin thanks to acoustic laminated glass and refined wheel/tire combination. Rivian R1T delivers on this EV feature that Tesla forgot Watch More The refreshed Model 3 Long Range RWD offers 363 miles under EPA, marking a 10% improvement in efficiency and range over previous versions. Despite these substantial upgrades, the Model 3's range still leaves room for growth, especially with newer rivals in the market. Tesla might be working on that, though, as a new 'Model 3＋' has emerged, spotted in China's regulatory filings by CarNewsChina. A Better Battery Comes the '+' The Model 3＋ is a single‑motor, rear‑wheel‑drive variant, combining the efficiency of an RWD drivetrain with the energy density of an LG‑supplied ternary NMC battery, previously reserved for AWD trims. The result is a setup that aims to deliver the longest range yet on a Model 3. The base RWD in China (62.5 kWh LFP) achieves 394 miles CLTC, while the Long Range AWD (78.4 kWh NMC) hits 468 miles. By merging RWD efficiency with NMC's higher performance, analysts estimate the Model 3＋ could stretch beyond 497 miles under CLTC. There's also a power bump: filings from China's MIIT indicate a 302-hp RWD motor, up from the 260-hp motor in the existing base RWD variant. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. According to reports, Tesla plans to price it around 270,000 Chinese yuan, or around $37,600 at the current exchange rates, slotting it neatly between the base RWD and Long Range AWD trims, with a launch expected in early September. Of note, the CLTC cycle here tends to be more forgiving than the EPA ratings in the US, so real‑world performance will likely fall short of the CLTC figures. The Battery Tech That Can Improve American Teslas The emergence of the Model 3＋ suggests a compelling opportunity for Tesla's American lineup. The automaker already offers a Long Range RWD with a 79.7 kWh NMC battery and 363 EPA‑mile range. Adopting the Model 3＋'s battery‑plus‑RWD setup domestically could edge the EPA range closer to 400 miles, especially if further efficiency optimizations are applied. Technical feasibility seems strong: the motor appears globally sourced (not China‑specific), and NMC packs are already built at Tesla's US plants. Key considerations will include cost, manufacturing complexity, and consumer appetite for another trim option. If the range boost is substantial – say, a 30–40‑mile gain over current Long Range models – it could become a high‑value, efficiency‑focused variant rather than just another price tier. Source: Tesla About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
