- Eight EVs have achieved Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the IIHS
- The Cadillac Lyriq did not make the cut for Top Safety Pick+ status
- Mazda and Volvo PHEVs have been added to the list of Top Safety Pick+ winners
Several more electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids have been recognized with the industry’s most stringent safety accolade, the Top Safety Pick+ rating, in the latest round of testing conducted by the IIHS. However, one model fell short of receiving this prestigious designation.
The IIHS introduced tougher criteria for earning the Top Safety+ award and the second-tier Top Safety Pick award this year. In the initial round of awards announced in September, eight EVs secured Top Safety Pick+ status, while an additional nine models received the Top Safety Pick award.
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally
The IIHS recently announced that the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E and 2025 Rivian R1S have now been added to the roster of Top Safety Pick+ winners after undergoing additional testing to meet the updated requirements.
Plug-in hybrid variants of the 2025 Mazda CX-70 and 2024/2025 Volvo XC90 have also earned Top Safety Pick+ distinctions. However, there were no new EVs or plug-in hybrids that qualified for the Top Safety Pick award this time around.
To be eligible for either award, vehicles must now attain a “Good” rating in the small front-overlap and updated side crash tests, as well as an “Acceptable” or “Good” rating in pedestrian front-crash prevention tests. Additionally, all trim levels must have headlights with corresponding ratings. Unfortunately, the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq’s headlights received a “Poor” rating.
2025 Rivian R1S
The 2025 model of the Lyriq has undergone minor changes and a price reduction, which are unlikely to impact its headlight ratings. However, automakers sometimes collaborate with the IIHS to address testing issues, so Cadillac might make adjustments later in the model year.
In addition to the aforementioned criteria, the Top Safety Pick+ award mandates a “Good” or “Acceptable” score in the updated moderate front-overlap test, which involves a second crash test dummy and focuses on rear-seat safety. A “Good” rating in the original version of this test is sufficient for the Top Safety Pick award.