This article has been updated from a previous version.
Automakers are increasingly building safer vehicles that can withstand crashes and protect drivers and passengers. Case in point: The Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is awarding 101 vehicles in 2022 with either its coveted Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick designation. In 2021, the IIHS awarded only 90 vehicles with one of these two titles.
This year, 65 vehicles earned the Top Safety Pick+ award (compared to 49 in 2021), and another 36 vehicles the Top Safety Pick award. The difference between the two is the “plus” — a designation given to models with good or acceptable headlights across all trim levels and packages.
All the vehicles selected require good ratings in each of the six crashworthiness tests the IIHS performs. The vehicles must also have or can be equipped with headlights that meet the institute’s standards and a front-crash prevention system that earns an advanced or superior rating in vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian situations.
For consumers, not only does driving a vehicle equipped with driver-assist technologies and additional safety features provide peace of mind, but it could also result in a lower car insurance premium if the insurance provider rates that vehicle less of a claims risk due to its safety features.
“Our awards make it easy for car buyers to find models that will protect them in a crash and increase the odds they’ll never be in one,” said IIHS President David Harkey in a release. “By shooting for TOP SAFETY PICK+, automakers are showing that they’re committed to the same goal.”
According to the IIHS, it takes a driver 1.5 seconds to react to an obstacle under ideal conditions at highway speeds. During this time, a vehicle will continue to travel for 120 feet (or about 37 metres). When driving at night, therefore, a vehicle’s headlights should light the way beyond this distance to minimize the risk of a collision.
When equipped with the necessary front-crash prevention systems (which may not be a standard feature on every model), the following vehicles are this year’s Top Safety Pick+ and Top Safety Pick award winners, according to the IIHS.
*Applies only to vehicles built after November 2021.
*Applies only to vehicles built after December 2021.
**Applies only to vehicles built after June 2021.
***Applies only to vehicles built after July 2021.
*Applies only to vehicles built after March 2021.
While driving a safer vehicle has the potential to earn you a lower premium, you shouldn’t bank on that alone as a strategy to pay less for car insurance. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle this year, compare auto insurance quotes online at RATESDOTCA to secure the best rate.