Updated on August 12, 2026 | Originally written: Aug. 22, 2025

Typically, vehicles with higher safety ratings often carry lower premiums.

Insurance companies use crash test ratings, repair costs, and theft records to calculate premiums. Vehicles recognized for their safety features are awarded Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ labels, offer better protection, and usually cost less to insure.

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, here is the IIHS list of safest car models of 2026 and what they could cost you in insurance.

Tougher tests, new winners

The IIHS evaluates vehicles across two areas: how well they protect occupants in a crash (crashworthiness), and how well they avoid one in the first place (crash avoidance). To qualify for any award in 2026, a vehicle must pass all of the following tests:

Crashworthiness tests put vehicles through three collision simulations:

• Small overlap front — simulates hitting a narrow object like a pole or tree on the driver's side
• Moderate overlap front — simulates a head-on collision with another vehicle, with a focus on back seat protection
• Side — simulates being struck from the side, such as at an intersection

IIHS crashworthiness tests have saved nearly 50,000 lives since the program launched. 

Crash avoidance tests evaluate how well a vehicle's automatic braking system responds to real-world threats:

• Pedestrian front crash prevention — tests whether the vehicle detects and brakes for people on foot
• Vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention — tests how well the system avoids collisions with other cars, motorcycles, and semitrailers at speeds up to 43 mph (70 km/h)

Headlight performance is also rated across all trim levels, since poor visibility is a leading factor in nighttime crashes.

The table below shows how the rating requirements differ between TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ for the crash avoidance tests. All other tests listed above require a good rating for either award.

*The vehicle-to-vehicle test includes scenarios at speeds up to 43 mph (70 km/h) and tests performance against other cars, motorcycles, and semitrailers. It was introduced in 2025 but only became a TOP SAFETY PICK+ requirement in 2026.

Four models newly joined the TOP SAFETY PICK+ list in the latest round of IIHS ratings: the Audi A6, BMW X1, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.

The Audi A6 and Mazda CX-5 were both redesigned for 2026, while Subaru's Crosstrek Hybrid is a new launch, rated separately from the standard Crosstrek due to differences in its structure and restraints. The BMW X1 earned its place after completing the moderate overlap front crash test, which it had not previously undergone.

Vehicles that perform well across these tests tend to be safer overall — and since insurers factor in crash performance when pricing coverage, stronger ratings can translate to lower premiums.

Read more: Can a vehicle's safety features get you cheaper car insurance?

What are the TOP SAFETY PICK+ vehicles with the cheapest car insurance?

The cheapest TOP SAFETY PICK+ vehicle to insure in Canada is the Subaru Outback, at an estimated $170.08/month ($2,041/year). The Honda HR-V comes in second at $178.42/month, followed by the Hyundai Kona at $182.33/month.

TOP SAFETY PICK+ is the Safety Institute's top crash-test designation. Vehicles that earn the enhanced safety rating go through rigorous evaluations for frontal, side, and vehicle-to-vehicle collision performance. Because they're built to better protect passengers, insurers often view them as lower risk, which can translate to lower premiums.

Here’s a list of 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ vehicles by category, ranked from most to least affordable to insure* in Canada based on quotes generated by the Rates.ca auto insurance quoter for a similar driver profile: 

Small cars

The most affordable small car to insure on the TOP SAFETY PICK+ list is the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, at $156.00/month ($1,872/year).

Midsize cars

Among midsize TOP SAFETY PICK+ cars, the Toyota Camry is the cheaper option to insure at $303.42/month, compared to the Hyundai Sonata at $313.92/month.

Midsize luxury cars

The Audi A5 is the only midsize luxury car on the 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ list, with an estimated insurance cost of $402.58/month ($4,831/year).

Large cars

The Genesis G80 is the more affordable large car to insure at $331.75/month, while the 2027 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron comes in at $376.08/month.

Large luxury cars

The Audi A6 is the only large luxury car on the 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ list, with an estimated insurance cost of $470.42/month ($5,645/year).

Small SUVs

The Honda HR-V is the most affordable small SUV on the TOP SAFETY PICK+ list at $178.42/month ($2,141/year), followed closely by the Hyundai Kona at $182.33/month.

Midsize SUVs

The Subaru Outback is the cheapest midsize SUV to insure on the TOP SAFETY PICK+ list, at just $170.08/month ($2,041/year), making it the most affordable vehicle in the entire list overall.

Midsize luxury SUVs

Among midsize luxury SUVs, the Lexus NX is the most affordable to insure at $271.83/month ($3,262/year), while the Infiniti QX60 sits at the top of the range at $442.42/month ($5,309/year).

Large SUVs

The Rivian R1S is the most expensive vehicle on the entire TOP SAFETY PICK+ list to insure, at $863.42/month ($10,361/year), driven by high EV repair costs and limited service networks.

Large pickups

The Tesla Cybertruck is the only large pickup on the 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ list, with an estimated insurance cost of $667.58/month ($8,011/year).

*Rates ($CAD) shown are estimates based on a sample driver profile using the Rates.ca auto insurance quoter. Your rate may vary.

Based on data from the Rates.ca Auto Insurance Quoter, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid comes in as the most affordable TOP SAFETY PICK+ vehicle to insure, at just $1,872 annually for a brand-new model. The Honda HR-V and Subaru Outback are also strong options for those looking for an SUV with affordable insurance.  

Among the newly added TOP SAFETY PICK+ models, the BMW X1 ($2,958/year) and Mazda CX-5 ($3,061/year) sit in the mid-range of insurance costs. The Audi A6 ($5,645/year) lands at the higher end, reflecting its luxury segment and typically steeper repair costs.

On the higher end overall, the Rivian R1S ($10,361/year) and Tesla Cybertruck ($8,011/year) carry the steepest premiums on the list, due to costly repairs and limited-service networks for EVs.

If you're looking to save on insurance, stick to smaller models with strong safety ratings—they tend to deliver the best balance of protection and affordability.

Read next: Why your new car's headlights cost $6,500 more than your old car's headlights

How are auto insurance rates determined?

Safety features aren’t the only variable affecting your rate. Insurers also consider the following factors when calculating premiums:

• Your driving record: Tickets, accidents, or claims can raise premiums.
• Age and location: Younger drivers and those living in urban areas often pay higher rates.
• Vehicle use: The more you drive, the greater the risk, which can impact your rates.
• Repair costs: Models that are expensive to repair after collisions carry pricier policies.

Every person is different. Even if your neighbour drives the same vehicle as you do, your insurance premiums could be significantly different. Compare and save on car insurance before making your final purchase decision.

Learn more: These are the top five factors that influence your auto insurance rate