Hyundai has been awarded five vehicles with Top Safety Pick+ designations by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2025 Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kona (not EV), Tucson/Tucson Hybrid and SantaFe/SantaFe Hybrid (built after Nov., 2024) have each received the highest-safety rating, TSP+ by IIHS. The Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards identify the best vehicle choices for safety within their vehicle categories by IIHS.
The 2025 IIHS test criteria now has more stringent requirements for second-row occupant safety. Vehicles must earn an acceptable rating in the updated test to qualify for Top Safety Pick, and a good rating is required for the Top Safety Pick+.
"Hyundai recognizes the importance in keeping all passengers safe with technology advancements throughout the vehicle," said Cole Stutz, chief safety officer, Hyundai Motor North America. "With our suite of SmartSense advanced safety and connectivity features, we recognized the added benefit of incorporating advanced seat belt technology and other safety innovations, such as rear occupant alert and additional side airbags for back seat occupants as well."
Back seat safety is emphasized in the Institute’s updated moderate overlap front test which adds a second dummy seated behind the driver. The original test has been phased out completely.
"We’re once again challenging automakers to make their new models even safer than those they were building a year ago," IIHS President David Harkey said. "Every vehicle that earns a 2025 award offers a high level of safety in both the front seat and the second row."
To earn a TSP/TSP+ award, vehicles must also earn good ratings in the small overlap front and updated side tests as well as an acceptable or good rating in the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation, which gauges performance in both daytime and nighttime conditions. All trims must be equipped with acceptable- or good-rated headlights.
