Hyundai Models Dominate 2025 IIHS Safety Rankings
March 13 2025,
The 2025 Hyundai lineup leads in vehicle safety, with five models receiving the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). The IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, Kona, Tucson, and Santa Fe have all achieved this elite safety status, reinforcing Hyundai's position as a safety leader in the automotive industry.
These achievements carry exceptional significance as the IIHS has implemented more rigorous testing criteria for 2025, specifically targeting second-row occupant protection. The new standards reflect a growing focus on ensuring all vehicle occupants receive equal safety consideration.
Second-Row Safety Revolution
Your passengers deserve the same level of protection you enjoy in the driver's seat. The updated IIHS testing procedures now include a second crash test dummy positioned behind the driver during moderate overlap front tests. This change addresses a critical aspect of vehicle safety often overlooked in previous evaluations.
Hyundai's proactive approach to this challenge includes advanced seat belt technology, strategic airbag placement, and rear occupant alert systems across their vehicle lineup. These features work together to create a comprehensive safety environment for everyone in the vehicle.
Beyond Front-Seat Protection
TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation requires vehicles to excel in multiple categories. Each awarded Hyundai model demonstrated superior performance in:
- Small overlap front crash tests
- Enhanced side impact evaluations
- Pedestrian detection and avoidance (day and night)
- Superior headlight performance across all trim levels
The depth of Hyundai's safety commitment extends throughout the Hyundai Motor Group, which leads the industry with 12 total IIHS awards for 2025 models.
SmartSense: The Safety Backbone
The foundation of Hyundai's safety success lies in their SmartSense technology suite. This integrated system of sensors, cameras, and responsive features creates multiple layers of protection:
- Preventive measures that help you avoid potential accidents
- Active systems that engage during emergency situations
- Passive protection that activates during impact events
Cole Stutz, chief safety officer at Hyundai Motor North America, explains: "Hyundai recognizes the importance in keeping all passengers safe with technology advancements throughout the vehicle."
Safety Across the Lineup
Each TOP SAFETY PICK+ winner brings unique strengths to Hyundai's safety portfolio:
- IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6: These electric vehicles demonstrate that next-generation propulsion systems and top-tier safety engineering work hand-in-hand.
- Kona: This compact SUV proves that smaller vehicles can deliver exceptional protection through smart design and advanced technology.
- Tucson and Tucson Hybrid: Versatility meets security in this popular SUV, offering families peace of mind without compromise.
- Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid: Built with family travel in mind, this SUV incorporates additional safety measures specifically designed for multiple passengers.
Forward-Thinking Protection
IIHS President David Harkey emphasized the significance of these achievements: "We're once again challenging automakers to make their new models even safer than those they were building a year ago."
Hyundai has answered this challenge by raising safety standards across their entire vehicle range. The back seat safety emphasis in the updated moderate overlap front test represents a significant advancement in how vehicles are evaluated and designed.
Your safety shouldn't be limited to premium trim levels or optional packages. Hyundai's approach ensures that critical safety features come standard across their lineup, making top-level protection accessible to more drivers.
Ready to experience what makes these award-winning Hyundai models stand apart? Visit Thomas Hyundai to see how advanced safety engineering feels from both the driver's seat and the back row—where protection matters just as much.
