Hyundai Models Excel in Tougher 2025 IIHS Safety Tests
March 13 2025,
Hyundai continues to lead the automotive industry in safety innovation with five vehicles earning the coveted TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2025 IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, Kona, Tucson, and Santa Fe have all achieved this prestigious recognition despite significantly more stringent testing criteria introduced for the 2025 model year.
The enhanced IIHS testing now places greater emphasis on second-row passenger protection, requiring vehicles to earn a "good" rating in the updated moderate overlap front test to qualify for TSP+ status. This test adds a second crash test dummy positioned behind the driver to evaluate how effectively vehicles protect rear-seat occupants during frontal collisions.
Advanced Safety Technology
Hyundai's success in these rigorous evaluations stems from its comprehensive SmartSense safety suite. Each TSP+ awarded model features advanced seat belt technology specifically designed to reduce injury risk for rear passengers. These intelligent restraint systems work alongside strategically placed side airbags that shield back seat occupants during side-impact collisions.
The SmartSense system also includes a rear occupant alert function, providing an additional layer of safety for families. This feature helps prevent accidental child or pet endangerment by alerting drivers if movement is detected in the rear seats after the vehicle is locked.
Enhanced Pedestrian Protection
Beyond protecting vehicle occupants, Hyundai's commitment to safety extends to vulnerable road users. All five TSP+ models earned acceptable or good ratings in the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation, which assesses performance in both daytime and nighttime conditions.
This achievement highlights Hyundai's forward-thinking approach to safety engineering. Advanced sensors and sophisticated algorithms enable these vehicles to detect pedestrians in various lighting conditions, automatically applying brakes when necessary to prevent collisions or reduce their severity.
Superior Visibility Standards
Headlight performance represents another critical safety component in the IIHS evaluation. Unlike many competitors who offer premium lighting only on high-end trims, Hyundai equips all versions of these award-winning models with headlights rated acceptable or good.
This standardization ensures all drivers benefit from optimal visibility regardless of which trim level they select. The enhanced illumination systems provide better nighttime visibility while minimizing glare for oncoming traffic, creating safer driving conditions for everyone on the road.
Industry-Leading Safety Portfolio
Hyundai Motor Group's commitment to safety extends across its entire lineup. The parent company leads the automotive industry with a total of 12 new 2025 IIHS TSP/TSP+ awards, demonstrating a consistent focus on passenger protection across multiple vehicle segments and price points.
"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," notes Cole Stutz, chief safety officer at Hyundai Motor North America.
Your family deserves the highest level of protection on the road. Experience Hyundai's award-winning safety technology firsthand at Leduc Hyundai, where you can explore all five TOP SAFETY PICK+ models and find the perfect balance of safety, technology, and driving enjoyment for your needs.
