see 2008 winners | see 2007 winners | see 2006 winners
Criteria: The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The first requirement for a vehicle to become a Top Safety Pick is to earn good ratings in all three Institute tests. Another requirement is that winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control. This requirement is based on Institute research indicating that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single-vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers.
However, don't compare ratings across vehicle size groups because
size and weight influence occupant protection in serious crashes. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford more
protection than smaller, lighter ones. Top Safety Picks are the best vehicle choices for safety within size categories,
but this doesn't mean a small car that's a Top Safety Pick affords more protection than a bigger car that
doesn't earn the award.
Note: Top Safety Picks 2009 are 2009 models, unless otherwise noted.
Large cars
Acura RL
Audi A6
Buick LaCrosse 2010 models
Cadillac CTS
Ford Taurus 2009-10 models
Hyundai Genesis 4-door models built after 11/08
Lincoln MKS
Mercury Sable
Toyota Avalon
Volvo S80
Midsize cars
Acura TL
Acura TSX
Audi A3
Audi A4
BMW 3 series 4-door models
Chrysler Sebring 2010 models with optional electronic stability control
Dodge Avenger 2010 models with optional electronic stability control
Ford Fusion 2009-10 models with electronic stability control (optional in 2009, standard in 2010)
Honda Accord 4-door models
Lincoln MKZ 2010 models
Mercedes C class
Mercury Milan 2009-10 models with electronic stability control (optional in 2009, standard in 2010)
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy 2009-10 models
Subaru Outback 2010 models
Volkswagen CC
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Passat
Volvo C30
Midsize convertibles
Saab 9-3
Volkswagen Eos
Volvo C70
Small cars
Ford Focus 2-door models with optional electronic stability control
Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Honda Insight 2010 models with optional electronic stability control
Kia Soul 2010 models
Mazda 3 2010 models with optional electronic stability control
Mitsubishi Lancer with optional electronic stability control
Nissan Versa 2010 models with optional electronic stability control
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza
Toyota Corolla 2009-10 models with electronic stability control (optional in 2009, standard in 2010)
Toyota Prius 2010 models
Volkswagen Rabbit 4-door models
Minicar
Honda Fit with optional electronic stability control
Minivans
Honda Odyssey
Kia Sedona
Large SUVs
Audi Q7
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Traverse
GMC Acadia
Mercedes R class built after 9/08
Saturn Outlook
Midsize SUVs
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Audi Q5
BMW X3
BMW X5
Cadillac SRX 2010 models
Chevrolet Equinox 2010 models
Dodge Journey 2010 models
Ford Edge
Ford Flex
Ford Taurus X
GMC Terrain 2010 models
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Veracruz
Infiniti EX35
Lexus RX 2010 models
Lincoln MKT 2010 models
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes M class 2009-10 models
Nissan Murano
Saturn VUE
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Venza
Volvo XC90
Small SUVs
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Mazda Tribute
Mercury Mariner
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen Tiguan
Large pickups
Ford F-150
Honda Ridgeline
Toyota Tundra
Small pickup
Toyota Tacoma |
