The latest crash evaluations by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have underscored a notable divergence in automotive safety performance among leading manufacturers. While Volvo and Tesla continue to set benchmarks with their robust safety features and superior crashworthiness, other prominent brands, particularly Jeep and General Motors, face challenges in achieving comparable safety accolades. This round of testing sheds light on how different vehicle architectures and design philosophies translate into varying degrees of occupant protection and crash avoidance capabilities.

These comprehensive assessments by the IIHS are crucial for consumers, offering transparent insights into vehicle safety beyond marketing claims. The results serve as a vital guide, emphasizing that a vehicle's perceived toughness does not always equate to actual safety performance. As automotive technology advances, the standards for crash protection and preventive safety systems become increasingly rigorous, pushing manufacturers to innovate constantly in their pursuit of enhanced occupant well-being on the roads.

Top Performers: Volvo and Tesla's Safety Excellence

In the most recent IIHS crash evaluations, Volvo and Tesla vehicles demonstrated exceptional safety performance, securing the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ award. This commendation signifies their adherence to the highest safety standards across various crash scenarios, including front and side impacts. Both manufacturers have consistently prioritized occupant protection, integrating advanced structural designs and sophisticated safety technologies into their models. Their success in these rigorous tests reaffirms their reputation for engineering vehicles that not only meet but often exceed industry safety expectations.

Specifically, the 2025 Tesla Model Y and 2025 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid SUVs were singled out for their outstanding results. These models achieved 'Good' ratings in critical assessments such as the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side crash tests, along with favorable scores for headlight performance. The Tesla Model Y distinguished itself further with superior ratings for its front crash prevention systems, effectively avoiding both pedestrian and vehicle collisions. While the Volvo XC90 PHEV also performed commendably, achieving 'Acceptable' ratings in these prevention categories, it's noteworthy that only specific production runs (post-December 2024) of the XC90 PHEV meet these elevated safety benchmarks. Achieving the Top Safety Pick+ requires stringent compliance, including 'Good' ratings in both small overlap front and side tests, an 'Acceptable' or 'Good' pedestrian crash prevention system, and 'Good' or 'Acceptable' headlights, with an additional 'Good' for the moderate overlap front test to earn the coveted 'Plus' designation.

Challenging Road Ahead for Other Manufacturers

Conversely, the latest IIHS evaluations highlighted safety deficiencies in several models from other manufacturers, particularly those traditionally associated with robust build quality, such as Jeep and General Motors. Despite their rugged appearance, the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado crew cab, GMC Canyon crew cab, and the four-door Jeep Wrangler fell short of achieving the highest safety honors. These results suggest that while these vehicles may exude strength, their crash protection and advanced safety features do not consistently measure up to the cutting-edge standards set by industry leaders in safety.

The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, sharing a common platform, exhibited similar outcomes, securing 'Good' ratings in small overlap front and side crash tests and 'Acceptable' for pedestrian crash prevention. However, they received a 'Poor' rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention, a critical aspect of modern safety. The Colorado's 'Marginal' rating in the moderate overlap front test and variable headlight performance (ranging from 'Acceptable' to 'Poor') further underscored their struggle. The Jeep Wrangler, despite 'Good' scores in moderate overlap front and side tests, was hindered by an 'incomplete' rating in the small overlap front test and 'Marginal' or 'Poor' headlight performance, preventing it from earning a top safety award. These findings indicate that while some models excel in specific impact scenarios, a holistic approach to safety, encompassing all aspects of crashworthiness and prevention, remains paramount for achieving leading safety recognition.