IIHS ranks safest 2016 model year vehicles
When reading up on car reviews, you may have seen some mention of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “TOP SAFETY PICK” awards. They are handed out annually by the independent non-profit organization — focused on preventing and minimizing injuries from automobile crashes — to new vehicles that meet stringent impact-resistance requirements. In December, IIHS released their results for the 2016 model year.
Five crashworthiness categories are tested: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head/seat restraints. Performance from a standard or optional front crash prevention system (FCPS), which utilizes on-board sensors to detect potential oncoming obstacles, is looked at as well.
The highest honour is the TOP SAFETY PICK+, given to vehicles (a total of 48 this year) that receive a “good” rating in the five main evaluations and an “advanced” or “superior” rated FCPS with autonomous braking. If the FCPS rating is “basic,” typically meaning it doesn’t possess auto brake capabilities, but everything else checks out, a regular TOP SAFETY PICK (13) is awarded. Read on for a recap of some of the latest winners.
Minicar
2016 Toyota Yaris Sedan — TOP SAFETY PICK+
Small overlap front: good
Moderate overlap front: good
Side: good
Roof strength: good
Head restraints and seats: good
Front crash prevention: 2/6 (advanced)
Small car
2016 Lexus CT 200h — TOP SAFETY PICK+
Small overlap front: good
Moderate overlap front: good
Side: good
Roof strength: good
Head restraints and seats: good
Front crash prevention: 3/6 (advanced, with optional equipment)
Midsize moderately priced car
2016 Volkswagen Passat — TOP SAFETY PICK+
Small overlap front: good
Moderate overlap front: good
Side: good
Roof strength: good
Head restraints and seats: good
Front crash prevention: 3/6 (advanced, with optional equipment)
Midsize luxury/near luxury car
2016 BMW 2 Series — TOP SAFETY PICK+
Small overlap front: good
Moderate overlap front: good
Side: good
Roof strength: good
Head restraints and seats: good
Front crash prevention: 4/6 (advanced, with optional equipment)
Large luxury car
2016 Audi A6 — TOP SAFETY PICK+
Small overlap front: good
Moderate overlap front: good
Side: good
Roof strength: good
Head restraints and seats: good
Front crash prevention: 3/6 (advanced, with optional equipment)
Small SUV
2016 Toyota RAV4 — TOP SAFETY PICK+
Small overlap front: good
Moderate overlap front: good
Side: good
Roof strength: good
Head restraints and seats: good
Front crash prevention: 6/6 (superior, with optional equipment)
Midsize SUV
2016 Honda Pilot — TOP SAFETY PICK+
Small overlap front: good
Moderate overlap front: good
Side: good
Roof strength: good
Head restraints and seats: good
Front crash prevention: 5/6 (superior, with optional equipment)
