More Cars Win Top Safety Awards. Judges Want More Improvements

More Cars Win Top Safety Awards highlights an IIHS round in which back-seat protection became the central differentiator. Five popular models, including the Toyota Tacoma and Cadillac CT5, did not pass the latest crash tests, while three additional SUVs and one sedan earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ designation. IIHS said it is pressing automakers to improve crash avoidance systems and deliver superior protection for back-seat passengers, particularly in pedestrian and higher-speed vehicle-to-vehicle scenarios. The article notes that, in this year’s Top Safety Pick+ set, SUVs represented 38 of 49 winners, and 12 of 18 Top Safety Pick winners were SUVs. It cites that awards begin under $30,000 for the Kia K4 at $22,900. It then lists Top Safety Pick+ recipients such as the Audi A6 ($64,100), BMW X1 ($43,975), Mazda CX-5 ($29,990), and Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid ($33,995), citing redesigns and test results.