Mazda Tops IIHS 2026 Safety Ratings with 8 Awards

Mazda leads 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards with eight models. See how updated crash tests and safety standards shaped the latest rankings.

Mazda secured eight IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards for 2026, surpassing all other automakers in the number of vehicles earning the institute’s highest safety rating. The list includes the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback, CX-30, CX-50, CX-70, CX-70 PHEV, CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV.

This marks the third consecutive year Mazda has led the industry in Top Safety Pick+ awards, a result that stands out even more as IIHS criteria continue to become stricter. In recent years, the organization has raised the bar significantly, requiring not only strong protection for front occupants but also improved safety for rear passengers, as well as effective crash avoidance and pedestrian detection systems.

The awards now reflect a comprehensive evaluation that includes front and side crash tests, headlight performance, and the effectiveness of active safety systems. The key difference between Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ lies in the updated moderate overlap front test, where a Good rating — particularly for rear-seat protection — is required for the highest distinction.

Mazda’s approach focuses on preventing accidents, not just mitigating their последствия. All new models come standard with core driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. According to IIHS data, these technologies can significantly reduce crash rates — automatic braking alone cuts rear-end collisions by about 50%, while blind spot detection lowers lane-change crashes.

Within the current 2026 IIHS awards list, Mazda stands ahead of competitors including Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Honda and others in terms of top-tier safety recognitions. This reinforces the brand’s position in the mainstream segment as a manufacturer consistently delivering high safety standards across its lineup.

The IIHS Top Safety Pick awards have been issued since 2006, with the Top Safety Pick+ category introduced in 2013. Over time, requirements have evolved to reflect real-world crash scenarios, placing greater emphasis on protecting all occupants and preventing collisions altogether.

For Mazda, this result represents not a one-off achievement but a continuation of a long-term strategy — steadily improving vehicle safety and adapting to increasingly demanding IIHS standards.