IIHS Picks 38 Models For Top Safety Pick+ Awards

2017 Subaru Legacy (Credit: Subaru )

It’s that time of the year, when IIHS chooses a new batch of Top Safety Pick+ vehicles. This go-around 38 were selected. New for the 2017 safety standards is the need for a good or acceptable headlight rating. That’s great, because we all need to see where we’re going at night.

IIHS says there were fewer vehicles in contention for the top rating, thanks to the headlights requirement. In other words, if you hate your headlights, there’s probably a good reason. This also means automakers are hard at work improving the headlights for their entire lineups.

Only 7 vehicles earned a top or good rating for headlights. They are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Legacy, Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Prius v and Volvo XC60.

Automatic braking tech was also mandatory for the Top Safety Pick+ rating. It used to be something reserved only for luxury models, but you can now get it on a Corolla.

Toyota and Lexus were the volume winners this year, claiming 9 Top Safety Pick+ slots. Acura was able to snag five spots, which is truly impressive considering how few models it makes.

Another 44 vehicles were named Top Safety Picks.