Which 2025 SUVs Earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award, and Which Models Failed?

The 2025 Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid have maintained the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest safety honor, the Top Safety Pick+ award, while the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Jeep Wrangler failed to qualify for any IIHS safety award due to crash-test performance. This distinction is crucial for buyers prioritizing safety, as the IIHS has implemented stricter testing protocols, particularly a new moderate overlap front crash test that now evaluates rear-seat passenger safety.

What Are the Stricter IIHS Safety Criteria for 2025?

To understand why some models succeeded and others failed, it's essential to know the updated IIHS testing standards. The IIHS rates vehicles on a scale of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. To qualify for the basic Top Safety Pick award, a vehicle must achieve a good rating in the driver-side small overlap front and side-impact tests, and at least an acceptable rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. It also requires acceptable-rated headlights and front crash prevention systems.

The higher Top Safety Pick+ award demands a good rating in the moderate overlap front test. The most significant change for the 2025 model year is the updated moderate overlap front test. This test simulates an offset head-on collision. Previously, it only used a dummy in the driver's seat. The new test adds a second, smaller dummy in the rear seat behind the driver, representing a 12-year-old child or a small woman. This change highlights the difference in protection between front and rear seats, as rear-seat occupants often have a higher probability of injury in frontal crashes.

Which 2025 Models Earned the Top Safety Pick+ Award?

The 2025 Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid both secured the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award, but with slight differences.

• 2025 Tesla Model Y: The electric SUV earned top marks across the board. Its crash-avoidance system received a good rating in the pedestrian-avoidance test, contributing to its strong performance. Based on our assessment of the IIHS data, the Model Y unofficially ranks as the more comprehensive "plus" award winner when directly compared to the Volvo in this specific test category.
• 2025 Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid: True to Volvo's safety reputation, the XC90 also achieved Top Safety Pick+ status. However, it is important to note that this award applies only to vehicles built after December 2024. This is because Volvo made running changes to the SUV’s rear seat-belt load limiters after that date to enhance rear-seat safety, which was a key factor in passing the updated test. Its crash-avoidance system earned an acceptable (rather than good) rating in the pedestrian test.

Why Did the Colorado, Canyon, and Wrangler Fail to Qualify?

The 2025 models of the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Jeep Wrangler did not qualify for either a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award.

• 2025 Chevrolet Colorado: The midsize truck earned a marginal score in the critical updated moderate overlap front test. The rear-seat dummy indicated a high risk of injury to the chest and neck. Furthermore, while one of its available headlight configurations earned a good rating, the other was rated poor, which also impacted its eligibility.
• 2025 GMC Canyon: As a mechanical sibling to the Colorado, the Canyon's crash-test results are likely similar. The IIHS did not conduct a full test suite on the GMC, but noted that different headlights might yield better results for the Canyon. However, without official scores, it cannot qualify for an award.
• 2025 Jeep Wrangler: The Wrangler performed well in the moderate overlap test with a good rating. However, its scores in the small overlap front crash test and headlight evaluation were not sufficient to put it in contention for a Top Safety Pick award.

What Should Safety-Conscious Buyers Look For?

When evaluating a new vehicle for safety, always consult the latest IIHS and NHTSA ratings. For the 2025 model year, pay close attention to the results of the new moderate overlap test that includes rear-seat safety.

Key takeaways for your car buying decision:

• Verify Build Dates: For models like the Volvo XC90, confirm the vehicle's build date to ensure it includes the latest safety updates.
• Check Specific Trims: Safety features, especially headlights, can vary significantly between trim levels. Ensure the specific configuration you are considering has the equipment that earned the safety rating.
• Prioritize Comprehensive Protection: The updated IIHS tests emphasize that safety is more than just protecting the driver. A top-tier vehicle should offer robust protection for all occupants.

The IIHS's evolving standards continue to push automakers toward higher safety benchmarks. The success of the Tesla Model Y and Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid demonstrates a commitment to overall occupant protection, while the results for the Colorado, Canyon, and Wrangler indicate areas for improvement, particularly for rear-seat passengers.