ARLINGTON, VA — The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) posted its entire 115-vehicle list of Top Safety Picks for the 2012 model-year. IIHS said that 69 cars, 38 SUVs, 5 minivans, and 3 pickups earned Top Safety Pick ratings. The list of winners includes 18 new recipients for 2012. Of those named in 2011, 97 models carry over to 2012.
"For the second year running a record number of models qualify," said Institute president Adrian Lund. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."
Some of the automakers noted by IIHS include Subaru, which has an award for every model it builds (a total of five awards); Toyota, Lexus, and Scion have 15 winners for 2012; GM with 14; Volkswagen and Audi have 13; Ford and Lincoln have 12; and Honda and Acura have 12.
The Institute said it awarded the first Top Safety Pick to 2006 model-year vehicles. In 2007, it required good rear crash test results and Electronic Stability Control as either standard or optional equipment. In 2010, the Institute added a requirement that all qualifiers must earn a good rating for performance in a roof strength test. The Institute added this test to assess how well a vehicle protects occupants in a rollover crash. The Institute groups winners according to vehicle type and size.
The IIHS List of 2012-MY Top Safety Picks
Minicars
Fiat 500 built after July 2011
Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback
Honda Fit
Toyota Yaris 4-door hatchback
Small cars
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Sonic
Chevrolet Volt
Ford Focus
Honda Civic 4-door
Honda CR-Z
Honda Insight
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Forte sedan
Kia Soul
Lexus CT 200h
Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback
Mini Cooper Countryman
Mitsubishi Lancer except Ralliart and Evolution
Nissan Cube
Nissan Juke
Nissan Leaf
Scion tC
Scion xB
Scion xD
Subaru Impreza except WRX
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Golf 4-door
Volkswagen GTI 4-door
Midsize moderately priced cars
