IIHS Announces 2025 Safety Awards for Minivans and Pickup Trucks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced its newest safety awards. These awards recognize vehicles that provide top-notch protection in crashes. The IIHS also considers how well vehicles prevent accidents.
For 2025, the IIHS has updated its testing criteria. This makes earning an award even more challenging. The changes aim to push automakers to improve vehicle safety.
What’s New in 2025?
The IIHS has strengthened its side crash test. This test now uses a heavier barrier. It also impacts the test vehicle at a higher speed. This simulates a more severe real-world crash.
The pedestrian crash prevention test is also updated. It now includes nighttime scenarios. This is important because many pedestrian accidents occur at night.
To earn a 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK award, a vehicle must achieve good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front test and the updated side test. Acceptable or good ratings are needed in the updated pedestrian crash prevention test (both day and night). Standard headlights must also be rated acceptable or good.
For the higher-tier TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, vehicles need good ratings in the driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front tests. A good rating is required in the updated side test. The updated pedestrian crash prevention test needs to earn a good rating (both day and night). Better headlight options are required.
Minivan Safety
Minivans are popular family vehicles. Safety is a key consideration for minivan buyers. Several minivans performed well in the IIHS tests.
Specific models receiving awards have not been detailed here, but the IIHS website provides a complete list. Check the IIHS website for the latest ratings.
Pickup Truck Safety
Pickup trucks are also popular in the U.S. The IIHS evaluates the safety of various pickup truck models.
Like minivans, specific truck models that have received awards are not detailed here. Refer to the IIHS website for specific ratings and award winners.
Why These Awards Matter
The IIHS awards help consumers make informed decisions. When buying a new car or truck, safety should be a top priority. These awards highlight vehicles that offer the best protection.
Automakers often use IIHS ratings in their advertising. They strive to improve their vehicles’ safety performance. This ultimately leads to safer roads for everyone.
In conclusion, the 2025 IIHS safety awards reflect higher standards. These changes encourage automakers to prioritize safety. Consumers can use these ratings to choose safer vehicles.
Source: usatoday.com
