Hyundai clinches 21 IIHS safety awards in 2025, outpacing Toyota and Volvo. Discover how its EV platform boosts crash protection – learn more now!
The Hyundai Motor Group – encompassing Hyundai, Kia and the luxury Genesis brand – has set a new industry benchmark in 2025. The group captured a total of 21 IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) safety awards, the highest tally of any automaker worldwide for the second consecutive year.
IIHS Awards Overview
IIHS’s rigorous testing regime now includes the Updated Moderate Overlap Front (UMOF) collision test, which focuses heavily on protecting second‑row occupants. Vehicles that pass with a “Good” rating earn the coveted Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) badge.
Top Safety Pick+ Dominance
Out of the 21 awards, an impressive 18 models achieved the TSP+ distinction – a steep rise from last year’s 12. This surge underscores Hyundai’s rapid progress in safeguarding passengers across all seating positions.
Brand‑by‑Brand Breakdown
- Hyundai: 10 TSP+ models, including the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Elantra and Sonata.
- Genesis: 6 TSP+ models, with the GV60, GV70 and GV80 SUVs leading the safety charge.
- Kia: 5 TSP+ models, spanning the EV9, Sportage, Sorento, Telluride and the newly‑launched Sedane K4.
Technology Behind the Edge
IIHS analysts attribute much of Hyundai’s success to its dedicated electric‑vehicle platform, E‑GMP. The architecture not only maximizes interior space but also creates a robust “safety cage” that absorbs impact energy, protecting occupants in high‑severity crashes. Additionally, the group has rolled out auto‑tensioning seat belts and load‑limiting devices for rear seats, dramatically reducing chest and head forces on child‑size dummies during the UMOF test.
How Competitors Fared
Traditional safety leaders stumbled. Volvo managed just three TSP+ models, while Toyota (including Lexus) secured five. Notably, the Volvo XC60, Toyota RAV4 and Corolla were downgraded to “Marginal” or “Acceptable” because their rear‑seat belt systems generated excessive chest loads on child dummies during the new overlap test.
Implications for the Vietnamese Market
In Vietnam, models such as the Santa Fe, Tucson and Elantra are already popular. Hyundai’s record‑breaking safety performance is likely to reinforce consumer confidence, positioning the brand as the most trustworthy choice for families and safety‑conscious drivers in the region.
With safety now a clear differentiator, Hyundai Motor Group is set to continue leading the global automotive arena in 2025 and beyond.