Which Hyundai Car is the Safest?

October 8th, 2024 by

A 2025 Hyudai IONIQ 5 SUV driving along a scenic road, showcasing its sleek design and electric capabilities.

If you were hoping for a single answer to the question of which Hyundai vehicle is the safest, here’s a twist: Hyundai doesn’t just have one, but nine vehicles recognized as top picks for safety in 2024 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). That’s right—Hyundai earned nine IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) awards, including several prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK+ designations, making Hyundai one of the safest brands in the market. Dive in with SB Hyundai Fairfax and learn break down why Hyundai’s 2024 lineup stands out and what these safety awards mean for you as a potential buyer.

Hyundai Leads with Nine IIHS 2024 TOP SAFETY PICK Awards

Hyundai’s dedication to safety is clear, with nine models receiving either a TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the IIHS. This isn’t just a pat on the back—the IIHS updated its testing criteria, making it tougher to achieve these awards. Hyundai not only met these stricter standards but also went beyond them in many cases. Cole Stutz, Chief Safety Officer of Hyundai Motor North America, had this to say:

“As Hyundai continues to sustain leadership in the IIHS TSP award designations, we are proud to have two additional products awarded including the new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe mid-size SUV and new 2024 Hyundai Sonata sedan…at Hyundai, we are committed to providing safe vehicles to protect customers and other vulnerable road users.”

Here’s a quick look at the recognized models:

TOP SAFETY PICK+ Awardees:

TOP SAFETY PICK Awardees:

With Hyundai’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, claiming a total of 18 awards across its brands, it’s no wonder Hyundai leads the pack when it comes to protecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.

What Do the IIHS Safety Awards Mean?

The IIHS awards come in two flavors: TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+. To qualify, a vehicle must excel in several crash tests, including the small overlap front, original moderate overlap front, and updated side crash tests. For the more prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, vehicles must earn a “good” rating in the updated moderate front crash test, have advanced pedestrian crash prevention systems, and feature high-rated headlights across all trim levels.

hyundai safety awards compared to other brands

Hyundai’s recognized models meet or exceed these requirements, particularly with enhanced side structures, advanced seat belts for rear occupants, and pedestrian crash avoidance technology. Vehicles like the 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 went a step further by enhancing rear occupant protection, pushing it into the TOP SAFETY PICK+ category.

Enhanced Safety Features Across the Lineup

Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety features plays a significant role in earning these accolades. Systems like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (with pedestrian detection), Lane Departure Warning, and Driver Attention Warnings are standard across the 2024 lineup, showcasing Hyundai’s dedication to keeping drivers and passengers safe on the road.


Interested in a Hyundai? You’re in luck, we have plenty of new and used Hyundai in stock here at SB Hyundai Fairfax, VA! Give us a call or visit us at 10925 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22030 for more details!

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