Tesla retains bragging rights as the Model Y earns the much-coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation. The electric SUV scored high across nearly all aspects of the crash test.
The refreshed 2026 Model Y (including 2027 builds) was rated Good in Small Overlap Front, Moderate Overlap Front, and Sides categories. It scored similarly under other tests, including Headlights, Front Crash Prevention (vehicle-on-vehicle), and Front Crash Prevention (vehicle-on-pedestrian).
The last two categories were achieved thanks to Tesla’s Automatic Emergency Braking system. However, the electric vehicle did not excel in seat-belt reminders, receiving a Marginal rating.
The Top Safety Pick+ ranking is organised by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The body awards Good (G), Acceptable (A), Marginal (M), and Poor (P) to vehicles for each of the tests, which are grouped into Crashworthiness, Crash Avoidance & Mitigation, Seat Belts & Child Restraints, Small Overlap Front, Driver-side, Passenger-side, Moderate Overlap Front, Side, and Others.
Model Y earns Top Safety Pick+ Award from IIHS pic.twitter.com/w9JveexsuO
— Tesla North America (@tesla_na) September 3, 2026
Tesla is no stranger to the top of the heap at the Top Safety Pick+ awards, as previous Model Y editions scored high, too. The 2026 Cybertruck also recently earned its own Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, making it the year’s safest pickup. The Model 3 sedan is another strong contender, having received similar high honors over multiple generations.
For context, the Kia Telluride earned the same accolades from the IIHS, though the automaker had to refresh the headlights on the 2027 model.
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