These ten SUVs earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for the 2026 model year, giving shoppers a current shortlist with strong crash-test credentials. The award is not a ranking: IIHS groups winners by vehicle size, and the available research does not establish which SUV is safest overall. NHTSA star results are included only when verified for the exact model; the research available here does not verify them for this shortlist.
2026 SUVs with IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards
The selections below span several vehicle classes and powertrains. IIHS awards and requirements are specific to the model and award year; check the official IIHS entry for any build-date or trim restriction before buying. The research desk did not verify NHTSA star results for these exact vehicles, so none are stated here.
| SUV | Model year | IIHS award | Size class | NHTSA result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda HR-V | 2026 | Top Safety Pick+ | Small SUV | Not verified in this research |
| Subaru Forester | 2026 | Top Safety Pick+ | Small SUV | Not verified in this research |
| Honda Passport | 2026 | Top Safety Pick+ | Midsize SUV | Not verified in this research |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2026 | Top Safety Pick+ | Midsize SUV | Not verified in this research |
| Kia EV9 | 2026 | Top Safety Pick+ | Large SUV | Not verified in this research |
| Mazda CX-90 | 2026 | Top Safety Pick+ | Large SUV | Not verified in this research |
| Audi Q5 | 2026 | Top Safety Pick+ | Midsize luxury SUV | Not verified in this research |
| BMW X3 | 2026 | Top Safety Pick+ | Midsize luxury SUV | Not verified in this research |
| Lexus NX | 2026 | Top Safety Pick+ | Small luxury SUV | Not verified in this research |
| Rivian R1S | 2026 | Top Safety Pick+ | Large SUV | Not verified in this research |
These are ten examples from the official 2026 IIHS award list, not its only SUV winners. The research does not provide verified build-date or trim restrictions for every model above; consult each live IIHS listing and confirm the specific vehicle qualifies. An award should not be assumed to apply to every configuration or to a different model year.
What the IIHS award means
IIHS evaluates crashworthiness, or how well a vehicle protects occupants in a crash, as well as crash avoidance and mitigation features that may prevent or lessen a collision. For a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must earn good results in the small-overlap front, moderate-overlap front, and side tests; acceptable or good headlights; good pedestrian front crash prevention; and acceptable or good vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention 2.0. Qualifying crash-prevention systems must be standard.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- MADE TO BE WITH YOU FOR YEARS The Safety 1st Ellaris Convertible Car Seat is a 3 in 1 car seat that adapts to your growing little one with 3 modes of use, making Ellaris car seats a key piece of your family for years to come
- 3 WAYS TO USE The Safety 1st Ellaris Convertible Car Seat offers extended use as a rear facing car seat with Rear-Facing Infant (5–30 lbs.) and Rear-Facing Toddler (30–40 lbs.), and as a forward facing car seat (30–65 lbs.)
- COMFORT AND FLEXIBILITY This convertible slim car seat has a slim design for more space, and its easily adjustable 5-position headrest and harness provide a comfortable ride as your little one grows
- FEDERAL SAFETY AND SIDE IMPACT STANDARDS This convertible car seat was engineered and tested to meet or exceed federal safety standards. It also meets the federal Side Impact standard
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES YOU’LL LOVE Baby car seat with machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad; 2 removable, dishwasher-safe cup holders; Hook-style LATCH for easy installation; Airplane ready, compact design for travel from the airport to the flight
Some requirements became more demanding for the 2026 awards. An award from an earlier year therefore should not be treated as proof that a vehicle meets the current criteria. Check both the model year and the award year in the IIHS award list.
How to use NHTSA star ratings
NHTSA’s five-star program covers crash protection and rollover safety. One star is the lowest rating and five stars the highest. However, the agency’s 2026 selected-vehicles list identifies models chosen for testing; selection alone does not mean a star result has been published. Look up the exact vehicle and model year in NHTSA’s ratings database before relying on a result.
Rank #2
- 【40% More Space – Spacious Dog Car Bed】Our hard bottom dog car seat cover expands back seat space by 40%, creating a dedicated rest zone where your dog can stretch, turn, and lie down freely. The reinforced support panels supports up to 400 lbs — the top choice for large dogs and multi-pet families, giving every pet a comfortable, stress-free ride.
- 【Perfect Fit】51" dog car hammock designed specifically for Compact Cars and Subcompact SUVs — not a one-size-fits-all. Say goodbye to oversized, ill-fitting universal covers. Be sure to measure your back seat width before ordering to ensure a perfect fit — not recommended for captain's chairs or bucket seats. Compatible with Honda Civic, Mazda CX-3, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Rogue, Honda HR-V, and more.
- 【Full Coverage Protection】The pet rear seat protector zippered side flaps wrap securely around both doors, preventing your dog from sliding into the footwell. Shields your car seats and doors from scratches, mud, spills, and pet hair — whether it's a rainy muddy trail or a sandy beach trip, keep your car clean and protected every ride.
- 【Durable & Waterproof, Easy to Clean】Upgraded with heavy-duty 600D Oxford fabric and reinforced stitching, the car seat cover stands up to scratches, claws, and daily wear like no other. The rugged weave resists tearing and punctures, so even the most enthusiastic diggers and restless riders won't leave their mark. And when mud or spills happen, the waterproof layer keeps liquids from soaking through — just wipe and go.
- 【Mesh Window & Convenient Storage】Designed with anxious dogs in mind, the see-through mesh window improves airflow and lets your dog keep an eye on you, easing travel anxiety on the road. A storage pocket keeps treats, toys, and essentials within easy reach — organized and ready for every trip.
NHTSA says frontal and overall ratings can only be compared for vehicles in the same class and within 250 pounds of one another. Side-crash and rollover results can be compared across classes. Ratings describe defined tests, not every possible crash, road, or occupant.
Choosing among these SUVs
- Match the model year. Confirm the IIHS award applies to the year you are considering rather than carrying over an older award.
- Check the exact vehicle. Review the IIHS entry for build-date, trim, and equipment restrictions, and verify that required safety systems are standard on the vehicle.
- Look up NHTSA results separately. A vehicle’s presence on a selected-for-testing list is not a star rating. Confirm a published result for the exact model year.
- Compare vehicles in context. Consider vehicle class, weight, passenger and seating needs, and powertrain. Do not read the list as a universal order of safety.
FAQ
Which SUVs are safest for 2026?
The Honda HR-V, Subaru Forester, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia EV9, Mazda CX-90, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Lexus NX, and Rivian R1S are ten examples of 2026 SUVs with IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition. The award does not rank them against one another or establish a single safest SUV.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐬: URPOWER dog seat cover with side flaps can protect not only your backseat but also the car door from scratches. Side flaps with up/down zipper is easier to help elderly dogs get in and out of the car. It can also easily convert from dog car hammock, to dog bench seat cover, or trunk cargo liner
- 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐬, 𝐒𝐔𝐕𝐬, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 &𝐌𝐢𝐝-𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐬: Before ordering, please confirm whether your backseat length is close to 54 inch. The Standard size fits Sedans, SUVs, and Compact & Mid-size Trucks. It can cover the entire back seat for ultimate protection and hassle-free rides. Now you can enjoy family excursions without damaging your car
- 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 & 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟: Made of 6-layer fabrics, this dog car seat cover is waterproof to protect your seat from mud, liquid, hair, or any mess, durable to avoid scratching your leather seats, and comfortable for long road trip. No more endless sweep
- 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐩 & 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞: Our pet seat cover has 4 levels protections to prevent your dog from slipping every time you apply the brake. The dog cover is equipped with nonslip backing, adjustable headrest anchors, seat anchors, and 2 Velcro openings to keep your dog in place. Your dogs’ safety is always our priority
- 𝐍𝐨 𝐒𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥: The dog seat cover without terrible smell is friendly for pets and children. In an enclosed car space, no terrible smell is also important to keep you focused and driving safely, something that others’ dog covers on the market ignore
Does a five-star NHTSA rating mean an SUV is the safest?
No. Five stars is the highest rating in NHTSA’s program, but the ratings cover defined crash and rollover tests. NHTSA also limits frontal and overall comparisons to vehicles in the same class and within 250 pounds. A star rating is not a universal ranking across all SUVs.
Does every trim of an award-winning SUV qualify?
Not necessarily. IIHS award eligibility can depend on equipment or production dates. Check the official listing for the specific model year and vehicle configuration before purchase.
Rank #4
- Dog Car Barrier : To prevent distractions while driving. As a pet car barrier keeps naughty pets or kids in the back seat area. Car safety for dogs and baby
- Four Sided Elastic Dual Mesh: Pet car barrier with premium polyester an extra thick, still lightweight design. Upgraded barrier size nearly fit for most Cars and SUVs. the stretchable pet net for car is safety, reliable and resilient
- Easy to install with included hooks: Four safety hooks that quickly clip to your car's headrests on the top and the seat from underneath. Just take in one minute to install and begin to use the convenient cargo netting.WITHOUT drilling, hammering or tape
- A Car Storage: Space saving, mount on the middle gap between the left right seats, or the seat back. Can store loose items to keep them from moving around your car. On long road trips, the mesh net is a great place for snacks, juice and bottled water
- What You Get: 1 X Dog Barrier Car Storage Bag In One fit for Cars SUVs. Be careful when they bounce back while install. Pls note our car dog barrier doesn't work for the car without exposed bars on the headrests or loops under the seats
Is an IIHS award the same as a NHTSA rating?
No. IIHS and NHTSA have different testing and rating programs. Check both organizations’ results for the exact vehicle and year, and do not treat one organization’s award as a substitute for the other’s rating.
How many SUVs earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in 2026?
IIHS reported that 35 of its 45 Top Safety Pick+ winners were SUVs in 2026, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That figure counts award winners; it does not mean those SUVs prevent 35 or any specified share of crashes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Superior Material 】：Crafted from premium 600D Oxford cloth and waterproof TPU, our dog rear car seat for medium dogs boasts exceptional waterproof and scratch-resistant properties. No liquid or pesky scratches will penetrate this top-notch cover, ensuring your car seat remains pristine.
- 【Mesh Window & Storage Bag & Seat Belt & Seatbelt Openings】： Prioritizing your pet's comfort, our back seat cover for dogs comes with a breathable and transparent mesh window that allows you and your furry friend to see and hear each other, alleviating any stress or anxiety. The added storage bag provides ample space to store your pet's essentials.Additional seat belt to keep your dog safer.
- 【Reinforced Stability】：We understand the importance of stability, which is why we've added multiple accessories for reinforced stability. The PVE nonslip underside keeps the dog car rear seat cover securely in place, while our side flap metal buckles, seal zipper, seat anchors, seat snap buckles, and Velcro opening for safety belts ensure maximum stability and safety for your pet.
- 【Easy to Clean】：The dog accessories for large dogs for car is a breeze to clean with its durable and versatile material, making it effortless to remove any mud, dust, or liquid spills, using a machine wash, hand wash, or vacuum cleaner. Say goodbye to the hassle of cleaning your car seat cover.
- 【Easy to Install & Remove】：Setting up our travel dog back seat cover is a breeze thanks to its straightforward structure. Simply watch our video, and you'll have all the parts assembled in no time. Plus, with different installation methods, such as Hammock Mode, Truck Mode, and Seat Mode, you can customize the cover to your needs and preferences. Hit the road with ease and confidence.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
