For the IIHS 2023 award year, 15 midsize SUVs earned Top Safety Pick+ and two earned Top Safety Pick. The awards reflect specific crash-test, headlight, and pedestrian-crash-prevention criteria—not a universal ranking of every SUV or a guarantee that all trims have identical equipment.
Which midsize SUVs earned IIHS awards for 2023?
The IIHS list below is for its 2023 award year. Model years and build-date limits are part of the award, so check that a specific vehicle matches the listed qualification.
Top Safety Pick+
- 2023–24 Honda Pilot
- 2023–24 Hyundai Palisade
- 2023–24 Jeep Grand Cherokee, built after March 2023
- 2023–24 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, built after May 2023
- 2024 Mazda CX-90
- 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
- 2023 Nissan Ariya, built after March 2023
- 2023–24 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2023–24 Subaru Ascent
- 2023–24 Toyota Highlander
- 2024 Volkswagen Atlas
- 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
- 2023 Volkswagen ID.4
- 2023–24 Kia Telluride
Top Safety Pick
- 2023–24 Ford Explorer
- 2023 Mazda CX-9
The official IIHS 2023 midsize SUV award list gives the model-year and production qualifications. IIHS lists midsize luxury SUVs as a separate category; those vehicles are not included above.
What is the difference between Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+?
Both awards required good ratings in the driver-side and passenger-side small-overlap front tests and the original moderate-overlap front test. Both also required acceptable or good standard headlights and advanced or superior daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention.
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- 【Durable 6-Layer Heavy-Duty Material】Built with a 6-layer heavy-duty construction, featuring PEVA fabric, an aluminum reflective layer, waterproof coating, and a soft cotton liner. This multi-layer design delivers exceptional durability, tear resistance, and long-lasting protection while remaining gentle on your vehicle’s paint
- 【All-Season, All-Weather Protection】Designed to handle year-round conditions, this full car cover protects your vehicle from rain, snow, harsh sunlight, dust, fallen leaves, bird droppings, and animal-related debris. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, it also provides added protection during unexpected hail
- 【Thoughtful Functional Design】Equipped with driver door zipper for easy access, reflective strips for nighttime visibility, elastic hems for a snug fit, windproof straps to prevent lifting, soft cotton liner for paint protection, and a storage bag for convenient organization—every detail is designed for daily practicality and reliability
- 【Easy Installation & Secure Fit】Step 1: Ensure the car surface is clean and dry to avoid paint damage;Step 2: Unfold the car cover and align it properly using the logo and “FRONT” tag;Step 3: Fasten the front, middle, and rear buckles to keep the cover securely in place, even in windy conditions
- 【A9 Size Common Fits for】Acura RDX SLX ADX, Audi Q5/SQ5, Benz GLB GLC, BMW X3 X4, Buick Envision, Cadillac XT5, Chevy Equinox, Ford Edge, Genesis GV70, GMC Terrain, Honda CRV Passport, Hyundai Tucson Santa Fe, Infiniti QX50 QX55, Jeep Cherokee, Jaguar F-PACE I-PACE, Kia Sporage Sorento, Lexus NX, RX(99-15), GX(03-09), RZ, Lincoln MKX, Nautilus(19-23), Mazda CX-50, Mitsubi-shi Outlander Montero, Rogue, Murano(03-14), Oldsmobile Bravada, Subru Outback(-19),Solterra,Tribeca, Toyota Venza FJ Cruiser, VW Tiguan, Volvo XC60 XC70
Top Safety Pick+ set a higher bar in two areas: a good rating in the updated side test and an advanced or superior rating for nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention. Top Safety Pick required an acceptable or good rating in the updated side test; its listed criteria did not include a nighttime pedestrian-prevention requirement. See the IIHS award criteria for the program details.
How to interpret the 2023 award list
It is a year- and category-specific recognition
IIHS says its awards identify the best vehicle choices for safety within size categories during a given year. That makes this a comparison within the midsize SUV category and the 2023 award program—not a ranking of all vehicles currently for sale, nor proof that a midsize award winner offers more occupant protection than every larger SUV. IIHS notes that larger, heavier vehicles generally afford more occupant protection than smaller, lighter ones.
Rank #2
- Universal Fit (Verify Dimensions): Measuring 55"W × 91"L for full cargo area coverage, this trunk liner designed for midsize and standard-wheelbase full-size 3-row SUVs with the third-row seats folded down. Flexible foldable design fits most vehicles securely, working as a heavy-duty trunk protector and cargo area cover against pet hair, muddy paws, grocery spills and soiled outdoor gear. Be sure to measure your vehicle’s cargo compartment before ordering
- Extra Large Non-Slip Net: Textured 53"W × 55"L anti-slip rubber backing, this SUV trunk cover for dogs is twice as much as the average product for more stability, no worries about quick turns and speed bumps; No Color Bleeding on leather seats (Safe for Pets)
- Water Resistant Cargo & Trunk Protector: Built with 4 quilted water-resistant layers and tough scratch-proof 600D Oxford fabric, it safeguards your cargo floor, folded seat backs and trunk space against pet dander, fur, spills, odors and muddy wet paws. This liner is water-resistant, NOT fully waterproof; heavy standing or deep pooled water may seep through the fabric. Effortless cleanup via wiping or vacuuming (hand wash recommended)
- Thoughtful Bumper Flap: Includes a protective bumper flap to shield your car's paint from dog claw marks during entry and exit. Quick-release buckles on straps and seat anchors ensure easy installation and stability Slits design allows for easily leveling the cargo liner for dogs (Prevents Sliding)
- Easy to Install and Clean: Equipped with quick-release buckles on adjustable straps. Simply vacuum loose fur or wipe off grime for effortless cleaning to keep your trunk dog cover looking brand new. Use it as a dog cargo cover, car trunk mat, or pet seat cover perfect for daily errands, moving days, road trips, and hauling messy outdoor gear
Check the exact vehicle, not just the nameplate
For the Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee L, and Ariya, the award applies only to vehicles built after the specified date. When considering a particular vehicle, confirm its model year and build date, then verify the trim’s equipment and headlights. The award criteria include standard headlight performance, but they do not establish that every trim or configuration has identical safety equipment.
Keep the updated side-test statistic in context
In a 2022 report, IIHS said 10 out of 18 midsize SUVs earned good ratings in the updated side test. The report named the Ford Explorer, Infiniti QX60, Lincoln Aviator, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and ID.4 among the vehicles with good ratings. This is a result reported in 2022, not the number of 2023 award winners or a current rating for every model named. IIHS said the updated side test would replace the original side test as an award requirement in 2023. Read the IIHS 2022 updated side-test report for that evaluation.
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Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Sporty Design: This stylish full exterior car cover features bold dual red racing stripes on the front, making your vehicle stand out from the crowd
- Premium Material: Made from upgraded 210D Oxford cloth with a PU waterproof inner coating, this lightweight and tear-resistant cover is built to handle all weather conditions
- User-Friendly Features: Elastic hems at the front and rear provide a secure fit, while a driver-side zipper allows quick access without removing the cover. Four windproof straps fasten to the wheels, and a compact storage bag is included for easy portability
- All-Weather Protection: Shields your vehicle from snow, rain, frost, sun, dust, leaves, sap, bird droppings, and accidental scratches—keeping your car clean and protected in any environment
- Broad Compatibility for S3: Full exterior covers universal for Tesla model Y,Toyota RAV4,Honda CRV,NISSAN Rogue,Subaru Outback,Kia Sorento,Hyundai Sante Fe,Porsche Macan,Audi Q5,Mazda CX-5,BMW X3etc.(SEE FIGURE 7 FOR MORE MODELS)
Rank #3
- TAILORED FIT & EASY CARE | Large Size (Most Popular) — Perfect for midsize/large SUVs & Mini Vans. Measure your cargo area first for best fit. Clean easily by wiping, vacuuming, rinsing, or machine washing. Works seamlessly for pup park visits, weekend getaways, and beach days alike. Perfect fit, easy cleanup, ready for any trip.
- ZIPPERED FULL ENCLOSURE | 3-Sided Full Protection — One-piece liner covers rear seat back, cargo floor, and bumper, with zippered side flaps for 3-sided full protection. Zip up to seal pet hair, mud, spills, and debris; unzip to fold seats flat while retaining coverage. Ideal for dog outings, ski gear, surfboards, fishing tackle, gardening tools, and strollers—keep your cargo area spotless. No more messy post-adventure cleanups.
- ALL-ZONE NON-SLIP SAFETY | Secure Dog Stability — Anti-slip material extends to seat back and bumper areas, preventing pets from slipping while jumping in/out and keeping them stable on folded seats for safer rides. This full-coverage grip delivers reliable, secure hold during every trip. Keeps your pup safe, you worry-free.
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- STURDY TPU SUCTION CUPS | No-Fall, Residue-Free — Thick, durable TPU suction cups lock tight to side windows with a simple press—no falling off, no sticky residue. They keep side flaps sealed and secure at all times. Secure, reliable, residue-free.
How to use the list when comparing SUVs
- Start with the award level and confirm the vehicle’s model year and any build-date condition.
- Compare vehicles in the same IIHS category; midsize luxury SUV results are listed separately.
- Check trim-specific equipment and headlight configuration for the exact vehicle you are considering.
- Evaluate seating, cargo capacity, and powertrain separately from crash-test awards; the award list does not determine which SUV best fits every buyer.
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.
