IIHS Names Safest Cars For 2013

To reward 2013 models with superior crash protection, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded its new Top Safety Pick Plus accolade to thirteen cars. All earn good or acceptable ratings in the new IIHS small overlap test as well as top marks in other IIHS evaluations.

Winners include the Acura TL; Dodge Avenger and its twin, the Chrysler 200 4-door; Ford Fusion; Honda Accord 2-door; Honda Accord 4-door; Kia Optima; Nissan Altima 4-door; Subaru Legacy and its twin, the Subaru Outback; Suzuki Kizashi; Volkswagen Passat; and Volvo S60. The Acura TL and Volvo S60 are midsize luxury cars. The other models are midsize moderately priced cars.

"Of the 29 models evaluated so far in our small overlap frontal crash test, these thirteen cars offer the highest level of all-around crash protection," says Adrian Lund, IIHS President. "We're pleased to recognize them with our new Top Safety Pick Plus award for 2013."

IIHS rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in a moderate overlap frontal crash, small overlap frontal crash, side impact, and rollover, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. Top Safety Pick Plus winners must earn good ratings for occupant protection in at least four of five evaluations, with no less than acceptable in the fifth test.

For 2013, 117 additional vehicles earn Top Safety Pick. To qualify for Top Safety Pick vehicles must have good ratings for occupant protection in the moderate overlap frontal test, side impact, rollover, and rear tests, regardless of their small overlap rating.

IIHS first gave the Top Safety Pick award to 2006 models and has tightened criteria twice since then. Good rear test results and availability of electronic stability control became a requirement starting with 2007 models, and a good roof strength rating became a deciding factor for the 2010 model year. Stability control is no longer a distinguishing criterion since the feature is standard under federal rules for 2012 and later models.

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