Why Mazda Can Claim the Title of “Safest Vehicles” … Again

April 8th, 2026 by

Mazda builds safe cars. 

No … that’s not exactly right. Mazda builds the SAFEST cars on the road. 

We have the independent verification on that from the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Mazda has earned more IIHS 2026 top safety rankings – Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) – than any other brand. For the third year in a row. 

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. EIGHT!

Eight! 2026 Mazda vehicles won Top Safety Pick+ designations, even though the IIHS toughened up its standards, something it has done almost every year:

Mazda3 Sedan
Mazda3 Hatchback
Mazda CX-30
Mazda CX-50
Mazda CX-70
Mazda CX-70 PHEV
Mazda CX-90
Mazda CX-90 PHEV 

This year’s updated award criteria focused on advanced occupant protections, and included pedestrian crash prevention, tougher back-seat protection and better crash-avoidance. Mazda includes technologies that accomplish these goals as standard on every vehicle, and does it at an affordable price. 

“We agree with IIHS that safety does not have to be expensive. Our commitment is to ensure that advanced protection remains attainable while still delivering the engaging driving experience Mazda is known for,” said Jennifer Morrison, Director of Vehicle Safety Strategy, Mazda North American Operations. “Earning eight TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards shows what happens when you stay true to your philosophy: driving stays engaging, and families stay protected.”

These are the tests on which each of Mazda’s TSP+ winners had to achieve scores of “Good” (four categories) or “Good” or “Acceptable”(two categories)

Vehicles were also tested for Seat Belt Reminders, LATCH (child safety seats), and Whiplash Prevention.

Although we’ve dominated the field in the last three years, Mazda’s commitment to safety is longstanding. Since 2008, Mazda vehicles have earned 99 IIHS safety awards, and 73 have been Top Safety Pick+ designations. 

Mazda’s Safety Philosophy has led to including core systems, including Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Smart Brake Support (automatic emergency braking), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) use integrated cameras and sensors to help prevent or mitigate common crash scenarios.

So, when you’re shopping for a new vehicle, after falling in love with the beauty, comfort, fuel efficiency and drivability that Mazdas have in abundance, look further to how safe they are.

Posted in Automotive, Awards