Now that 2013 has finally arrived, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is recognizing several cars with its new Top Safety Pick+ award. All of the winners earned at least four ratings of "good," the top score in its testing, and only one "acceptable" in a new crash test.
The vehicles named include the Acura TL, Dodge Avenger, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Volkswagen Passat and Volvo S60. Most of these are midsize cars in an affordable price range, but all performed well in tests on frontal crashes, side impacts, rollovers and seat belt restraints, The Car Connection reports.
"Of the 29 models evaluated so far in our small overlap frontal crash test, these 13 cars offer the highest level of all-around crash protection," said Adrian Lund, IIHS president. "We're pleased to recognize them with our new Top Safety Pick+ award for 2013."
Many automakers have begun make changes to their designs or setting up new car repair plans in order to have their vehicles be more in line with IIHS standards. Structural changes and restraint improvements have become more common, and no less than five manufacturers redesigned cars around safety concerns for overlap crash protection.