Mazda Earns the Most IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Awards in 2025

【PCauto】The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced its list of award recipients for the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+. With outstanding safety performance, Mazda has secured eight TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, making it the brand with the most accolades in this category.

The Mazda models that received the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award include several popular vehicles, such as the 2025 Mazda 3 Sedan, Mazda 3 Liftback, CX-30, CX-50 (including the CX-50 hybrid), CX-70, CX-70 plug-in hybrid, CX-90, and the CX-90 plug-in hybrid.

This award from the IIHS is highly prestigious, with stringent requirements for vehicle safety performance. To qualify for the award, a vehicle must achieve the highest ratings in front and side crash tests, as well as pedestrian front crash prevention assessments, while also being equipped with headlights rated as acceptable or good. Notably, the IIHS raises the standards for these awards each year, and the criteria for 2025 are considered the most rigorous to date. Against this backdrop, Mazda’s ability to stand out demonstrates its strong commitment to safety.

Mazda's success among various brands can be attributed to its exceptional performance in the latest IIHS crash tests. This particular test focuses on the protection of rear-seat passengers, and all of Mazda's tested models received the highest "Good" rating. By building on their already robust body structure, Mazda has introduced features like rear seatbelt pretensioners, limiters, and advanced airbags, making these safety configurations standard across their entire lineup to ensure the protection of rear passengers.

Mazda also excels in advanced collision avoidance technologies. The collision avoidance systems developed by Mazda take into account pedestrian safety under various lighting conditions, effectively preventing collisions even in complex driving scenarios, thereby ensuring the safety of all road users.

IIHS President David Harkey praised Mazda's test results, stating, "The success of our awards is made possible by the unwavering commitment of automakers to safety. Mazda has risen to the challenge with eight TOP SAFETY PICK+ award-winning models, leading all brands, and that is commendable."

Tom Donnelly, President and CEO of Mazda North America Operations, added, "These awards are a testament to Mazda's dedication to ensuring the safety of our customers and their passengers in the pursuit of eliminating traffic fatalities. We are immensely grateful to the IIHS for continuously pushing industry standards through rigorous crash testing, which accurately reflects real-world collision scenarios."

Mazda's performance at the IIHS has consistently been outstanding, not just in 2025. Previous models like the Mazda 3, Mazda 6, CX-5, CX-30, and CX-9 have all previously received the TOP SAFETY PICK+ accolade.

Moreover, Mazda has garnered considerable acclaim in Southeast Asian markets for its consumer reputation. Its SKYACTIV Technology, which enhances fuel economy and performance, has been well-received, with customers noting the enjoyable driving experience, solid chassis tuning, and precise steering in Mazda vehicles.

In addition to its impressive performance, Mazda’s unique exterior design—aesthetic principles: Soul of Motion” philosophy—makes its vehicles visually appealing to many consumers. However, despite its strengths, Mazda’s distinctive brand identity may appeal to a few customers. In markets where practicality and interior space are paramount, some Mazda models offer limited rear-seat and cargo space, potentially failing to meet the needs of larger families or those requiring extra room for cargo, resulting in the loss of some customers.

Regardless, as the automaker with the most TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards this year, Mazda exemplifies its unique adherence to a philosophy that values safety, enjoyment, and aesthetics. From the perspectives of design, safety, and quality, Mazda possesses the attributes of a luxury brand, yet its pricing remains accessible compared to luxury competitors like Benz or BMW, making it an attractive option for many consumers.