In 2024, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a new list of the safest vehicles on the road, ranking them based on their level of protection for both occupants and other road users. The top safety award is a “Top Safety Pick+” and the second-highest is a “Top Safety Pick.” This year, Hyundai Motor Group, Toyota Motor Corp, and Mazda received the most safety awards. The rankings showed that SUVs dominated the list, with small, mid-size, and luxury SUVs earning the most Top Safety Pick+ awards. The Institute's safety evaluations were stricter this year, focusing on potential injuries to rear passengers in addition to drivers. The shift in focus came after research revealed a higher injury risk for belted passengers in the rear seat compared to the front seat. Only a few cars and pickups received safety awards, reflecting the popularity of SUVs in the U.S. market.