Fifteen models. Fifteen different reasons why Hyundai Motor Group has become synonymous with safety. From the everyday practicality of the Hyundai ELANTRA to the opulent gravitas of the Genesis GV80, the group’s portfolio spans across needs, budgets, and personalities, and now across a row of IIHS accolades too.

These were hard-won awards under a stricter 2025 rulebook. To earn a TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) this year, cars had to be built like vaults but without the weight.

Among the Hyundai roster, seven models claimed TSP+ status. The 2025 ELANTRA and SONATA, fresh off the assembly line, led the charge. Joining them were the IONIQ 5 and 6, the KONA and TUCSON, and the SANTA FE.

Even five models from Genesis made the cut. Four walked away with the full-fat TSP+ award: the stylish GV60, the environmentally-conscious Electrified GV70, the well-rounded GV70, and the commanding GV80. Even the flagship G90, despite not hitting the TSP+ tier, earned a Top Safety Pick.

If Hyundai is the jack-of-all-trades and Genesis the luxury savant, then Kia is the artist. The new K4, EV9, and Telluride clinched TSP+ ratings, rounding off the Group’s performance with flair.

In a world where carmakers are racing to build the fastest, most connected, and most electric machines, Hyundai Motor Group adds something deeply human to the mix: care. Not just for drivers, but for passengers, pedestrians, and peace of mind.

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That’s a quarter of all awards given this year, an impressive achievement that places Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis ahead of the competition.

Brian Latouf, Hyundai Motor Group’s President and Global Chief Safety and Quality Officer, underscored the company’s commitment to setting new safety benchmarks. 

“Outstanding safety performance is core to the Hyundai Motor Group, and our achievement in the 2025 IIHS awards, with the most stringent test criteria ever, underscores our unwavering commitment to customers and relentless engineering to deliver the highest level of safety for occupants and road users,” he said. 

And he’s not wrong. The 2025 IIHS testing criteria have never been more demanding, with a sharper focus on rear-seat safety, advanced seat belt technology, and crash protection.

With five TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) awards, Hyundai led the charge, with its winning fleet including:

• IONIQ 5
• KONA
• TUCSON
• SANTA FE (built after November 2024)
• IONIQ 6

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury arm, was not far behind, securing four TSP+ awards for:

• GV60 
• Electrified GV70 
• GV70 (built after April 2024) 
• GV80

The Genesis G90 large luxury sedan also received a TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) award, adding yet another feather to the brand’s cap.

Meanwhile, Kia made waves with two TSP+ wins, thanks to the:

• EV9 – The electric behemoth redefining SUV standards
• Telluride – A full-sized powerhouse that’s all about road presence and security

The IIHS made significant changes to its award requirements for 2025, raising the bar yet again. The new criteria place greater emphasis on second-row passenger safety, demanding advanced seat belt technology and superior crash protection. 

Only 48 vehicles made the cut this year, a sharp drop from 71 winners in 2024. This highlights just how selective and rigorous the evaluation process has become.

Crash tests, pedestrian safety, small and moderate front overlap impacts, and new rear passenger safety standards all played a role in determining which vehicles stood up to the challenge.

With safety innovations taking centre stage, Hyundai Motor Group’s stellar performance in the 2025 IIHS awards is nothing short of impressive.

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