The Tesla Model Y has amazingly received the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is very impressive and even a bigger reason to celebrate because the safety tests that were conducted this year were tougher, advanced and thorough. People were thrilled, and Elon Musk’s tweet about the news made fans and safety-conscious buyers happy.
But Tesla is not the only one that is doing really well in safety. The Hyundai Motor Group, including Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia, got the most safety awards in 2024 – a total of 16. Toyota and Mazda also did great in safety ratings.
The big deal is that the IIHS made safety tests harder this year. They want cars to be safer, so they made crash tests tougher and have stricter rules for protecting pedestrians and backseat passengers. Still, 71 cars got top safety awards, with 22 of them getting the highest ‘plus’ rating.
Tesla’s Model Y is known for being safe, just like other electric cars such as the Hyundai IONIQ 6 and Rivian’s R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck. This shows that electric vehicles can be really safe too.David Harkey, IIHS President, emphasized the agency’s commitment to pushing automakers to enhance vehicle safety. The updated criteria reflect a determination to ensure exceptional protection for occupants and vulnerable road users.
Key changes in the safety evaluations include a tougher side crash test with a heavier barrier traveling at higher speeds, akin to a conventional SUV’s weight. Additionally, vehicles must achieve at least an “Acceptable” or “Good” rating in the revised pedestrian front crash prevention test and the updated moderate front overlap test, which now includes a back seat dummy for assessing back seat safety.
For consumers prioritizing safety, the Model Y’s top rating enhances its appeal. Musk’s followers also have reason to rejoice, as Tesla’s success aligns with the tech mogul’s vision and aspirations.
In essence, Tesla’s Model Y achieving the highest safety rating underscores the brand’s commitment to producing safe vehicles amidst increasingly stringent testing standards. The broader context of other automakers’ achievements and the IIHS’ dedication to raising safety standards collectively signal a positive trajectory for vehicle safety, ensuring better protection for all road users.