Hyundai Motor Group continues to lead in automotive safety, with the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 and 2026 Kia Sportage (models built after May 2025) earning the prestigious 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) rating. Additionally, the 2026 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ secured the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) honor, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to exceptional crash safety and occupant protection.
The IONIQ 9 earned the highest possible “Good” ratings across all IIHS evaluation categories, including front and side crash protection and forward collision prevention. Sportage improved upon its previous 2024 TSP rating, attaining 2025 TSP+ following enhancements to its forward collision prevention system and headlight performance.
Both IONIQ 9 and Sportage also secured the top safety rating from the Korea New Car Assessment Program (KNCAP), conducted by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority, reinforcing their safety leadership in both domestic and international markets.
Meanwhile, 2026 SANTA CRUZ stands out as the only small pickup in its segment to earn a TSP or higher rating — highlighting class-leading crash protection and collision avoidance capabilities.
With these latest recognitions, Hyundai Motor Group now leads the global industry with a total of 18 models awarded TSP+ or TSP ratings in 2025 — nine Hyundai, five Genesis and four Kia models — marking the Group’s second consecutive year as the automaker with the most IIHS safety awards (as of October 2025).
By brand, Hyundai Motor ranks first among mainstream brands, followed by Kia in sixth place; Genesis leads the premium brand category and additionally ranked third overall across all brands evaluated (as of October 2025).
Earlier this year, multiple Hyundai Motor Group models were also awarded 2025 TSP+ ratings, including 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, KONA, TUCSON, SANTA FE (built after November 2024), ELANTRA (built after October 2024) and SONATA (built after November 2024); Genesis 2025 GV60, 2025-26 GV70 (built after April 2024), 2025-26 GV70 ELECTRIC and 2025 GV80; and 2025 Kia K4 (built after January 2025), EV9 and Telluride. 2025 Genesis G90 earned a 2025 TSP rating.
