Mikkel Christensen
Interest in electric vehicles continues to grow as fuel prices rise and safety becomes a bigger priority for buyers.
Interest in electric vehicles continues to grow as fuel prices rise and safety becomes a bigger priority for buyers.
New crash test results are helping highlight which models stand out.
A recent review of safety ratings points to a smaller group of electric vehicles leading the pack.
Top safety leaders
According to USA TODAY, several electric vehicles earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest rating, Top Safety Pick+.
Among them, models from Hyundai, Volvo and Rivian stand out for combining advanced safety systems with strong crash protection.
“These awards are given to vehicles that meet rigorous criteria set by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including advanced crashworthiness and occupant protection requirements,” Hyundai said in a statement.
Standout models
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the more affordable options among top-rated vehicles, offering strong safety scores alongside lower starting costs compared to many rivals.
Volvo’s EX90 also made the list, continuing the brand’s long-standing focus on safety innovation.
While priced higher, it reflects Volvo’s emphasis on occupant protection and advanced driver assistance systems.
The Rivian R1S, a larger electric SUV, was also recognized. The company said in a statement that “to date, R1S is the only vehicle in the large SUV category built by an American automotive company to receive the 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation (as of March 2026).”
Safety standards rising
The IIHS said it is continuing to push automakers to improve protection, particularly for rear-seat passengers.
“This year, we’re asking automakers to make excellent protection for back seat passengers the norm,” said IIHS President David Harkey.
He added that stronger crash avoidance systems are also becoming a requirement, especially those designed to prevent pedestrian collisions and high-speed crashes.
Growing demand
The latest rankings come as interest in electric vehicles increases alongside higher gas prices, which recently approached $4 per gallon, according to USA TODAY.
As more drivers consider switching to electric, safety ratings are likely to play a larger role in purchasing decisions.
Focusing on models with top safety scores may help buyers balance new technology with long-term peace of mind.
Sources: USA TODAY, IIHS
