Crash test ratings explained: how to read NHTSA stars and IIHS awards
What government stars and insurance industry awards measure and how to compare cars
Shopping for a safer car can feel confusing. One ad brags about “5 stars.” Another says “Top Safety Pick+.” Are they the same? Is one better?
They are different programs that test different things. Used together, they give a fuller picture of how well a car protects you. This guide explains both and how to use them.
The two main rating programs
NHTSA’s 5 Star Safety Ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration runs the New Car Assessment Program, or NCAP. It crash tests new vehicles and gives star ratings. These ratings are consumer information. They are separate from the minimum safety standards every car must meet by law.
IIHS ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a nonprofit research group funded by auto insurers. It runs its own crash tests, often harder than the government’s. It rates results as Good, Acceptable, Marginal or Poor and gives yearly awards.
What NHTSA's stars measure
Today, NHTSA’s overall star rating is based on three areas [1, 3]:
- Frontal crash. A full width crash into a barrier at 35 mph.
- Side crash. A moving barrier hits the side of the car, plus a separate test where the car slides sideways into a pole.
- Rollover. How likely the vehicle is to roll over in a single vehicle crash.
More stars means a lower chance of serious injury. One important rule: frontal crash stars can only be compared between vehicles of similar weight. A 5 star small car is not as protective as a 5 star large SUV in a crash with each other.
NHTSA also lists whether a car has certain safety features. NHTSA planned to add checkmarks for pedestrian automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning and blind spot intervention, along with a pedestrian protection rating. In September 2025, it delayed those updates from model year 2026 to model year 2027 [1].
What IIHS tests
IIHS uses a wider set of tests [2]:
- Small overlap front. Only the outer corner of the car’s front hits a barrier. This mimics hitting a pole or the corner of another car.
- Updated moderate overlap front. A crash on part of the front, with a dummy in the back seat to check rear passenger protection.
- Updated side test. A heavier, faster barrier, about the size of a modern SUV, hits the side.
- Headlights. How well the headlights light the road without blinding other drivers.
- Front crash prevention. Whether automatic emergency braking can avoid or slow crashes with other vehicles and with pedestrians.
The 2026 IIHS awards
IIHS raised its standards for 2026 [2]:
Comparison compiled by Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
IIHS 2026 award requirements
| Test | Top Safety Pick | Top Safety Pick+ |
|---|---|---|
| Small overlap front | Good | Good |
| Updated moderate overlap front | Good | Good |
| Updated side | Good | Good |
| Headlights | Acceptable or good on all trims | Acceptable or good on all trims |
| Pedestrian front crash prevention | Acceptable or good, standard | Good, standard |
| Vehicle to vehicle front crash prevention (updated test) | Not required | Acceptable or good, standard |
Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, March 2026 [2].
The biggest change is the moderate overlap test. A good rating is now required for both awards. That test checks how well the rear seat protects a passenger. For years, back seats lagged behind front seats in crash protection as front seat belts and air bags improved.
As of March 2026, 63 vehicles had earned 2026 awards: 45 Top Safety Pick+ and 18 Top Safety Pick [2].
How to use ratings when you shop
- Check both programs. A car that does well in both is a strong choice.
- Look past the summary. Read the individual test results. A car can earn 5 stars overall but score lower in one area.
- Compare similar vehicles. Size and weight matter. Larger, heavier vehicles generally protect their occupants better in crashes with smaller ones.
- Match the year and trim. Ratings apply to specific model years. Headlights and safety features often differ by trim level.
- Look for standard safety tech. Automatic emergency braking and good headlights should come standard, not as an extra package.
- For used cars, look up ratings for that exact model year. Older ratings came from older, easier tests.
What ratings do not tell you
Crash tests cannot cover every kind of crash. They do not measure how the car handles in snow, how distracting the touchscreen is or how well a car protects a very tall or very short person. They also cannot measure the most important safety factor: the driver. Seat belts, sober driving, safe speeds and full attention matter more than any rating.
Checklist: using safety ratings
Checklist from Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
- I looked up NHTSA star ratings for the exact model year
- I looked up IIHS ratings and awards for the exact model year
- I checked individual test results, not just the overall score
- I confirmed the trim I want has the rated headlights
- I confirmed automatic emergency braking is standard
- I checked the vehicle for open recalls by VIN
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, NHTSA or IIHS ratings?
Neither replaces the other. NHTSA tests are the government’s standard measure. IIHS often adds newer, tougher tests. Use both.
Why do some cars have no rating?
Neither group tests every model every year. Low volume or very new models may not be rated yet.
Do safety ratings affect my insurance?
They can. Insurers consider claim history and safety features when setting rates. Ask your agent.
Related articles
Sources and further reading
- 1Sidley Austin. “NHTSA Delays Implementing Updates to the Five Star Safety Ratings Program (NCAP).” September 30, 2025. environmentalhealthsafetybrief.sidley.com/…/nhtsa-delays-implementing-u…
- 2Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “IIHS pushes improvements in crash avoidance with 2026 awards.” March 24, 2026. iihs.org/…/iihs-pushes-improvements-in…
- 3National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Vehicle Safety Ratings.” nhtsa.gov/ratings
This article reflects the safety priorities of vehicle safety and informed car buying. It is general education, not purchasing advice. Check NHTSA and IIHS for the latest ratings. Reviewed November 2026.
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