Sixteen vehicle models across a dozen brands recently got top safety awards from a major tester, some tweaked in the middle of their models years to qualify.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety nods came in two award tiers based on models’ safety performance in several tests that disqualified other vehicles from recognition. The designations can be influential with consumers who prioritize vehicle safety.

Evaluations included front and side crash tests and consideration of front pedestrian crash-prevention and headlights across trim levels.

Audi took home the most awards with three, all in the highest tier of Top Safety Pick+. The full winner list in that category are:

• Audi A6 Sportback e-tron

• Audi Q5

• Audi Q5 Sportback

• Genesis G80

• Honda Passport

• Infiniti QX60

• Kia Sorento

• Lexus NX

• Subaru Forester

• Tesla Cybertruck

• Volkswagen Atlas

• Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 

• Volvo EX90

The next-highest honor of Top Safety Pick goes to models that score an “acceptable” rather than a “good” rating on a front crash test. They are:

• Acura ADX

• Hyundai Palisade 

• Tesla Model 3

Full rankings, including partial model-year awards, can be downloaded here.

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