Hyundai Takes the Lead in 2025 IIHS Safety Awards: What Fort Smith Drivers Should Know

At Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, we understand that safety is a top priority. That’s why we’re proud to share that Hyundai has earned five 2025 Top Safety Pick+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These awards highlight Hyundai’s commitment to protecting every occupant in the vehicle—front and back. With a growing focus on back seat protection, Hyundai continues to raise the bar for automotive safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program also provides crucial safety information about new cars like those from Hyundai, emphasizing crash protection and rollover safety.

Hyundai’s safety achievements contribute directly to reducing injuries and fatalities on the road. From school drop-offs to weekend escapes into the Ozarks, Fort Smith drivers can count on Hyundai for peace of mind and real-world protection. Ensuring the safety of Hyundai’s customers is paramount. These awards are a testament to their dedication to driver and passenger protection.

Manufacturers like Hyundai are being recognized for their safety efforts, particularly in enhancing safety features for second-row occupants.

What’s New for 2025? IIHS Focuses on Back Seat Safety

Each year, the IIHS updates its testing standards to encourage safer vehicles. For 2025, the spotlight is on second-row passenger protection and the integration of crash avoidance technologies as part of the updated safety standards. Safety professionals play a crucial role in developing and implementing these new safety standards. This ensures comprehensive protection for all vehicle occupants.

The updated moderate overlap front crash test now includes a second dummy behind the driver. This simulates a child or smaller adult. It helps measure how well second row occupants are safeguarded in a crash.

Here’s what it takes to qualify for IIHS awards in 2025:

• Top Safety Pick: At least an acceptable rating in the updated rear crash test
• Top Safety Pick+: A good rating in that same test

Many vehicles are excellent at protecting front-seat passengers. However, back-seat safety has often lagged behind. Hyundai is working to close that gap and is setting the standard for others to follow.

Additional IIHS criteria include:

• Good ratings in updated side and small overlap front crash tests
• Acceptable or good pedestrian crash prevention (day and night)
• Good-rated headlights on all trims

Hyundai’s 2025 Top Safety Pick+ Winners

Despite stricter evaluations, five Hyundai models earned the highest safety honors. This is due to their high performance in safety tests:

• 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Electric)
• 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 (Electric)
• 2025 Hyundai Kona (Gas model)
• 2025 Hyundai Tucson / Tucson Hybrid
• 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe / Santa Fe Hybrid (built after November 2024)

Each vehicle passed a series of crash tests including real-world simulations. They also passed NCAP evaluations with flying colors. The crash prevention test also contributed significantly to these safety awards. Innovations like advanced seat belts, airbag systems, and rear occupant protection played a significant role in earning these accolades.

These vehicles had to earn good ratings in various crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to qualify for prestigious awards like the Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+.

Hyundai Motor Group: A Safety Leader

Hyundai isn’t alone in leading the industry. Its sister brands—Kia and Genesis—also brought home safety awards. In total, Hyundai Motor Group earned 12 Top Safety Pick or Pick+ honors, making it the top-ranked automotive group for safety in 2025. Independent organizations like the IIHS play a crucial role in evaluating vehicle safety. This ensures that only the safest vehicles receive recognition.

The IIHS awards program sets rigorous criteria for the Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards. It requires high performance in various crash tests and safety assessments. This highlights the commitment of automakers like Hyundai to meet these stringent safety standards.

This success reflects a long-standing commitment to safety across the board. Year after year, Hyundai Motor Group designs vehicles that not only meet but exceed safety expectations. This showcases the brand’s dedication to safety and innovation.

Advanced Safety Starts with Hyundai SmartSense

Hyundai vehicles are built with real families in mind. They’re equipped with advanced technology features that help prevent crashes and minimize injury. Hyundai SmartSense is a suite of advanced safety technologies. It comes standard on many models and is designed to support drivers every step of the way.

Crash prevention features are crucial in Hyundai vehicles. This ensures the highest level of safety for all occupants.

Key features include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist – Helps detect vehicles and pedestrians to reduce the risk of frontal collisions
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning – Monitors hard-to-see areas when changing lanes
• Lane Keeping Assist – Helps prevent drifting by keeping you centered in your lane
• Rear Occupant Alert – Reminds drivers to check the back seat when exiting
• Side Airbags for Rear Passengers – Adds protection in the event of a side impact

Cole Stutz, Hyundai’s Chief Safety Officer, emphasizes: “We want every passenger—front or back—to be safe. That’s why we’ve added better seat belts, enhanced airbags, and smart alert systems to protect vehicle occupants effectively.”

Why Safety Matters for Fort Smith Families

In Fort Smith, staying active means being on the road often. From downtown commutes and school pickups to weekend outings in the River Valley or Mount Magazine trails, having a vehicle that protects your loved ones is essential for reducing deaths in car accidents.

Hyundai’s 2025 Top Safety Pick+ models are built to help avoid accidents and safeguard everyone inside if one occurs. With improved back seat protection and crash avoidance features, Hyundai’s safety-first approach makes a difference for drivers of all ages. These models must earn good ratings in various crash tests to qualify for prestigious awards. This ensures the highest level of family safety.

As IIHS President David Harkey said, “Every 2025 award-winning Hyundai offers excellent protection for both front and back seat passengers.”

Shop Hyundai’s Safest Models at Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith

Looking for a vehicle that puts safety first? Visit Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith to explore our selection of 2025 Top Safety Pick+ winners. Learn about the benefits of purchasing a Hyundai vehicle with top safety ratings:

• The all-electric Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6
• The versatile Tucson and Santa Fe SUVs
• The efficient and agile Kona

Safety ratings are crucial for consumers. They provide valuable information to help them make informed decisions about new vehicles.

Our team is here to help you find the right model for your lifestyle. We also help with financing options and lease deals. There’s also special offers on electric models. This includes complimentary home charger installation on select EVs.

Stop by today or schedule a test drive online. See for yourself why Hyundai continues to lead the way in automotive safety. They’re especially invested in the advanced safety features of every new car.

Tags: 2025 models, Awards, Back seat, Crash test, Hyundai, IIHS, Little Rock, Safety, SmartSense, Top Safety Pick+
Posted in Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith | No Comments »