Don’t blame safety features for high car prices, experts say
Car prices are rising, but the cause may not be what you think. Don’t blame safety features as vehicle prices soar, the group says.
USA Today Car
- Twelve electric vehicles received the 2026 Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- The IIHS is urging automakers to improve protection for rear seat passengers and strengthen collision avoidance systems.
- The safety assessment comes as consumer interest in electric vehicles increases along with rising gasoline prices.
Twelve electric vehicles and SUVs have been recognized for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 2026 Top Safety Pick award.
This number accounted for more than a quarter of the group’s 45 Top Safety Pick+ certifications, the highest award from the insurance industry group. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is the only fully electric vehicle to receive the group’s Top Safety Pick award, which is the group’s second-highest award.
The findings come as the average price of gasoline rose to $3.99 on March 27 and interest in electric vehicles increases. The price has increased from $3.91 a week ago on March 20th.
The IIHS said it wants automakers to improve the safety of all types of vehicles.
“This year, we’re calling on automakers to make better protection for rear-seat passengers the norm,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “TOP SAFETY PICK+ requires a collision avoidance system that excels in preventing pedestrian collisions and high-speed collisions with other vehicles.”
The USA TODAY Cars team studied IIHS rankings and compiled a list of the safest electric cars on the market.
1. 2027 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $66,700
IIHS Safety Assessment: Top Safety Pick+
what they said: Audi did not comment on the 2026 IIHS certification.
2. 2026 Genesis GV60
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $58,000
IIHS Safety Assessment: Top Safety Pick+
what they said: Genesis said in a press release when several of its vehicles were awarded 2025 Top Safety Picks that the designation “positively advances Genesis’ reputation as a manufacturer of safe vehicles in the U.S. market, because U.S. consumers trust IIHS’ scientific and systematic safety assessment methodology.”
3. 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $36,600
IIHS Safety Assessment: Top Safety Pick+
what they said: “This recognition highlights Hyundai’s dedication to achieving and maintaining the highest safety standards in the automotive industry,” Hyundai said in a press release.
4. 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $60,555
IIHS Safety Assessment: Top Safety Pick+
what they said: Hyundai said in a press release, “The 2026 TSP+ award is given to vehicles that meet rigorous standards set by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including advanced crash safety and occupant protection requirements.”
5. Become EV9 in 2026
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $60,555
IIHS Safety Assessment: Top Safety Pick+
what they said: SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, said in a press release, “Expanding IIHS certification to more models reflects how we prioritize protection as IIHS safety standards continue to evolve.”
6. 2027 Audi Q6 e-tron
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $64,500
IIHS Safety Assessment: Top Safety Pick+
what they said: Audi did not comment on the 2026 IIHS certification.
7. 2027 Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $68,300
IIHS Safety Assessment: Top Safety Pick+
what they said: Audi did not comment on the 2026 IIHS certification.
8. 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $76,740
IIHS Safety Assessment: Top Safety Pick+
what they said: Genesis said in a press release when several of its vehicles were awarded 2025 Top Safety Picks that the designation “positively advances Genesis’ reputation as a manufacturer of safe vehicles in the U.S. market, because U.S. consumers trust IIHS’ scientific and systematic safety assessment methodology.”
9. 2026 Rivian R1S
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $75,900
IIHS Safety Assessment: Top Safety Pick+
what they said: Rivian said in a press release, “To date, the R1S is the only vehicle manufactured by an American car company to win the 2026 model year award in the large SUV category.” Top Safety Pick+ Designation (as of March 2026)
10. 2026 Volvo EX90
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $78,090
IIHS Safety Assessment: Top Safety Pick+
what they said: Volvo did not comment on the 2026 IIHS award.
11. 2026 Tesla Cybertruck
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $79,990
IIHS Safety Assessment: Top Safety Pick+
what they said: Tesla said in an X post on Tuesday, March 24, that the “Cybertruck is extremely safe.”
12. 2026 Ford Mustang Mach E
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $40,595
IIHS Safety Assessment: Top Safety Pick
what they said“This recognition is important to Ford and our team because keeping our customers safe is essential,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said in an X post when the Mustang Mach-E won the 2024 Top Safety Pick award.
