The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded its highest safety rating, Top Safety Pick+, to the redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride and the 2026-27 Tesla Model Y. Both SUVs passed IIHS’s toughest crash and avoidance tests, but the Telluride’s award comes with a specific condition.
Telluride’s Headlight Fix Critical for Top Rating
The IIHS limited Top Safety Pick+ eligibility for the 2027 Kia Telluride to models built after June 2026. This is because Kia addressed a headlight performance issue during the model year. Earlier Telluride builds only earned Marginal ratings for headlights, which prevented them from receiving the top safety award.
The headlights must meet a minimum standard of Acceptable or Good in nighttime visibility and glare control across all trims. This criterion proved decisive for the Telluride’s rating, highlighting the growing importance of lighting performance in safety evaluations.
Model Y Maintains Top Safety Status Despite Minor Flaw
The 2026-27 Tesla Model Y secured Good ratings in all crash tests and crash-prevention evaluations. This continues Tesla’s run of strong safety results for its refreshed crossover. However, the Model Y received only a Marginal rating on its seat belt reminder system, a minor setback in an otherwise excellent safety profile.
Both SUVs showed good performance in updated crash tests, including stringent small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side crash scenarios that simulate common real-world collisions.
Other Tested Vehicles Miss the Mark
Alongside the Telluride and Model Y, the IIHS tested five other vehicles that failed to earn any safety awards this cycle. These included the BMW 3 Series, BMW i4, Lexus IS, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Crown Signia. The GMC Canyon, in particular, struggled under newer crash avoidance standards.
Why This Matters to Buyers
IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ requires more than crash survival; it now places strong emphasis on crash avoidance technologies like automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. For buyers interested in the Telluride, checking build dates is crucial because only late 2027 models get the improved headlights needed for the full rating.
The Model Y’s results reinforce Tesla’s safety gains but also point to areas like restraint reminders that could see future improvements. As IIHS tests evolve, these safety ratings may influence which used models hold value and which new vehicles meet rising safety expectations.
Source: motor1.com