That Top-Tier Safety Rating On Your 10-Year-Old Car Might Not Equal Modern Standards

A 10-year-old car with a top-tier safety rating may not meet modern safety standards. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award has changed drastically over the years, with new crashworthiness tests and eligibility criteria.

For example, the 2016 Mazda 3 hatchback won the Top Safety Pick+, but the eligibility criteria for the 2026 model are different. The 2026 model requires good or acceptable headlight ratings, a passenger-side crash test, and pedestrian crash prevention, which were not required in 2016.

The IIHS has also updated its testing procedures, including the use of updated dummies, faster testing speeds, and a heavier testing rig. Additionally, the NHTSA has proposed updates to its safety program, including the inclusion of advanced driver-assistance technologies such as pedestrian automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

Euro NCAP has also updated its testing and rating procedures, with changes including post-crash measures and a 100-point scoring system. This means that safety ratings are not timeless and can become outdated as new technologies and testing procedures are developed.