2010 IIHS Top Safety Picks: 27 Cars and SUVs Earn Highest Marks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named 27 vehicles as 2010 Top Safety Picks, with models from Buick, Audi and Honda leading their categories.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named 27 vehicles as Top Safety Picks for 2010, recognising cars and SUVs that performed best in its crash tests and offered comprehensive safety features. The list highlights models across large car, midsize car, small car, midsize SUV and small SUV categories.
Large and midsize cars lead the field
In the large car segment, the Buick LaCrosse took top honours, joined by the Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS and Volvo S80. These models met the IIHS criteria by achieving top scores in front, side and rear crash protection, and by offering electronic stability control as standard or optional equipment.
The midsize car category was the most competitive, with ten models recognised. The Audi A3, Chevrolet Malibu (built after October 2009), Mercedes C-Class, Subaru Legacy and Outback, Volkswagen Jetta and Passat, Volvo C30, Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger (both with optional stability control) all met the IIHS requirements for crashworthiness and safety technology.
Small cars and SUVs earn recognition
Among small cars, the Honda Civic 4-door (excluding Si, and with optional stability control) was named a Top Safety Pick. Other small car winners included the Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, Subaru Impreza (except WRX) and Volkswagen Golf 4-door. The inclusion of stability control was crucial for several of these models.
Eight SUVs appeared on the 2010 list. In the midsize SUV group, the Dodge Journey, Subaru Tribeca, Volvo XC60 and XC90 were recognised. Small SUV winners were the Honda Element, Jeep Patriot (with optional side torso airbags), Subaru Forester and Volkswagen Tiguan. These vehicles met the IIHS’s standards for occupant protection and rollover resistance.
Why electronic stability control mattered in 2010
For the 2010 awards, the IIHS required electronic stability control (ESC) to be standard or available as an option. This requirement narrowed the field, particularly among small cars and SUVs. Models such as the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger and Jeep Patriot only qualified when fitted with specific safety options. The focus on ESC reflected growing evidence of its effectiveness in reducing loss-of-control crashes.
Full list of 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick winners
- Large cars: Buick LaCrosse, Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80
- Midsize cars: Audi A3, Chevrolet Malibu (after Oct 2009), Chrysler Sebring (with ESC), Dodge Avenger (with ESC), Mercedes C-Class, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Volkswagen Jetta sedan, Volkswagen Passat sedan, Volvo C30
- Small cars: Honda Civic 4-door (with ESC), Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, Subaru Impreza (except WRX), Volkswagen Golf 4-door
- Midsize SUVs: Dodge Journey, Subaru Tribeca, Volvo XC60, Volvo XC90
- Small SUVs: Honda Element, Jeep Patriot (with side airbags), Subaru Forester, Volkswagen Tiguan
Raising the bar for safety
The 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick awards reflected the industry’s increasing emphasis on crash protection and active safety technology. Manufacturers that invested in structural improvements and advanced safety systems saw their efforts recognised, with several models gaining awards only after mid-year updates or the addition of stability control. The list provided a clear reference for buyers prioritising safety in their next car or SUV.
