Mazda continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the automotive industry’s safety leaders after the 2026 Mazda CX-5 received the highest safety recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The midsize SUV earned the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award following the organization’s latest round of crash and safety evaluations.
With the addition of the CX-5, Mazda now holds nine IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards for the 2026 model year, more than any other automaker. The achievement extends the lead the Japanese manufacturer established earlier this year when it topped the rankings with eight award-winning models.
Mazda Reaches a New Safety Milestone
The latest recognition also marks a significant milestone for the company. Since the IIHS introduced the Top Safety Pick program in 2008, Mazda has accumulated 100 safety awards, including 74 Top Safety Pick+ honors—the institute’s highest distinction.
The company attributes its success to continuous improvements in structural engineering, occupant protection, and advanced driver-assistance technologies designed to help prevent collisions before they occur.
CX-5 Excels in Updated Crash Tests
The 2026 CX-5 achieved top marks after successfully completing the IIHS’s most demanding testing protocols, including small and moderate front overlap crash tests, updated side-impact evaluations, headlight performance, and crash prevention systems for both vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian scenarios.
According to Jennifer Morrison, Director of Vehicle Safety Strategy at Mazda North American Operations, the award reflects the manufacturer’s long-term commitment to occupant protection and supports the company’s goal of achieving zero fatalities in Mazda vehicles by 2040.
Human-Centered Safety Philosophy
Beyond crash-test performance, Mazda continues to develop vehicles under its Human-Centric Design philosophy. This approach focuses on reducing driver fatigue, improving visibility, and enabling more natural responses during emergency situations, with the objective of making driving both safer and more intuitive.
The company’s emphasis on preventive safety has become one of its defining characteristics, combining structural integrity with advanced technologies that assist drivers before accidents occur.
Nine Award-Winning Mazda Models
In addition to the 2026 CX-5, the following models also received the 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation:
Mazda3 Sedan, Mazda3 Hatchback, CX-30, CX-50 (including the hybrid version), CX-70, CX-70 PHEV, CX-90, and CX-90 PHEV.
The latest recognition further reinforces Mazda’s commitment to making safety a core pillar of its product strategy while continuing to invest in technologies that protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
Consumers looking to compare the Mazda CX-5 with other SUVs or explore available Mazda models can browse the latest listings on Yacarros.