Hyundai, Kia, VW win most top safety pick awards

Motorists considering the purchase of a safe, new car have a lot of choice in the new model year, after the U.S. insurance industry released its longest-ever list of  "Top Safety Pick" award winners.

This year's list, released by the Virginia-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on Wednesday, features a total of 66 vehicles. That's more than double the number that made it onto the influential list at the start of the last model year.

"So, if you're looking for a new car there are so many vehicles that earn the top safety ratings now that you really don't have to settle for one that gets less than stellar ratings," IIHS spokesperson Russ Rader told CTV's Canada AM.

In fact, the institute notes that every major automaker has at least one award-winner this year.

"Automakers have really stepped up to the plate," Rader said, explaining that while all vehicles have to meet minimum safety standards before they can be sold, "These are the vehicles that go far beyond that."

To qualify for the annual awards, vehicles must pass a series of tests for occupant protection in front, side and rear crashes. The insurance industry research and communications group also requires award-winners to have anti-rollover electronic stability control and outstanding roof strength.

When that last qualification was added last year, it sharply narrowed the initial field of 2010 winners to just 27. Manufacturers responded, however, adjusting designs and introducing new models so that 58 vehicles eventually qualified.

As for the inclusion of stability control, Rader says that is probably "the most important safety feature most people have never heard of."

"The best thing is a crash that doesn't happen," Rader added, noting that stability control is designed to help the driver retain control of the vehicle in emergency situations.

Hyundai, Kia, VW lead winners

A pair of South Korean automakers -- Hyundai Motor Corp. and Kia Motors Corps. -- as well as Volkswagen AG with its Audi brand received the most awards with nine.

General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. were close behind with eight awards each.

Rader says Toyota's turnaround is significant, considering it didn't have any vehicles on the list at the beginning of 2010.

"But now Toyota is one of the manufacturers with the most awards."

Subaru, with its total of five top safety picks, is the only manufacturer to be recognized in every category in which it competes.

The complete list of "2011 Top Safety Pick" award winners:

Large cars

    - Buick LaCrosse
    - Buick Regal
    - BMW 5 series (except 4-wheel drive and V8)
    - Cadillac CTS sedan
    - Ford Taurus
    - Hyundai Genesis
    - Infinite M37/M56 (except M56x 4-wheel drive)
    - Lincoln MKS
    - Mercedes E class coupe
    - Mercedes E class sedan
    - Toyota Avalon
    - Volvo S80

Midsize cars

    - Audi A3
    - Audi A4 sedan
    - Chevrolet Malibu
    - Chrysler 200 4-door
    - Dodge Avenger
    - Ford Fusion
    - Hyundai Sonata
    - Kia Optima
    - Lincoln MKZ
    - Mercedes C class
    - Subaru Legacy
    - Subaru Outback
    - Volkswagen Jetta sedan
    - Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
    - Volvo C30

Small cars

    - Chevrolet Cruze
    - Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
    - Kia Forte sedan
    - Kia Soul
    - Mitsubishi Lancer sedan (except 4-wheel drive)
    - Nissan Cube
    - Scion tC
    - Scion xB
    - Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX)
    - Toyota Corolla
    - Volkswagen Golf 4-door
    - Volkswagen GTI 4-door

Minicar

    - Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback built after July 2010

Minivan

    - Toyota Sienna

Large SUV

    - Volkswagen Touareg

Midsize SUVs

    - Audi Q5
    - Cadillac SRX
    - Chevrolet Equinox
    - Dodge Journey
    - Ford Explorer
    - Ford Flex
    - GMC Terrain
    - Hyundai Santa Fe
    - Jeep Grand Cherokee
    - Kia Sorento built after March 2010
    - Lexus RX
    - Lincoln MKT
    - Mercedes GLK
    - Subaru Tribeca
    - Toyota Highlander
    - Toyota Venza
    - Volvo XC60
    - Volvo XC90

Small SUVs

    - Honda Element
    - Hyundai Tucson
    - Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags
    - Kia Sportage
    - Subaru Forester
    - Volkswagen Tiguan