Electric Cars and Hybrids in IIHS Tests: What Matters to Buyers
Tesla Model Y and Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid have earned the IIHS top safety award, and experts point out which electric cars suit young drivers. We break down what to look for when choosing an electric or hybrid car.
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the Top Safety Pick+ to two models that interest electric car and hybrid buyers: the Tesla Model Y and the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. For those choosing a car in Armenia, this is a good opportunity to understand the criteria by which such vehicles are evaluated and which of them suit novice drivers.
New Awards
- The Tesla Model Y 2026–27 earned Top Safety Pick+ thanks to good ratings in all tests. The model was updated for the 2026 model year.
- The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a new model that also received Top Safety Pick+. It performed well in the front crash prevention test against other vehicles. The hybrid is rated separately from the regular Crosstrek because their structures and restraint systems differ.
What It Takes to Earn the Award
To earn the award this year, a vehicle must show good results in the moderate overlap frontal, small overlap frontal, and side crash tests, and its headlights must be rated at least acceptable on all trim levels.
To earn the regular Top Safety Pick, an acceptable or good rating for pedestrian crash prevention is also required. To earn the "plus," a good rating on that test and an acceptable or good rating for the updated vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention system, which IIHS introduced in 2024, are needed. Importantly, front crash prevention systems must be standard rather than optional.
Electric Cars on the Teen Driver List
IIHS and Consumer Reports jointly compiled a list of used and new cars for young drivers. It includes 45 used cars priced from $10,000 that provide good crash protection. Another 29 models with good headlights and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection can be found for up to $20,000. For those who prefer new cars, 22 2026 model year vehicles were selected.
Electric cars are increasingly appearing on the used car market as leases end, and several of them made it onto this list. According to IIHS, electric cars are in principle no less safe than gasoline-powered cars, but their rapid acceleration can be a problem for inexperienced drivers.
What to Consider When Choosing
- The list excludes cars with excessive power relative to their weight, so even among the approved models it is better to choose the base motor.
- Check whether automatic emergency braking is standard and which headlights are fitted on your trim level.
- Before buying, request an insurance quote: IIHS recommends doing so, since insurance costs vary greatly by model.
- For a family planning to hand the car down to a child in a few years, such models can also be convenient as a family car.
At HS Motors, we will help you choose an electric car or hybrid that fits your needs, budget, and driving experience.
