The Tesla Model Y has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award — the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest recognition. It's the fifth consecutive year a Model Y has taken the designation, and the 2026 model continues that streak with top marks across every major crash and prevention test.
What the Award Actually Requires
Top Safety Pick+ is not a participation trophy. IIHS awards it only to vehicles that earn a "Good" rating — the highest possible score — across all crashworthiness evaluations. For the Model Y, that means clean results in the small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front, and side impact tests. On top of that, the vehicle must earn top marks for pedestrian automatic emergency braking and headlight quality across all trim levels, not just a premium package.
According to IIHS data, the Model Y was one of only two midsize luxury SUVs to earn the Top Safety Pick+ distinction when the 2025 model was evaluated. The 2026 model carries that forward.
Which Model Y Trims Are Covered
The headlight requirement is where many vehicles stumble — a single trim with poor headlights can disqualify an entire model line. The Model Y clears that bar across all configurations. Whether you're in a base Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range AWD, or Performance trim, the award applies to your vehicle.
What This Means If You're Shopping
If you're comparing the Model Y to other midsize SUVs in the same price range, the IIHS result is a meaningful data point. Insurance carriers use these ratings when pricing policies — a Top Safety Pick+ designation can translate to lower premiums depending on your insurer and state. It's worth calling your provider and specifically referencing the IIHS award when your policy renews.
What Existing Owners Should Do
If you already own a Model Y, here are three concrete steps worth taking now:
- Verify your insurance rate reflects the safety rating. Contact your insurer and confirm they have the current IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status on file for the Model Y. Some carriers update this automatically; others require you to prompt them.
- Check that Autopilot Emergency Braking is enabled. The pedestrian AEB system contributed to the top prevention rating. On your touchscreen, go to Controls > Autopilot and confirm "Automatic Emergency Braking" is toggled on. It ships enabled by default, but it's worth a quick check.
- Keep your camera lenses clean. The forward-facing cameras that power AEB and pedestrian detection need clear sightlines. Dirty or obstructed lenses degrade system performance. A quick wipe during your next wash takes 30 seconds.
Five consecutive years of Top Safety Pick+ recognition is a consistent track record, not a one-cycle result. For a vehicle that carries families daily, that consistency matters more than any single test score. The 2026 Model Y continues to earn it.
Related Gear
Gear up your Model Y with tested, custom-fit BASENOR accessories — shop Model Y accessories →
Sources & reporting notes
The links below identify the material source records used for this report.
- @tesla_na on X (2026-09-03T04:02:00.000Z) — Direct source
Source links are preserved as published or accessed. See our editorial standards and corrections policy.
The BASENOR Editorial Desk covers Tesla, SpaceX, and related technology, curating reporting from primary sources — official accounts, regulatory filings, and software release data. Every article passes source-record and fact-checking review before publication. About the newsroom.
This report was curated by the BASENOR Editorial Desk from the sources listed above. Read our editorial standards or email editorial@basenor.com to report an error.
