Brand hub ยท IIHS data updated 2026-09-03
Hyundai Safety Ratings (2026)
Every current Hyundai model in IIHS records, scored with the same formula as our main ranking, plus real-world death rates for used Hyundai models where the data exists.
See every Hyundai rankedThe safest current Hyundai is the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9, scoring 96.8/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, #6 of 131 in our overall ranking. Hyundai has 11 current models in IIHS records, 9 with complete crash-test results; 7 earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick+ and 1 earned a Top Safety Pick. Older Hyundai models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 71.7 per million registered vehicle years, grade F on our brand ranking. That is context from older models and is not part of the score.
Every current Hyundai ranked by safety
Equal scores share a rank. The score is 55% primary IIHS tests, 25% selected occupant-protection details, 10% pedestrian front crash prevention, and 10% class context. Missing evidence never counts as passing. Class rank compares each model with every vehicle in its IIHS class, not just other Hyundai models.
| Rank | Vehicle | Class | Class rank | IIHS award | Starts at | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 | Midsize SUVs | 1 of 30 | TSP+ | ~$58,955 | 96.8 |
| #2 | 2026 Hyundai Elantra | Small cars | 1 of 16 | TSP | ~$22,625 | 94.1 |
| #3 | 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 | Small SUVs | 3 of 28 | TSP+ | ~$35,000 | 93.1 |
| #3 | 2026 Hyundai Tucson | Small SUVs | 3 of 28 | TSP+ | ~$29,450 | 93.1 |
| #5 | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | Midsize SUVs | 16 of 30 | TSP+ | ~$34,800 | 92.3 |
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| #6 | 2026 Hyundai Kona | Small SUVs | 6 of 28 | TSP+ | ~$25,500 | 91.7 |
| #7 | 2026 Hyundai Sonata | Midsize cars | 3 of 4 | TSP+ | ~$27,450 | 89.4 |
| #8 | 2026 Hyundai Palisade | Midsize SUVs | 19 of 30 | TSP+ | ~$38,935 | 89.3 |
| #9 | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz | Small pickups | 1 of 6 | No award | ~$29,750 | 81.2 |
Prices are approximate base MSRPs excluding destination. TSP+ is IIHS Top Safety Pick+; TSP is Top Safety Pick. Full weights and rules are on the methodology page.
2 Hyundai models still waiting on complete IIHS results
These are listed so you can see what has been tested. A missing result is never treated as a pass or a fail, so they are not ranked.
| Vehicle | Class | Primary tests reported | Detail results reported | IIHS award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 6 | Midsize cars | 3/4 | 4/4 | No award |
| 2026 Hyundai Venue | Small SUVs | 2/4 | 2/4 | No award |
Real-world death rates for used Hyundai models
Driver deaths per million registered vehicle years from the IIHS driver death rate study, compared with the average for each model's class. Lower is better. These are older model years and are separate from the crash-test scores above.
| Vehicle | Model years | Driver death rate | Class average | Used price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD | 2019-20 | 17 | 42.6 | n/a |
| Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD | 2019-20 | 19 | 42.6 | n/a |
| Hyundai Tucson 4WD | 2019-20 | 40 | 42.6 | n/a |
| Hyundai Tucson 2WD | 2019-20 | 60 | 42.6 | n/a |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2020 | 103 | 60.5 | n/a |
| Hyundai Accent | 2018-20 | 152 | 162.6 | n/a |
Green means at or below the class average; red means above it. Every used model is on the safest used cars page.
Older Hyundai model years
Earlier model years with IIHS results on this site. They are not part of the current ranking.
Questions people ask about Hyundai safety
Is Hyundai a safe brand?
Hyundai has 11 current models in IIHS records, 9 with complete crash-test records. 7 earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and 1 earned a Top Safety Pick. The best current Hyundai is the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 at 96.8/100, #6 of 131 in our overall ranking. Older Hyundai models (2017 to 2020 model years) had a sales-weighted driver death rate of 71.7 per million registered vehicle years, grade F; that is historical context and not part of the score. Safety varies more between models than between brands, so pick the model first.
What is the safest Hyundai?
The safest current Hyundai in our 2026 ranking is the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 (midsize suvs), scoring 96.8/100 with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It ranks #1 of 30 in its class.
Which Hyundai models earned Top Safety Pick+ in 2026?
7 current Hyundai models earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+: Hyundai IONIQ 9, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Palisade. 1 more earned a Top Safety Pick: Hyundai Elantra.
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