When judging vehicle safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) leaves nothing to chance. In 2023, it even tightened requirements for its annual TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, where professionals crash cars to see how well they hold up under pressure.
But despite the demand, Toyota delivered.
Competing against more than a dozen other vehicle brands, Toyota won the most IIHS awards in 2023 — including 5 TOP SAFETY PICKs and 5 TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards.
But what goes into such an award?
What are TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+?
Since 2006 and 2013 respectively, the IIHS has awarded the annual TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards. To win, a vehicle must check off items on an evaluation list, with the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award demanding higher standards.
In 2023, the IIHS rewrote and tightened award requirements. For instance, cars must now withstand a side crash test with 82% more applied energy. They must also perform well in an all-new nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention test.
Last year, 151 models won IIHS awards. As of May 2023, that number is just 51, with Toyotas making up a fifth of the winners. Let’s look at some of Toyota’s — and the world’s — safest vehicles.
TOP SAFETY PICK winners
We’ll start with the TOP SAFETY PICK winners. These vehicles performed admirably in tests that evaluated how well they hold up in a crash, the effectiveness of their accident prevention software, come standard with “Acceptable” or “Good” rated headlights, and rank well in other safety measurements.
2023 Corolla and Corolla Hatchback
Excellence is nothing new for the Corolla. It has won an IIHS award for the past six consecutive years. The Corolla Hatchback has also won yearly since 2018, when it went on sale for the first time as a 2019 model.
In 2023, the Corolla and Corolla Hatchback are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS) 3.0. TSS 3.0 is a suite of automatic safety systems that help keep you and your passengers secure on the road. Its newest inception updates pre-existing systems and even creates some new ones — like Proactive Driving Assist, which helps you stay in your lane, avoid parked vehicles and pedestrians, turn into curves, and more.
Learn more about the 2023 Corolla and Corolla Hatchback here.
2023 RAV4 and RAV4 Prime
Next up are the RAV4 and RAV4 Prime, which both won a TOP SAFETY PICK award. The difference is that the RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid, while the RAV4 can be gas-powered or a plugless hybrid.
Like many Toyotas, the RAV4 isn’t new to IIHS awards. It’s won one for the past eight years in a row. The RAV4 Prime has also won one every year since 2020, when it was released as a 2021 model.
The RAV4 was fully redesigned in 2019, boasting a higher, longer, and more sculpted frame and body. The 2023 model introduces creature comforts like a larger 8-inch standard multimedia screen and a new, intuitive infotainment system. But the new additions don’t take away from the vehicle’s safety — the RAV4 and RAV4 Prime also have TSS 2.5+.
Learn more about the 2023 RAV4 and RAV4 Prime here.
2023 Venza
When it comes to IIHS awards, the Venza goes back generations — in vehicle years, that is.
From 2009 to 2013, the first-generation Venza won TOP SAFETY PICK every year without fail. And when the reimagined second-generation Venza came out in 2020 as a 2021 model, it picked up the mantle again. The 2023 Venza continues the tradition as a TOP SAFETY PICK.
Unlike the original Venza, the redesigned Venza only comes as a hybrid. With available features like an available Star Gaze™ panoramic glass roof and a nine-speaker JBL® Premium sound system, it’s clear that the Venza has driver experience in mind. But the 2023 Venza also offers unique safety features like Homelink®, which projects a clearer, wider view of what’s behind your vehicle onto your rearview mirror from a back camera. The 2023 Venza also has TSS 2.5+, a step up from the 2022 model’s TSS 2.0.
Click here to learn more about the 2023 Venza.
TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners
Separating themselves from the pack, TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners held up under the IIHS’ most stringent standards. These vehicles tested better in crash simulations and proved to prevent accidents in nighttime scenarios, not just daytime.2023 Camry
The 2023 Camry scored a ‘good,’ or ‘G,’ in all seven listed crashworthiness tests. It even scored a ‘G+’ in the child seat anchors category. The seat tethers are easy to find, easy to maneuver, and easy to attach, the IIHS evaluation said.
Alongside new options like the extended stylish Nightshade package, the 2023 Camry received important safety features, too. The Driver Assist Package includes Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, which can detect obstacles and brake your vehicle if needed. The package also includes the Panoramic View Monitor, which uses cameras mounted around your vehicle to show your car’s surroundings for careful maneuvers.
And no matter the trim, your 2023 Camry has TSS 2.5+, the powerful forerunner to TSS 3.0.
Click here to learn more about the 2023 Camry.
2023 Highlander
In 2023, the Highlander has yet again lived up to its reputation as one of the safest SUVs on the market. The TOP SAFETY PICK+ badge is proof enough.
The Highlander is on a TOP SAFETY PICK+ streak. It’s won the highest distinction for the past three years in a row — and it’s also been on the IIHS awards list for the past 15 years.
The 2023 model has many improvements, including a new, more efficient turbocharged 2.4-liter four cylinder engine replacing the V6. It also offers a new 12.3-inch multimedia screen, one of Toyota’s largest. And don’t worry — the Highlander has TSS 2.5+ for your peace of mind.
Click here to learn more about the 2023 Highlander.
2023 Sienna
The Sienna celebrates its 25th birthday in 2023. What better way to celebrate than a TOP SAFETY PICK+ win?
Just like the Highlander, the Sienna has snagged TOP SAFETY PICK+ since 2020. That’s the same year the vehicle was redesigned as a 2021 model — its first major facelift since 2011.
The new Sienna is now hybrid-only, offering great gas mileage for a minivan. It also added quality-of-life features like kick-activated sliding doors and safety features like a standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The 2023 model introduces the 25th Anniversary Edition Sienna, which is equipped with special design badges, memory seats, and more. Every Sienna comes with TSS 2.0.
Click here to learn more about the 2023 Sienna.
2023 Tundra
Both of the models scored perfect or near-perfect in the various IIHS tests. During the front crash prevention test in the vehicle-to-pedestrian category, the Tundra sounded a warning 2.2 seconds before impact. That's a more advanced alarm than any other Toyota model, even among those that won TOP SAFETY PICK+.
The Tundra was redesigned just last year, featuring a new, powerful, and award-winning optional hybrid engine called the i-FORCE MAX. It also offers a host of truck-specific systems that help you navigate the road safely. Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist, for example, helps you keep your trailer in a straight line as you back up. And as always, TSS 2.5 comes standard.
Click here to learn more about the 2023 Tundra.
With Toyota, safety comes first
The IIHS has long hailed Toyota as one of the safest vehicle brands, and 2023 is no different. Our vehicles stood up against the organization's most demanding tests yet — and passed with flying colors.Visit your local Toyota dealership to see what Toyotas are available near you.