Making the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's annual list of Top Safety Picks has never been easy, but more stringent safety-testing criteria implemented this year has produced the most exclusive group of winners ever.
In all, 27 vehicles made the grade, fewer than half of the 72 models that initially landed the coveted award last year. Why? The institute added a new roof-strength test, based on research that showed a strong connection between roof strength and the ability of vehicles to protect occupants during rollovers.
"This new rollover test is not a surprise to the automakers," says IIHS spokesman Russ Rader. "They've been wrangling with the federal government for years over this issue." The IIHS wrapped up its roof-strength research in March 2008 and informed automakers about the new test earlier this year. For companies such as Toyota — which earned 11 picks in 2009 and none for any of its brands this time around — there's time to made amends; automakers can request a retest any time, which helped boost last year's total from 72 to 94 vehicles.
For now, here's a look at the IIHS 2010 picks for the safest new cars and trucks on the road.
Read: MSN Autos' Vehicle Safety Ratings
LARGE CARS
The rollover test wiped six categories off the list (compared with last year's winners), including minivans, pickups and convertibles. The large-car category was one of the five categories to survive, with four winning models.
2010 Ford Taurus SHO
Ford Taurus
The 2010 Taurus has already made its mark with a bold, new, surprisingly unstodgy redesign. Having earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick every year since 2007, the Taurus cements its position as one of Ford's flagship vehicles, and as a diamond in the decidedly rough U.S. auto industry.
2010 Volvo S80
Volvo S80
Like the Taurus, the S80 has been on the IIHS annual list since 2007. Considering Volvo's tradition of industry-leading crash safety, passing the new rollover test isn't a gold star so much as a prerequisite. Along with the Lincoln MKS, the S80 is one of just two luxury large cars on the new list.
Other winners: Buick LaCrosse and Lincoln MKS
MIDSIZE CARS
With 10 winners, midsize cars is the biggest category in this year's list, and probably the most diverse, ranging from the everyday Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger to the aspiring Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It's also the category with some of the most notable disappearances, such as Acura and BMW.
2010 Subaru Legacy
Subaru Legacy
The 2010 Legacy is one of just six vehicles on this year's list with a perfect record, having won a Top Safety Pick every year since the IIHS started giving out the awards in 2006. Don't expect Legacy sales to suddenly spike — people tend to pick this sedan because of what it isn't — namely a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. But as a brand, Subaru continues to add safety to its tradition of all-weather performance.
2010 Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Jetta
Although the Jetta's distinctive looks have become watered down in recent years, the sedan's performance and brand name have helped it stand out in a crowded field. Another Top Safety Pick — the car's third straight since 2008 — won't hurt. Combined with subsidiary Audi's win in the midsize category, Volkswagen has five winners this year, second only to Ford/Volvo for most vehicles on the IIHS list.
Other winners: Audi A3, Chevy Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Subaru Outback, Volkswagen Passat (sedan) and Volvo C30
SMALL CARS
The smaller cars took a pounding during this year's IIHS tests, although roof strength wasn't the only test that took down past winners. The Camry's roof held up, but its head restraints and seats were considered marginal protection against whiplash from rear impacts. Whether Toyota can make a full comeback before next year's list is anyone's guess, but expect the company to retool and retest its Camry in short order.
2010 Kia Soul
Kia Soul
Adding insult to injury, while the Scion xB failed to win top honors, the Kia Soul somehow passed muster. It might be Kia's only 2010 winner, but in the escalating battle for first-time car buyers, one exceedingly safe little car is better than none.
2009 Nissan cube
Nissan cube
Until now, the story of the Nissan cube has been its unique, even freakish appearance, which is either a bold design move or a desperate bid for attention. By storming onto the IIHS list for the first time — one of just five small cars to do so — the cube proves that it's more than just an eccentric first car.
Other winners: Honda Civic (4-door), Subaru Impreza (except WRX) and Volkswagen Golf (4-door)
