The safest 2013 model-year cars

The Volvo S60 excels in the IIHS small overlap frontal crash test. This test simulates a 40-mph impact between the front of the car and an object standing in for another vehicle or utility pole. The Swedish automaker's record is legendary, and the award of a Top Safety Pick+ shows how successfully Volvo has managed to excite and modernize its fleet without straying from its core tenets of safety and solidity.

2013 Volvo S60

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The 2013 Acura TL also stands out in the IIHS small overlap frontal crash test. Four other Acura models earned Top Safety Pick honors in addition to the TL's Top Safety Pick+. Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure has much to do with its high safety standard. ACE uses a network of structural elements within the body to better distribute crash energy around and away from the driver and passengers during a frontal crash. With ACE II set to debut in Acura's redesigned lineup — and already being featured in the new Honda Accord — expect more Top Safety Pick+ nods in the future.

The all-new Fusion has been turning heads and earning accolades since its debut; an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award confirms that Ford has an all-around hit on its hands. The IIHS specifically cites Fusions built after December 2012 for the Top Safety Pick+ award. The all-new Fusion uses Ford's Personal Safety system, incorporating eight airbags, a restraint control module that gathers information from sensors around the cabin, and venting technology designed to enhance side-impact protection in order to deliver one of the safest rides on the market today.

2013 Ford Fusion

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Chrysler has continually improved the 200 with every model year, and IIHS recognition shows that its work is paying dividends. The 200's front and rear crumple zones and active head restraints work in conjunction with a litany of airbag systems, including front airbags that deploy with variable amounts of force dependent on the crash.

2013 Chrysler 200

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The 2012 Dodge Avenger was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and the 2013 Avenger continues the trend by being among the first class of Top Safety Pick+ cars. The Avenger features a full complement of airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, active head restraints and a special child-seat restraint system. With safety accolades to go along with its power and affordability, the Avenger makes a fine showing for itself in the midsize family sedan segment.

2013 Dodge Avenger

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In both its 2- and 4-door configurations, the redesigned Accord earns Honda two more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honors in addition to the Acura TL. Using Honda's new Advanced Compatibility Engineering II body structure, the 2013 Accord's front frame is designed to disperse more energy away from the driver and passengers during a wider range of crash scenarios than previous models. The new ACE II body structure helped earn the 2013 Accord coupe and sedan high marks in small overlap frontal crash testing and overall Top Safety Pick+ status.

2013 Honda Accord

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Kia's affordable midsize sedan is impressing consumers all over the country, and now Kia will tout the Optima's IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition. The Optima scores an "acceptable" rating in the small overlap frontal crash results and "good" ratings in all other categories, thanks to its reinforced body with side-impact protection beams, active head restraints and seatbelt pre-tensioners.

2013 Kia Optima

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Awarded for Altima sedans built after November 2012, the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ isn't the first accolade the 2013 Altima has earned, but it may be the most exclusive. The Altima's zone body construction, 3-point seat-belt system, LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system, airbag system and Vehicle Dynamic Control all contribute to its excellent safety marks.

2013 Nissan Altima

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Subaru's commitment to safety is evident throughout its entire lineup, and its flagship sedan, the Legacy, stood out enough to earn a Top Safety Pick+ nod for models built after August 2012. Beyond Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive platform, the 2013 Legacy features a ring-shaped reinforcement frame, Vehicle Dynamic Control and Brake Assist. In addition, Subaru's EyeSight system uses cameras to help avoid dangerous situations.

2013 Subaru Legacy

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Not content with one model as a Top Safety Pick+ winner, Subaru earned a second with the 2013 Outback for models built after August 2012. Built from the platform of fellow Top Safety Pick+ winner the Legacy, the Outback features all of the Legacy's safety systems, along with a rollover sensor and a low-slung engine designed to submarine beneath the chassis in the case of a front-end collision.

2013 Subaru Outback

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With the side-curtain airbags reprogrammed to deploy in small overlap frontal crashes, the Volkswagen Passat sails to a Top Safety Pick+ selection for models built after October 2012. With what Volkswagen calls a "crash-optimized" front end, electronic stability control and an Intelligent Crash Response system that unlocks the doors, turns on the hazard lights and shuts down power to the fuel pump, the 2013 Passat is a smart safety pick for those in need of a family sedan.

2013 Volkswagen Passat

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The Suzuki Kizashi had never received a Top Safety Pick from IIHS prior to the 2013 model. Ironically, the Kizashi earns the new Top Safety Pick+ rating as Suzuki prepares to leave the U.S. market. Suzuki's midsize sport sedan may be garnering attention too late to keep the automaker in America, but it's getting that attention nonetheless. Snagging the IIHS's new high honor is going to turn even more eyes toward the Kizashi.

2012 Suzuki Kizashi

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For more information on the vehicles in this slideshow, click the links below:

-Volvo S60
-Acura TL
-Ford Fusion
-Chrysler 200
-Dodge Avenger
-Honda Accord
-Kia Optima
-Nissan Altima
-Subaru Legacy
-Subaru Outback
-Volkswagen Passat
-Suzuki Kizashi

Compare: All 12 vehicles

Read:  Complete list of 2013 IIHS Top Safety Picks

James Tate cut his teeth in the business as a race team crew member before moving to the editorial side as Senior Editor of Sport Compact Car, and his work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Automobile, Motor Trend and European Car. When not writing, Tate is usually fantasizing about a vintage Porsche 911.