2017 Mazda Cx-5 Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+

2017 Mazda CX-5 earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+

Mazda has always been known to make solid, mainstream cars that are consistently fun to drive. However, the latest news confirms it is also quite skilled at making some of the safest cars on the market.

On July 11, 2017, Mazda announced its redesigned CX-5 compact SUV aced the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's crash test. This helped earn the SUV the Top Safety Pick Plus designation. In fact, every 2017 model year Mazda vehicle tested by IIHS has been awarded the Top Safety Pick Plus (When the vehicle is equipped with optional front crash-prevention and specific headlights).

Since its debut in 2012, the CX-5 has been awarded the Top Safety Pick every year. Safety features such as the available Smart City Brake Support and its effective LED headlights played a key role in helping the CX-5 earning top scores.

"Our Mazda Proactive Safety Philosophy guides us to develop cars and crossover SUVs that are nimble and direct-feeling to help a driver avoid incidents altogether. Our vehicles are designed and engineered to help protect the driver and passengers if a collision happens," said Masashi Otsuka, VP of research and development, Mazda North American Operations.  

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts five different tests in order to evaluate the crashworthiness of a car. Those include:

1) Moderate and small overlap frontal crashes

2) Side crash

3) Roof strength test

4) Head restraint

5) Seat test (simulating a rear impact)

IIHS also evaluates the headlight performance and frontal crash prevention.

The criteria for earning the Top Safety Pick Plus include:

1) Earn the highest rating of "Good" in the 5 tests mentioned above.

2) "Advanced" or "Superior" rating for front crash prevention

3) "Acceptable" or "Good" headlight rating.