The IIHS has released its latest crash test scores for the 2018 Mazda CX-5, which has received the highest safety rating possible from the IIHS – Top Safety Pick+. This means that the 2018 CX-5 is the only vehicle in the Small SUV category to get the top rating.
In order for a vehicle to get the Top Safety Pick+ rating, it has to earn good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, plus earn an acceptable or good rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. A vehicle has to also receive an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and a good headlight rating.
Only the 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring model received the highest rating, since it’s equipped with adaptive headlights. The CX-5 Sport and Touring are not available with the upgraded headlights, so both of the lower trim levels are receive the lower a Top Safety Pick rating.
Source: IIHS