cadillac crashes out of iihs testing mazda and subaru get gold stars, Image MazdaImage: MazdaThe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just dropped its latest round of safety ratings for nine 2026 model-year vehicles, and the results are a mixed bag.While four models aced every test to lock down the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award, a few others-most notably the Cadillac CT5-failed spectacularly when subjected to the agency's toughest crash scenarios. The newest crash data shows a massive gap between the industry's safety leaders and those struggling to keep up with evolving standards.The Honor Roll: Top Safety Pick+ WinnersTo secure the IIHS's highest designation, vehicles must score the top rating of "Good" in the small overlap front, side, and the newly updated moderate overlap front crash tests. They also need standard headlights that rate at least "Acceptable" and high-performing front crash prevention systems.AdvertisementAdvertisementFour models met that strict criteria:Mazda CX-5: Freshly redesigned for 2026, the compact crossover massively improved its front crash prevention tech, vaulting it into the winner's circle.Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: Evaluated separately from the gas-powered Crosstrek due to its unique structural framing and heavy hybrid battery restraints, this new model swept the testing board with perfect marks.BMW X1: Clinched the "Plus" award after logging a "Good" result in its first-ever run through the updated moderate overlap front test.Audi A6: The newly redesigned executive sedan aced all physical impact tests and pedestrian detection evaluations.The win for the CX-5 further cements Mazda's current hot streak. The victory lands right on the heels of Consumer Reports' new Safety Verdict assessment, which recently crowned Mazda as the safest overall automotive brand, ahead of traditional safety giants like Volvo and Tesla.The Bad News: Cadillac CT5 Crashes OutWhile the small crossovers and wagons celebrated, Cadillac's midsize luxury sedan showed its age. First introduced in late 2019, the 2026 CT5 flunked nearly every critical category, walking away with rare "Poor" ratings across four separate tests: moderate overlap front, side impact, headlight brightness, and front crash prevention.During the side-impact test, the CT5's B-pillar buckled into the cabin further than allowed, and the side airbags failed to cushion the dummy's head from striking the window frame. In the moderate overlap front crash, testers noted an incredibly high risk of head, neck, and chest injuries for rear-seat passengers due to poor seatbelt restraint management. General Motors defended the car by pointing to its five-star score from the federal government's NHTSA testing, but the IIHS noted that Cadillac simply hasn't updated the sedan's underlying structure to cope with modern, more stringent safety metrics.why your toyota tacoma is about to get a lot more americanThe Middle Ground: Mixed ResultsThe remaining five vehicles tested failed to earn any safety accolades due to specific weak spots in their crash geometry:VehicleProblem AreaIIHS RatingAudi A3Side ImpactMarginalLexus ISModerate Overlap FrontMarginalNissan KicksModerate Overlap FrontMarginalToyota Tacoma (Crew Cab)Moderate Overlap FrontMarginalBecome an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.