People buy midsize luxury cars for their combination of premium features and practicality. They are also often comfortable and satisfying to drive. Performance is one of the top reasons to buy a midsize luxury car, too, as well as safety.  

The good news is the midsize luxury cars on this list all received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ award for 2022. That means they are not only among the most rewarding cars to drive but also the safest vehicles in their class.  

What Does The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Mean?

The IIHS evaluates vehicles to identify the safest cars in each class. Its top award for the safest vehicles in each class is the TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.

According to the IIHS, to receive this rating, a car has to meet the following criteria: 

• Good ratings in the driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests
• Advanced or superior ratings for available front crash prevention — vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations
• Acceptable or good headlights standard

The 2022 Acura TLX is one of the safest midsize luxury cars

Standard Safety Features:

• Rearview camera
• Forward collision warning
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Road sign recognition
• Automatic high-beam headlights

The 2022 Acura TLX offers a lot of features and quality at a low starting price and doesn’t skimp on safety. The interior feels refined and upscale, but the rear seats are slightly cramped for adults. The TLX is available with a turbo-four cylinder and an optional V6, making it one of the more engaging cars to drive in this segment. The optional Type S performance package offers excellent razor-sharp handling for less than $50,000.   

The 2022 Audi A4 is a top car in its segment

Standard Safety Features:

• Rearview camera
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Automatic high-beam headlights

Audi’s 2022 A4 is one of the top cars in its segment. It provides a good combination of luxury and performance. Available with all-wheel drive, it also offers quick acceleration and secure handling and braking on any road surface. Audi makes some of the best interiors in the business, too, and the A4 is no exception, offering premium materials, comfortable, supportive seats, and loads of style.   

The 2022 Audi A5 is both a stylish and safe midsize luxury car

Standard Safety Features: 

• Forward collision warning
• Pedestrian detection
• Automatic emergency braking 
• Lane departure warning
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Rearview camera

The Audi A5 is one of the most stylish cars in this segment and is available as a two-door coupe, convertible, or four-door hatchback. Regardless of the body style, the A5 offers a comfortable ride, sharp handling, and quick acceleration. The back seat room in the coupe and convertible is a bit tight but comfortable. The four-door provides a generous backseat and cargo room, making it one of the most versatile vehicles in this category.    

The 2022 Lexus ES is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+  

Standard Safety Features: 

• Forward collision warning
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Intersection turning assist
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Lane tracing assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Rearview camera

The ES provides all of the Lexus hallmarks. Comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed, the midsize luxury car provides serenity for drivers and passengers in equal doses. It’s also practical and economical with a hybrid option and available all-wheel drive. For a bit more oomph, there’s also a smooth, powerful V6 in the lineup. It’s not as agile or sporty as other luxury sedans, but then it isn’t meant to be.   

The 2022 Lexus IS balances performance and safety

Standard Safety Features: 

• Rearview camera
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Forward collision warning
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Road sign recognition
• Automatic high-beam headlights

The 2022 Lexus IS is a bit on the small side compared to other cars on this list but provides a good option for people seeking a combination of performance and safety. The interior offers a host of luxury and premium features with comfortable front seats. The back seat is a bit tight, as is the trunk room, but it still provides useable space. Highlights include potent engines, agile handling, and one of the better ride quality tradeoffs between comfort and performance. 

The 2022 Tesla Model 3 is one of the safest midsize luxury cars

Standard Safety Features: 

• Front, side, and rear parking sensors
• Forward collision warning
• Forward automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Surround-view parking camera system
• Lane departure warning and lane change alert
• Parallel park assist

Gas-powered or electric, few cars can match the Tesla Model 3’s performance. It offers blazing acceleration, good handling, and a range of up to 358 miles. Inside, the cabin is upscale, with reasonable room for four adults and a large trunk. The only real drawback is an overly complicated touchscreen interface that lacks basic features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Those issues aside, the Model 3 provides a good alternative for buyers looking for safety, performance, and luxury in an electric vehicle.     

The 2022 Volvo S60 puts a premium on safety

Standard Safety Features: 

• Forward collision warning
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Rearview camera
• Rear parking sensors

Volvo has long been at the forefront of safety, and the S60 continues that tradition. It’s one of the top-rated cars for safety in the midsize segment. As a midsize luxury car, it also puts a premium on performance with a lively small turbocharged four-cylinder engine or responsive plug-in-hybrid option. The interior offers top-quality luxury but lacks a bit of rear legroom and trunk space compared to other midsize rivals. However, the front seats are among the best in the business, providing outstanding comfort and support.