If it’s a safe car that you’re after, you might as well buy a Mazda. Because just this week? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced the winners of its highest award in safety and all Mazda models tested made the list for the second year in a row.

These models earned the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS

Alright, let’s talk about which models were tapped by the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick+. Because seeing as that’s happened now for two years running, Mazda must be doing something right. Naturally, then, you might as well know then which vehicles earned this coveted award.

According to the IIHS, the winning Mazda models include the Mazda3 in both sedan and hatchback forms, the Mazda6, and the CX-3. It also includes CX-30 models built after September 2020, the CX-5, and the Mazda CX-9. Noticeably absent from the list is the MX-5 Miata which hasn’t actually been tested by the IIHS.

Mazda says that its commitment to safety is well-established

Now, qualifying for the 2021 Top Safety Pick+ award is no easy feat. Fortunately, all Mazda models tested by the IIHS earned high ratings in each of its crashworthiness tests. Those tests included moderate overlap front, driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. 

The IIHS reports the models it tested also earned advanced or superior ratings for front crash prevention in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations. All models tested also earned good or acceptable headlight ratings.

According to Mazda North American Operations President Jeff Guyton, all tested models having earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS points to the brand’s commitment to its customers and their safety. “Our customers have come to expect Mazda’s dedication to providing advanced safety technologies paired with dynamic styling, which give them a confident and more enjoyable driving experience,” he added.

All Mazda models come standard with these safety features

At this point, you might be questioning what standard safety features 2021 models come with. Fortunately, that’s an easy question to answer. Whether you opt for the Mazda3 or the CX-9, you can count on these particular models to come standard with i-Activsense. This includes features like Smart Brake Support, a lane departure warning system, lane-keep assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, driver attention alerts, high beam control, and a rearview camera.

But those aren’t the only safety features that a Mazda can be had with. For an even more confidence-inspiring ride, consider a vehicle equipped with advanced safety technologies like advanced smart city brake support with pedestrian detection, and smart brake support with collision warning. You might also consider features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, an adaptive front-lighting system, and traffic sign recognition.

Should you buy a Mazda?

Maybe. That is, of course, if you’re in the market for a car that’s designed to put your safety first. Fortunately, this year’s new lineup offers up plenty of options. Whether you’re in the market for a sedan or an SUV, it’s likely Mazda sells a vehicle capable of appeasing your automotive needs.