Safety should rank near the top of the list when shopping for a new vehicle. But even after decades of advances in automotive safety, not every vehicle offers the same level of protection. That’s why knowing which models rank among the safest midsize cars can make a big difference when choosing your next vehicle. Of the eight midsize cars tested by the insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), just two earned the 2026 Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) designation. Another qualified for Top Safety Pick (TSP), while the remaining five failed to earn either award.
Founded in 1959 by three insurance industry associations, the IIHS is a nonprofit supported by more than 100 insurers and conducts independent crash testing and safety research that goes beyond the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) requirements.
How The IIHS Determines Safety
IIHS evaluates vehicles in 40-mph small-overlap and moderate-overlap front crashes and a 37-mph side-impact test. It also evaluates front crash prevention (forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems), pedestrian protection, headlights, seat-belt reminders and LATCH child-seat hardware.
For 2026 Top Safety Pick (TSP), a vehicle must earn Good ratings in the small-overlap, moderate-overlap and side tests, along with Acceptable or Good headlight ratings across all trims. Its standard front crash prevention system must also earn an Acceptable or Good pedestrian rating, with optional systems meeting the same standard. Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) raises the bar further. It requires the same crash-test and headlight ratings, but standard front crash prevention must earn a Good pedestrian rating and an Acceptable or Good vehicle-to-vehicle rating. Optional systems must meet those requirements, too.
IIHS test results are rated in each category as Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor. In contrast, the NHTSA rates vehicle safety from one-to-five stars.
2026 Hyundai Sonata: IIHS’s Safest Midsize Car
While ranking fourth in sales this year among midsize sedans, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata is the safest midsize car, beating the segment-leading 2026 Toyota Camry in IIHS tests. It earns a TSP+ award for its Good results in small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, headlight, front crash prevention, pedestrian and seat belt reminder tests. It ranks Acceptable in front crash prevention and LATCH tests. NHTSA rates it five stars in overall safety.
2026 Toyota Camry: Among The Safest Midsize Cars
America’s favorite sedan also won a TSP+ award for its Good results in small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, front crash prevention, pedestrian and seat belt reminder tests. It ranks Acceptable in headlight, front crash prevention and LATCH tests. NHTSA rates it five stars in overall safety.
2026 Honda Accord: More Fun, Still Very Safe
While the 2026 Honda Accord may be among the most fun-to-drive of midsize sedans, it only merited a TSP award as the IIHS did not test its front crash prevention systems. That should not deter you from considering it, as it nabbed Good ratings in small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, headlight, seat belt reminder and LATCH tests. It ranks Acceptable in pedestrian protection. It’s still among the safest midsize cars NHTSA rates it five stars in overall safety.
2026 Nissan Altima: Not In The Same Class
The 2026 Nissan Altima didn’t fare nearly as well as its competition. Its design dates to 2019 – the oldest here – and its safety reflects that. Its earns a Good rating in small overlap front, seat belt reminder and LATCH tests. It ranks Acceptable in Headlight testing. It ranks Marginal in moderate overlap front and pedestrian protection tests. It ranks Poor in side and front crash prevention tests. NHTSA disagrees, rating it five stars in overall safety.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6: Safe – Where It Was Tested
Inspired by 1930’s streamliners, the Hyundai Ioniq 6’s quirky look sells a little more than 200 a month. That’s how many Camrys are sold in a couple hours. Nonetheless, its front crash prevention, pedestrian protection, and headlights were not tested. But its safety proved impressive elsewhere, earning Good rankings in small-overlap, moderate-overlap, side and seat belt reminder tests. It ranks Acceptable in LATCH tests. NHTSA has not tested it.
2026 Kia K5: Popular, But Poor Safety Results
The 2026 Kia K5 outsold its corporate cousin, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata, by 3.5% in the first six months of 2026. Credit fresher styling. But Kia’s safety is far from similar. Front crash prevention, pedestrian protection, and headlights were not tested. Still, only its small overlap front test ranks Good. Seat belt reminder and LATCH tests are Acceptable, while side crash test rates Marginal and moderate overlap front test earns a Poor rating. Not a good showing. NHTSA disagrees, rating it five stars in overall safety.
2026 Volkswagen Jetta: Not Fully Safety Tested
Despite approaching the popularity and age of the Nissan Altima, the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta did not undergo IIHS’s full battery of safety tests. Still, results from the few tests performed are mixed. Only the small overlap front test ranks Good. The side and LATCH tests are Acceptable. Yet it’s Marginal in pedestrian protection, and Poor in seat belt reminder. Other categories were not tested. NHTSA disagrees, rating it five stars in overall safety.
2026 Ford Mustang
With no competition to speak of, the 2026 Ford Mustang seems to have been included to this list for no other reason. But the only test conducted was for its LATCH mechanism, where it earned a Marginal. Otherwise, its rating is incomplete, with a provisional Acceptable rating. NHTSA rates it five stars in overall safety.
The Upshot
Even if safety isn’t at the top of your list when shopping for a new ride, it should be. Choosing one of the safest midsize cars can reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash, and may also mean lower insurance costs. When you add it all up, safety starts looking like a pretty smart investment.
