Vehicle safety has always been a top priority, but the bar continues to rise as crash-test standards evolve. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has made rear-seat passenger protection a key factor in determining its coveted 2025 Top Safety Pick (TSP) and Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) awards.
This year’s list of winners highlights vehicles that excel in front and rear passenger safety at the Mid Missouri Powerhouse—among them, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, which secured a Top Safety Pick distinction for its impressive performance in rigorous testing.
What It Takes to Be an IIHS Top Safety Pick
Earning an IIHS safety award isn’t easy. To qualify, vehicles must meet strict criteria across several crash-test categories, including:
Front Overlap Crash Test – Simulates a head-on collision at 40 mph
Side Impact Test – Evaluates protection against crashes from the side
Small Overlap Front Test – Assesses how well a vehicle shields passengers in offset collisions
Pedestrian Protection – Examines automatic emergency braking (AEB) performance during daytime and nighttime scenarios
Headlight Effectiveness – Ensures all trims offer adequate nighttime visibility
For 2025, only vehicles that achieve a "Good" rating in both front and side crash tests, along with strong pedestrian detection and top-tier headlights, qualify for a TSP+ designation. Those meeting slightly less stringent requirements, like the Chevy Traverse, earn a Top Safety Pick.
How the 2025 Chevy Traverse Stood Out
The 2025 Chevy Traverse proves that safety and family-friendly design go hand in hand. It performed exceptionally well in crash tests, demonstrating strong structural integrity and advanced restraint systems to protect both front and rear passengers. Additionally, its suite of driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance, played a key role in securing the award.
Why This Award Matters
While the NHTSA’s star-rating system provides valuable safety insights, the IIHS goes a step further by evaluating real-world crash scenarios, pedestrian safety, and emerging technologies. Winning a Top Safety Pick is a testament to a vehicle’s ability to protect passengers in increasingly demanding conditions.
With tougher standards in place, fewer vehicles made the cut this year—especially among family-focused options like minivans and trucks. However, the Chevrolet Traverse proved it’s built for modern safety challenges, making it a top contender for families seeking peace of mind on the road.
Chevrolet engineered the 2025 Traverse to meet and exceed these rigorous safety benchmarks, ensuring it stands out in a competitive field. From its reinforced structure to advanced driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, every aspect of the Traverse is designed with protection in mind.
Its top-rated headlights improve nighttime visibility, while crash tests confirm its ability to shield both front and rear passengers in the event of a collision. By securing an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, the Traverse demonstrates that safety isn’t just a feature—it’s a priority.
Looking for a Safe and Reliable SUV?
When it comes to choosing an SUV, safety should never be a compromise. That’s where the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse shines—earning the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick award thanks to its advanced crash protection, innovative driver-assist technology, and top-rated headlights. Designed with families in mind, the Traverse goes beyond just getting you from point A to B—it’s built to keep you and your loved ones protected on every journey.
Not all SUVs are created equal—some win safety awards! See what makes the 2025 Traverse a cut above at Mid-Mo Powerhouse today!