New ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show some midsize SUVs qualify for the Top Safety Pick+ award due to highly rated performance in the updated moderate overlap front test.

The vehicles earning the award, all midsize luxury SUVs, are the 2025 BMW X5, 2024 Lexus NX, and 2024 Volvo XC90.

To earn the 2024 Top Safety Pick+ award, vehicles need a good or acceptable rating in that evaluation, which is not required for the lower-tier Top Safety Pick award. Before the updated moderate overlap test, all three SUVs were recognized as Top Safety Pick winners.

Introduced in 2022, the new version of the moderate overlap test emphasizes rear-seat safety with an additional dummy positioned in the second row behind the driver.

Updated Moderate Overlap Crash Results

The X5 and XC90 earn good ratings in the test, while the NX is rated acceptable. All three SUVs provided excellent protection for the driver but vary somewhat regarding back-seat passenger protection.

In the test of the BMW X5, measurements taken from the rear dummy showed no elevated injury risk, and the rear restraints controlled the motion of the dummy relatively well during the crash. However, the dummy’s head came closer than desired to the front seatback. 

The BMW X5 was redesigned for the 2019 model year. These ratings do not apply to the BMW X6.

In the test of the Volvo XC90, rear dummy measurements showed a slightly elevated risk of injuries to the chest and to the head or neck, but earned an overall good rating. This rating applies to 2016-2024 models after a design change occurred in 2016. These ratings do not apply to the Volvo XC90 Recharge.

The acceptable-rated Lexus NX performed well in terms of injury metrics. However, the rear passenger dummy’s lap belt moved from the ideal position on the pelvis onto the abdomen, which increases the risk of abdominal injuries. All other rear-passenger injury metrics received good ratings.

These ratings do not apply to the Lexus NX plug-in hybrid variant.

All SUVs Show Consistent Ratings Across the Board

Beyond the moderate overlap test, IIHS award winners must earn good ratings in the small overlap front and updated side tests and an acceptable or good rating in the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation. They also must come with acceptable- or good-rated headlights across all trim levels.

The BMW X5 has a standard front crash prevention system that earns a good rating in the Institute’s pedestrian evaluation and acceptable headlights across all trims.

The Volvo XC90 also comes with standard acceptable-rated headlights. Its standard front crash prevention system earns an acceptable pedestrian front crash prevention rating.

The Lexus NX comes with a standard front crash prevention system that earns a good rating in the pedestrian test. Three different variations of good-rated headlights are available.