Following modifications for the 2016 model year, the Honda Accord sedan and coupe as well as the Acura RDX and ILX have earned Top Safety Pick+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Honda Accord sedan and coupe both improved their front crash prevention ratings for 2016. Previously, the mid-size cars were available with forward collision warning only, earning a “basic” rating. Now their optional systems also include automatic braking. The models avoided collisions in both the 12 mph and 25 mph track tests, IIHS said. They drew “superior” scores for front crash prevention.

The Accord models also earned “good” ratings in all five IIHS crashworthiness tests: small overlap, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints.

To qualify for the 2015 Top Safety Pick award, vehicles must earn “good” ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, plus a “good” or “acceptable” rating in the small overlap test. For Top Safety Pick+, vehicles also need an available front crash prevention system with an “advanced” or “superior” rating.

The Acura RDX, a midsize luxury SUV, had its front end and occupant compartment modified to improve protection in front crashes. “In the small overlap test, the driver space was maintained well with maximum intrusion of 5 inches at the parking brake pedal,” IIHS said. “The dummy's movement was well-controlled, and the front and side airbags worked together to protect the head. Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.”

The ILX, a small car, also underwent changes to enhance front crash protection. In the small overlap test, “the driver space was maintained well with maximum intrusion of 5 inches at the footrest,” IIHS said. “Measures from the dummy showed that left lower leg injuries would be possible in a crash of this severity. There were no problems with the dummy’s movement or the airbags.”

The 2016 RDX and the ILX each drew a “superior” rating for front crash prevention when equipped with Acura’s Collision Mitigation Braking System. In the 12 mph IIHS track test, both vehicles reduced their speed by 11 mph. In the 25 mph test, the RDX reduced its speed by 16 mph while the ILX shaved off 15 mph. The system includes a forward collision warning component that meets criteria set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.