Mazda's 2019 CX-9 has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has recognized with its Top Safety Pick+ status, which continues from past model years, the institute has announced.

The vehicle qualifies for the institute's top-tier award when it is outfitted with front crash prevention as well as specific headlights built after June 2019. This is the second time in recent years that the CX-9 garnered the highest safety status, as it also previously earned a 2017 Top Safety Pick+. The 2016 CX-9 entered the model's second generation.

The 2019 model was put through the paces and scored good ratings in a series of six strenuous crashworthiness evaluations. These included the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraint, and passenger-side small overlap front tests.

But in order to earn plus status, vehicles must also prove their endurance when it comes to crash prevention systems and headlight performance.

The CX-9 did not disappoint. Its front crash prevention system excelled — scoring a superior rating. Moreover, the car's improved headlights got a good rating from IIHS engineers, giving it the final criteria needed to roll away with a Top Safety Pick+ award.

The 2019 Top Safety Pick+ for CX-9 will carry over to the 2020 model year, according to the manufacturer.