The award wins come as the IIHS introduces new criteria for the awards. TOP SAFETY PICK requires good performance in the Institute's moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests and, for the first time, good or acceptable performance in the small overlap front test introduced in 2012. The same level of performance in those tests, along with at least a basic rating for front crash prevention, is required for the higher accolade, TOP SAFETY PICK+.

The front crash prevention features of the TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners run the gamut from basic warning systems, such as those offered on the Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ and Honda's four winners, to Subaru's EyeSight warning and autobrake system. EyeSight avoids a collision in tests at both 12 mph and 25 mph and is available on the Forester, Legacy and Outback.

Most of the TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners qualify for the award only when equipped with optional front crash prevention systems. When those vehicles aren’t equipped with the features, they still meet the regular TOP SAFETY PICK criteria. The Volvo S60, S80 and XC60 and the Honda Civic hybrid earn TOP SAFETY PICK+ on the basis of standard equipment.

The 2014 TOP SAFETY PICK+ winners include eight models that didn’t earn the award in 2013. Among them are fully redesigned models, including the Acura MDX and RLX, Infiniti Q50, Mazda 3 and Toyota Highlander. Among TOP SAFETY PICK winners, the Chevrolet Spark minicar is a new model.

‘We've made it more difficult for manufacturers this year,’ says IIHS president Adrian Lund. ‘Following a gradual phase-in, the small overlap crash is now part of our basic battery of tests, and good or acceptable performance should be part of every vehicle's safety credentials. We also felt it was time to offer extra recognition to manufacturers that are offering a proven crash avoidance technology.’

TOP SAFETY PICK+ award winners

Small cars

• Honda Civic 4-door
• Mazda 3 
built after October 2013
• Toyota Prius 
built after November 2013

Midsize moderately priced cars

• Ford Fusion
• Honda Accord 2-door
• Honda Accord 4-door
• Mazda 6
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Outback

Midsize luxury/near-luxury cars

• Infiniti Q50
• Lincoln MKZ
• Volvo S60

Large luxury cars

• Acura RLX
• Volvo S80

Small SUVs

• Mazda CX-5 
built after October 2013
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Subaru Forester
• Midsize SUV
• Toyota Highlander

Midsize luxury SUVs

• Acura MDX
• Mercedes-Benz M-Class 
built after August 2013
• Volvo XC60
• Minivan
• Honda Odyssey

Except for the Volvo S60, S80 and XC60 and the hybrid version of the Honda Civic 4-door, vehicles listed under TOP SAFETY PICK+ qualify for that award only when equipped with optional front crash prevention. Front crash prevention isn't available on nonhybrid versions of the Civic.

TOP SAFETY PICK award winners:

Small cars

• Dodge Dart
• Ford Focus
• Honda Civic 2-door
• Hyundai Elantra
• Scion tC
• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru XV Crosstrek

Midsize moderately priced cars

• Chrysler 200 4-door
• Dodge Avenger
• Kia Optima
• Nissan Altima
• Toyota Camry 
built after December 2013
• Volkswagen Passat

Midsize luxury/near-luxury car

• Acura TL

Small SUV

• Mitsubushi Outlander Sport
• Midsize luxury SUV
• Volvo XC90
• Chevrolet Spark

Small cars

• Dodge Dart
• Ford Focus
• Honda Civic 2-door
• Hyundai Elantra
• Scion tC
• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru XV Crosstrek

Midsize moderately priced cars

• Chrysler 200 4-door
• Dodge Avenger
• Kia Optima
• Nissan Altima
• Toyota Camry 
built after December 2013
• Volkswagen Passat

Midsize luxury/near-luxury car

• Acura TL
• Small SUV
• Mitsubushi Outlander Sport
• Midsize luxury SUV
• Volvo XC90