Detroit 3 Pickups Miss Out on 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus Awards

Tesla's Cybertruck emerges as the standout performer, highlighting the evolving landscape of vehicle safety standards.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:59pm

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An abstract, blurred image of a pickup truck in motion, with vibrant streaks of color conveying a sense of speed and modern engineering.As the automotive safety landscape evolves, traditional automakers face the challenge of adapting to new standards and innovative approaches.Today in Detroit

The prestigious IIHS top safety awards for 2026 have left the Detroit 3 pickups behind, with none of the vehicles produced by General Motors, Stellantis, or Ford Motor Co. securing the top safety ranking. In a surprising turn of events, Tesla's Cybertruck has emerged as the standout performer, excelling in the augmented safety metrics introduced by the IIHS this year.

Why it matters

This shift in the safety rankings reflects the evolving landscape of vehicle safety and the challenges faced by traditional automakers. The IIHS has raised the bar by introducing stricter criteria, especially for back seat safety features, which has impacted not only the Detroit Three but several other vehicles that previously held the top spot.

The details

The IIHS study, an annual event since 1995, has seen a significant change this year. By including a revised vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention test, conducted at varying speeds and with different targets, the institute has further added to the complexity of the evaluation process. This move has not only impacted the Detroit Three but also several other vehicles that previously held the top safety ranking.

  • The IIHS study continues throughout the year, and there's still a chance for the Detroit Three to bounce back.
  • With more models set to be tested, there's an opportunity for these automakers to adapt and improve.

The players

Tesla's Cybertruck

A vehicle that has not only captured attention for its unique design but also for its exceptional performance in safety tests.

David Harkey

President of IIHS, who praised Tesla's engineering prowess and acknowledged their ability to design vehicles that excel in safety tests and provide robust protection for occupants.

General Motors

One of the Detroit Three automakers that failed to secure the top safety ranking.

Stellantis

One of the Detroit Three automakers that failed to secure the top safety ranking.

Ford Motor Co.

One of the Detroit Three automakers that failed to secure the top safety ranking.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The IIHS study continues throughout the year, and there's still a chance for the Detroit Three to bounce back. With more models set to be tested, there's an opportunity for these automakers to adapt and improve.

The takeaway

The IIHS top safety awards for 2026 serve as a reminder that automotive safety is an ongoing journey, with constant innovation and improvement. While the Detroit Three face a challenge, it's an opportunity for them to rethink their strategies and stay competitive in an ever-changing market.