The Tucson’s stronger frame and new design is paying off.

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson and 2016 Sonata have both earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. This is the first time the Tuscon has received the rating.

“Hyundai’s redesign of the Tucson earns the 2016 model our top rating in the small overlap front test, and the Sonata retains its acceptable rating,” said David Zuby, IIHS chief research officer. “Both vehicles have an available front crash prevention system that earns a superior rating in the IIHS autobrake test, a key criteria to qualify for a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.”

Multiple advanced safety technology options are available on the 2016 Tucson, including AEB with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Backup Warning Sensors and a standard rearview camera. In addition, advanced high-strength steel represents over 50 percent of the new Tucson’s structure, for enhanced crash safety. The vehicle also features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System that alerts drivers if one or more tires are under-inflated, including the tire’s location.

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Sonata lineup includes Vehicle Stability Management with Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control System, seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes and ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist and Tire Pressure Monitoring System with indicators for each tire. Lane Departure Warning, Smart Cruise Control with spot/start capability, Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist and Forward Collision Warning are available as options.

image courtesy of Hyundai