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The safety of cars is an ever-growing concern, and with new technological advancements, the bar is constantly being raised. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts rigorous testing on vehicles to determine their safety ratings, and the Top Safety Pick+ award is the highest honor a vehicle can receive. In 2023, six Japanese car brands have outdone themselves by earning a combined total of 18 Top Safety Pick+ awards. This article will delve into the details of these six brands and the models that earned them the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

Why are Japanese cars more reliable?

2023 Subaru Outback Wagon Top Safety Pick+
2023 Subaru Outback Wagon | Subaru

Japanese cars have earned a reputation for being among the most reliable on the market. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, Japanese manufacturers strongly emphasize quality control, using rigorous testing and inspection processes to ensure that every component meets strict standards. Additionally, they focus on continuous improvement, investing heavily in research and development to make their vehicles even more dependable.

Japanese cars are famous for their simplicity and efficiency, with designs prioritizing durability and maintenance. Finally, Japan’s culture of pride and craftsmanship plays a significant role, as manufacturers take pride in creating products they can stand behind and feel proud of.

Which Japanese brands earned Top Safety Pick+?

The Toyota Camry sedan is being killed off in japan
2022 Toyota Camry XLE | Toyota

In 2023, six Japanese car brands earned 18 Top Safety Pick+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Acura, a luxury division of Honda, has earned the Top Safety Pick+ award for its Integra, MDX, and RDX models. Honda has also earned several Top Safety Pick+ awards for its CR-V, HR-V, and Odyssey models. Lexus, Toyota’s luxury brand, earned the award for its NX, NX plug-in, RX, and UX models.

Nissan’s Pathfinder model has also earned a Top Safety Pick+ award. In addition, Subaru’s Ascent, Outback, and Solterra models built after October 2022 have been recognized for their safety features. Finally, Toyota’s Camry (made after January 2023), Highlander, Sienna, and Tundra (crew cab and extended cab) have all been named Top Safety Pick+ award winners. These awards highlight the commitment of these Japanese car brands to producing safe and reliable vehicles for drivers and passengers.

Why are Japanese cars better than American cars?

A 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, an alternative option to the Toyota 4Runner, sits atop a hill overlooking gray skies and countryside.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder | Nissan

It is not necessarily accurate to say that Japanese cars are better than American cars. Both countries produce high-quality vehicles with unique features and characteristics. However, some critical differences between the two may impact consumer preference. For example, Japanese car manufacturers have a reputation for prioritizing reliability, efficiency, and safety in their designs, while American car manufacturers tend to focus on power, speed, and luxury.

Japanese manufacturers like Acura tend to be more innovative in their technology use, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicles. However, American manufacturers have a strong presence in the pickup truck and SUV markets, which are popular in the United States. Therefore, choosing between a Japanese or American car will ultimately depend on personal preference, budget, and intended use.

Which automakers are the safest?

In conclusion, the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award is a prestigious honor that highlights a vehicle’s commitment to safety and reliability. In 2023, six Japanese car brands earned 18 Top Safety Pick+ awards, demonstrating their focus on quality and innovation. Japanese car manufacturers have earned a reputation for being among the most reliable on the market, strongly emphasizing quality control and continuous improvement.

However, it is essential to note that Japanese and American car manufacturers produce high-quality vehicles with unique features and characteristics. These Top Safety Pick+ awards demonstrate the commitment of Japanese car brands to delivering safe and reliable vehicles for drivers and passengers.

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Only 1 Toyota Car Is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ In 2023