Top Safety Pick+ Cars of 2017 You Can Trust

If you’re shopping used and want a vehicle with proven crash protection, start with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ winners from 2017. These models earned strong crash-test scores, effective front-crash prevention, and (crucially) good or acceptable headlights—requirements for the “plus” tier that go beyond basic safety. Below is a practical guide to the standouts by category, what the award means, and what to check before you buy.

What “Top Safety Pick+ (2017)” Required

For 2017, IIHS required good ratings in driver-side small overlap, moderate overlap, side, roof strength, and head restraints, plus an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and good/acceptable headlights. Many winners qualify only when equipped with optional safety tech and certain headlight packages—details that matter on the used market.  Tests+1

Small Cars You Can Trust

• Mazda3 (sedan & hatchback) – Agile and efficient, the Mazda3 earned TSP+ when equipped with the right headlights and front-crash prevention. Look for models with i-Activsense safety features.

• Toyota Corolla – A perennial favorite, the 2017 Corolla met the top standard with improved headlights and available safety tech. Toyota Safety Sense bundles are your friend.

• Chevrolet Volt – A plug-in hybrid with excellent crash scores and available automatic emergency braking, pairing efficiency with safety.

• Hyundai Elantra (sedan, built after March 2016) – Verify build date and trim; the award hinges on later builds with specific headlights.

• Kia Forte (sedan, built after March 2017) – Later 2017 models equipped with the right options reached TSP+. Check the VIN and headlight spec.

• Toyota Prius / Prius Prime – Both hybrids hit TSP+ with the correct lighting and safety gear, making them smart commuter picks.

• Subaru Impreza (sedan & wagon) – Standard all-wheel drive and strong crash prevention; watch headlight packages.

Midsize Cars (and a Beloved Wagon)

• Honda Accord (sedan) – The 2017 sedan earned TSP+ with specific headlights and front-crash prevention. (The coupe was TSP, not plus.)

• Mazda6 – Known for driver involvement and safety tech; look for trims with the advanced safety suite.

• Nissan Altima / Maxima – Both achieved TSP+ when properly equipped—confirm headlights and AEB on the specific car.

• Subaru Legacy & Outback – EyeSight-equipped cars performed very well; headlights determine “plus” status.

• Toyota Camry (2017 model year) – The outgoing generation still landed TSP+ with the right equipment; the 2018 redesign also earned the award.

Large & Luxury Cars

• Kia Cadenza and Toyota Avalon (built after March 2017) – Spacious sedans that hit the top mark when configured correctly.

• Genesis G80 & G90; BMW 5 Series; Mercedes-Benz E-Class; Lincoln Continental; Lexus RC; Volvo S60/V60 – A range of premium choices with robust structures and strong active safety. (Trim/headlight specifics apply.)

Small & Midsize SUVs

• Honda CR-V; Mazda CX-5; Toyota RAV4; Nissan Rogue; Subaru Forester (built after Oct. 2016); Mitsubishi Outlander; Mazda CX-3; Hyundai Tucson (built after May 2017) – These compact SUVs earned TSP+ when properly equipped and with the right headlights

• Toyota Highlander; Honda Pilot; Mazda CX-9 (built after Nov. 2016); Hyundai Santa Fe (see build notes) – Family haulers with top-tier protection when specified correctly.

Midsize Luxury SUVs & Minivans

• Acura MDX/RDX; Lexus RX/NX; Audi Q5; Mercedes-Benz GLC/GLE; Buick Envision; Volvo XC60 – Standout crash performance with available AEB and qualifying headlights.

• Chrysler Pacifica (built after Aug. 2016) – A minivan that reached TSP+ with optional AEB and acceptable/good headlights.

A Unique Pickup

• Honda Ridgeline (crew cab) – The lone pickup to achieve TSP+ in 2017 when equipped with AEB and qualifying headlights.

Smart Shopping Checklist (Used 2017s)

1. Confirm trim & options: Many awards apply only with optional front crash prevention and specific headlight types.

2. Verify build date: Some winners qualify only after certain production months (Elantra, Forester, Tucson, Avalon, etc.). Check the door-jamb sticker and the VIN report. I

3. Inspect headlights at night: Output matters in real life; even an award car needs properly aimed, high-performing lights.

4. Check for software updates/recalls: AEB and other safety features may rely on up-to-date software.

Bottom Line

IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2017) models are excellent starting points for a safe, affordable used car. Focus on trims with automatic emergency braking and the headlights that earned the rating, and confirm build dates on models where mid-year improvements mattered. You’ll get modern crash protection without paying new-car prices.