Japanese and Korean cars dominate the list of safest cars in 2018

From small cars to luxury cars, the list of safest car models includes Japanese and Korean cars.

Results are based on an evaluation of more than 60 2018 models by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with the highest level of testing package (Top Safety Pick +).

Of the 62 2018 model year cars tested for safety by IIHS, only 15 qualified for the Top Safety Pick + award, while the remaining 47 earned only the Top Safety Pick award.

The Top Safety Pick+ award (the highest safety rating) is based on criteria for headlights, passenger protection, and small overlap front crash resistance. This year, the IIHS shared, the safest car award is based on headlights for classification, in addition to other familiar tests.

The 15 2018 models that won the Top Safety Pick + award are mainly from Korean and Japanese automakers like Kia, Hyundai, Subaru and Toyota, in addition to Mercedes and Lincoln.

Below is a list of the 15 safest 2018 cars in the US according to the evaluation results of the non-profit organization, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Small car: Kia Forte (sedan), Kia Soul, Subaru Impreza, Subaru WRX.

The 2018 Kia Forte sedan starts at $16,700 in the US. There are two engine options: 1.6 Turbo and 2.0.

Mid-size car: Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Toyota Camry.

Subaru Legacy 2018 starts at $22,200.

Large luxury cars: BMW serie 5, Genesis G80, Genesis G90, Lincoln Continental, Mercedes E-class.

The 2018 BMW 5 series starts at $52,500 in the US. Three turbocharged engines are available: 2.0, 3.0, and 4.4.

Mid-size SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.

Santa Fe 2018 starts at $29,900 in the US with 3 equipment versions, sharing the same 3.3 V6 GDI engine with 290 horsepower.

Midsize luxury SUV: Mercedes GLC.

Mercedes GLC Coupe starts at $46,600 in the US.

According to VNE