NHTSA picks 37 models for its 2027 crash tests, with a new pedestrian test

Three kinds of tests

On October 15, 2026, NHTSA released the model year 2027 vehicles it will test for its New Car Assessment Program, the 5-Star Safety Ratings. Some models appear in more than one group, so the three lists add up to 37 distinct models.

• Crash tests (23 vehicles): frontal, side and rollover. NHTSA says its crash ratings cover 87% of new vehicles.
• Pedestrian protection (18 vehicles): a new assessment of how a vehicle protects people on foot.
• Driver assistance (10 vehicles): five systems: automatic emergency braking, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning and blind spot intervention.

Picked for crash tests

BMW X5, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Dodge Charger, Honda Civic Hatchback Type R, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Tucson, Infiniti QX65, Jeep Cherokee, Kia EV3, Kia Niro, Kia Seltos, Kia Telluride, Lexus NX 350h, Nissan Frontier Crew Cab, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Rogue, Nissan Rogue e-Power, Slate Slate, Tesla Model 3, Toyota Sienna Hybrid, Volkswagen Atlas.

Picked for the pedestrian protection test

Acura MDX, Audi Q5, Ford Explorer Gas, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Kia EV3, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-50, Mazda CX-90, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Frontier Crew Cab, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Outback, Tesla Model 3, Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Toyota Tundra, Volkswagen Atlas.

Picked for driver assistance tests

BMW X5, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Hyundai Elantra, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Telluride, Lexus NX 350h, Rivian R2, Tesla Model 3, Toyota Sienna Hybrid, Volkswagen Atlas.

When the results come out

NHTSA will post the results at NHTSA.gov/Ratings once testing and data checks are done. Crash test ratings also appear on the window sticker of new vehicles.

“For more than 30 years, NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings have helped families choose the vehicle that’s right for them,” said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison.

If you already drive one of these models

The new ratings apply to 2027 vehicles, not the one in your driveway. For your current car, the most useful check is for open recalls: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Our model pages also list the known problems and recalls for each car.