The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has certified 102 vehicles under its updated pedestrian safety standard, the first batch evaluated through an expanded rating system. This new metric assesses how well a car protects people outside the vehicle during collisions, a critical addition to the agency’s existing five-star safety ratings. The initial certification list includes 102 models from 10 automakers, though the way trims and configurations are counted introduces inconsistencies in the results.
Toyota leads the certified list with 26 qualifying models, followed by Lexus (17), Subaru (16), and Nissan (11). Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Acura, and Kia each have three or more models meeting the standard, while Mitsubishi, Ford, and Tesla each have one entry. The figures do not always reflect manufacturer branding—some Subaru electric vehicles fall under Toyota’s corporate umbrella, creating overlaps in the count.
Not every variant of a certified model passes the test. For instance, the 2027 Kia Telluride has eight trims that qualify but two that do not. Hyundai’s Santa Cruz includes two qualifying trims, whereas the XRT does not. Ford’s Explorer only qualifies in its Active trim, and Nissan’s Armada shows mixed results across its configurations. The agency counts a model toward the 102 total if at least one trim meets the criteria, even if others fail or lack test data.
Audi and Volkswagen are notable absences from the certified list, despite their 2027 models appearing in NHTSA’s database. Some, such as the Audi A6 and Q5, are marked as “Not Available,” leaving uncertainty about whether they will be tested later. The discrepancies suggest that while the standard enhances transparency, its application varies significantly by manufacturer and trim level.
The new rating system marks a significant advancement in automotive safety, expanding beyond occupant protection to address vulnerable road users. However, the variations in trim-level compliance and missing manufacturer results show challenges in achieving uniform pedestrian safety standards across the industry. The agency’s database lists 123 total 2027 model entries, with 97 labeled as meeting the criteria and five marked as “Various Results,” though these are still included in the 102 certified total. This counting method means the actual number of fully compliant vehicles may be lower than the official figure indicates.
