Image: Tesla
Tesla’s polarizing Cybertruck just added another major accolade to its growing list of safety credentials. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the all-electric pickup its coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2025, the highest possible distinction the organization offers.
According to the IIHS’ latest rankings for large pickup trucks, the Tesla Cybertruck not only earned Top Safety Pick+ status, but also scored overall higher than every other pickup tested — gas or electric. That includes popular rivals like the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Rivian R1T, and Ram 1500. Notably, the Cybertruck was the only electric truck to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating on the list.
To qualify for Top Safety Pick+, vehicles must earn a “good” rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, along with good scores in the small overlap front and updated side tests. On top of that, headlights must be rated acceptable or good across all trims, and the vehicle must score at least acceptable in pedestrian front crash prevention. The Cybertruck cleared all of these hurdles, cementing its position at the top of the class.
This rating is the result of the Cybertruck’s strong showing in IIHS crash testing earlier this year, where footage showed the stainless steel-clad pickup performing impressively in multiple impact scenarios. In direct comparisons, the Cybertruck even handily beat the Ford F-150 Lightning and other tested pickups, reinforcing Tesla’s claims around its structural design and safety-focused engineering.
The IIHS recognition also complements results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Earlier this year, the Cybertruck earned a full 5-star overall safety rating from the U.S. regulator. Subsequent testing awarded additional five-star ratings for both driver and passenger protection, along with one of the lowest rollover risks recorded for any pickup truck evaluated.
Tesla’s broader lineup continues to perform well, too. The refreshed Model Y has also secured a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for 2025, further highlighting Tesla’s emphasis on safety across its vehicle range.
While the Cybertruck’s sharp angles and unconventional design have sparked debate since its launch, safety data continues to paint a clear picture. With top-tier scores from both the IIHS and NHTSA, Tesla’s electric pickup now stands as one of the safest trucks money can buy — regardless of powertrain.
As safety standards continue to evolve and testing becomes more demanding, the Cybertruck’s performance suggests Tesla’s engineering-first approach is paying off in the metrics that matter most.
