Best of the Best: Safest Cars in the Philippines 2017

When was the last time you checked if the car you’re driving has the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) seal of approval? Truth be told, a car that's awarded with either a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ is considered one of the safest -- if not the safest -- vehicle in the market today.

The IIHS is an independent, U.S. nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization that aims to lessen the losses caused by motor vehicle deaths, injuries, and property damages. Their tests are focused on finding out what works and doesn't work to prevent motor vehicle crashes from happening.

IIHS is also involved in promoting policy decisions relating to U.S. traffic operations.

What's New with the IIHS' Testing?

IIHS has become stricter with its Top Safety Pick+ category, adding headlight evaluations and automatic braking technology in its criteria for 2017.

"The field of contenders is smaller this year because so few vehicles have headlights that do their job well, but it's not as small as we expected when we decided to raise the bar for the awards," according to IIHS President Adrian Lund.

Leaders of the Pack

The brand with the most Top Safety Pick+ awards go to Toyota/Lexus, bagging nine winners, including the updated Toyota Corolla. Meanwhile, Honda took home five Top Safety Pick+ awards for 2017.

Here is the complete list of cars in the Philippines that have made it to the coveted lists:

2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winners

According to IIHS, a car is awarded a 2017 Top Safety Pick+, if it earns good ratings in the five crash-worthiness tests -- driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints -- as well as an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention. It should also earn an acceptable or good headlight rating.

Here are the cars in the Philippines that have made it on the list:

2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick Winners

According to IIHS, a car is awarded a 2017 Top Safety Pick if it earns good ratings in the five crash-worthiness tests -- driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints -- as well as an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.

Here are the vehicles in the Philippines that have made it on the list: