November 18, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released the 19 cars and eight SUVs chosen as top safety picks for 2010.

This year is the first year a roof strength test in rollover crashes was needed to win the title. The awards go to vehicles with good ratings on rollover protection as well as protection front, side and rear crashes.

Subaru is the only company with a winner in four of the five classes.

You can see the full list below:

LARGE CARS:
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

MIDSIZE CARS:
Audi A3
Chevrolet Malibu 1/8built after Oct 2009 3/8
Chrysler Sebring 1/84-door with optional ESC 3/8
Dodge Avenger 1/8with optional ESC 3/8
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta 1/8sedan 3/8
Volkswagen Passat 1/8sedan 3/8
Volvo C30

SMALL CARS:
Honda Civic 1/84-door with optional ESC, except Si 3/8
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza 1/8except WRX 3/8
Volkswagen Golf

MIDSIZE SUV'S:
Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

SMALL SUV'S:
Honda Element
Jeep Patriot 1/8with optional side thorax airbags 3/8
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan