Cybertruck only pickup with top IIHS and NHTSA ratings under 2026 standards

Building on its 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the Tesla Cybertruck is now the only pickup truck to earn both an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star rating amid stricter 2026 safety standards, according to Elon Musk and the official Cybertruck account.

Elon Musk posted on March 24, 2026, on social media: 'Tesla Cybertruck is the only pickup to be awarded top safety+.' The official Cybertruck account added: 'As standards got tougher in 2026, Cybertruck is the only pickup with both an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award AND NHTSA 5-star safety rating.'

This dual recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights the Cybertruck's strong performance in updated crash tests and safety evaluations. No other pickup has achieved this combination under the more stringent 2026 criteria.

The achievement follows the Cybertruck's earlier IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025 models (announced December 2025), reinforcing Tesla's emphasis on safety amid rising industry standards. For prior coverage, see the series on Tesla Cybertruck safety ratings.

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Tesla Cybertruck awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, the highest accolade for large pickup trucks.
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Tesla Cybertruck earns top IIHS safety pick+ rating

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The Tesla Cybertruck has secured the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest accolade, the Top Safety Pick+ rating, for 2025 models built after April. This makes it the top-rated large pickup truck overall, outperforming rivals like the Ford F-150 and Rivian R1T. The award highlights strong crash test performance and advanced safety features.

In its final 2025 model evaluations, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Tesla Cybertruck a Top Safety Pick rating for crew cab models built after April, confirming strong crash test and avoidance performance from prior tests. This places the Cybertruck alongside the Toyota Tundra as one of only two large pickups to earn the honor this year, part of a release recognizing 16 additional models.

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In a February 2026 X post, Tesla highlighted the Cybertruck's Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and 5-star NHTSA rating—previously detailed in coverage of the IIHS announcement—while emphasizing Full Self-Driving, off-road prowess, and home backup power capabilities.

Elon Musk recently praised the Cybertruck as Tesla's best vehicle ever on social media, but sales data tells a different story. Reports indicate that fewer than 2.5% of reservations have converted to actual purchases, lagging behind other Tesla models. This disconnect highlights ongoing challenges for the electric truck.

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Tesla is recalling 63,619 Cybertrucks in the U.S. due to front parking lights that are too bright, potentially distracting other drivers and raising crash risks. The issue stems from a software glitch in vehicles built from November 13, 2023, to October 11, 2025. The company will address it with a free over-the-air update.

Tesla is recalling 63,619 Cybertrucks in the United States due to front parking lights that exceed federal brightness standards, potentially impairing visibility for oncoming drivers. The issue stems from a software glitch and affects nearly all vehicles produced to date. Owners will receive a free over-the-air update to dim the lights.

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A modified Tesla Cybertruck, equipped with extra sensors for autonomous testing, was recently seen charging in California. This marks the first known instance of the electric pickup being used as a robotaxi validation vehicle. The sighting suggests Tesla is broadening its self-driving vehicle trials beyond the Model Y.

 

 

 

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