If safety is at the top of your checklist when shopping for a new car, you’re not alone. More drivers than ever before are researching crash ratings and safety tech before deciding on their next vehicle. That’s where the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ rating comes in. It’s one of the most respected safety awards in the auto industry and can make a big difference in your peace of mind behind the wheel.
For 2025, Nissan continues to deliver when it comes to high safety standards, offering vehicles that not only meet the criteria for the Top Safety Pick rating but also exceed them. Whether you're driving solo or hauling the whole family, knowing your Nissan has passed some of the toughest safety tests in the industry can offer major confidence.
Let’s break down which 2025 Nissan vehicles earned the coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating, what it takes to earn this honor, and why it matters for your next purchase.
Which 2025 Nissan Vehicles Earned the Top Safety Pick+ Rating?
As of 2025, two standout Nissan models have earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS:
1. 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder continues to be a favorite for families who need space, comfort, and safety. The 2025 model has taken its safety credentials even further by qualifying for the Top Safety Pick+ rating.
Key Safety Features in the 2025 Pathfinder:
- Nissan Safety Shield 360, standard on all trims
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- High Beam Assist
- Advanced airbag system
Why It Qualified:
The Pathfinder earned good ratings in all crash tests, including the updated side and moderate overlap tests. Its headlights are rated acceptable or better across all trims, and the vehicle includes front crash prevention systems that scored superior in both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian tests.
2. 2025 Nissan Armada
The full-size Nissan Armada isn’t just known for its strength and size—it’s now recognized for its top-level safety, too. For 2025, the Armada achieved the Top Safety Pick+ thanks to several improvements in structure and standard driver-assist features.
What Makes the Armada Stand Out:
- Enhanced body structure for side-impact safety
- Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking
- Surround-View Monitor
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Standard LED projector headlights across trims
Why It Qualified:
The Armada received strong crash test results, including good ratings in the most recent moderate overlap and side-impact tests. With acceptable headlights and a robust suite of crash prevention tech, the Armada proves that even large SUVs can be both powerful and safe.
Other Nissan Models with Top Safety Pick Rating
While not quite at the “Plus” level, other 2025 Nissan vehicles have earned the standard Top Safety Pick rating, which still indicates excellent safety performance.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The subcompact Nissan Kicks may be small, but it holds its own when it comes to safety. It received high ratings in core crash tests and offers a solid list of standard driver-assist features.
Safety Highlights:
- Standard Nissan Safety Shield 360
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Automatic Braking
- Available LED headlights
Why It Didn’t Earn the “+”:
Some trims had headlights rated as marginal or poor, and the updated moderate overlap front crash test received a lower rating. Still, the Kicks is an excellent and affordable option with strong safety fundamentals.
What Is a Top Safety Pick+ Rating and How to Receive One?
The Top Safety Pick+ designation is the highest safety rating awarded by the IIHS. To receive it, a vehicle must earn top scores in a series of crash tests and safety evaluations that simulate real-world accident conditions.
Here’s what the IIHS tests for:
- Crashworthiness: How well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash.
- Crash avoidance and mitigation: How well the vehicle can avoid a crash or reduce its severity.
- Headlight performance: Quality and consistency of headlights on all trims.
- Pedestrian protection: Effectiveness of automatic emergency braking systems in spotting and avoiding pedestrians.
To receive the Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2025, a vehicle must earn:
- Good ratings in the small overlap front (driver and passenger), updated moderate overlap front, and updated side impact tests.
- Acceptable or good ratings for standard headlights across all trim levels.
- Advanced or superior ratings for front crash prevention systems, including pedestrian detection in both day and night conditions.
Why the Top Safety Pick+ Rating Matters for Drivers
When it comes to car shopping, it's easy to get distracted by colors, screens, and horsepower. But safety is one of the most important factors, especially when you’re transporting loved ones or commuting daily.
Choosing a vehicle with a Top Safety Pick+ rating ensures you’re driving something that’s passed some of the most rigorous tests in the industry. It means:
- More protection in real-world crashes
- Advanced features that help you avoid accidents
- Peace of mind for you and your passengers
If you’re a parent, a commuter, or simply someone who values safe travel, these ratings provide real confidence on the road.
Nissan’s Commitment to Safety
Nissan has been steadily improving its safety performance across the board. With its Safety Shield 360 suite now standard on many models, drivers can enjoy advanced safety features like:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Automatic Braking
- High Beam Assist
By incorporating these features even on base trims, Nissan is helping more people drive smarter and safer, without paying extra.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nissan Safety Ratings
If you're researching safety before purchasing your next vehicle, you're not alone. These common questions can help you better understand what Top Safety Pick ratings mean—and which Nissan vehicles stand out for 2025.
What is the difference between Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+?
Top Safety Pick+ is the highest award given by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). To earn this rating, a vehicle must meet all Top Safety Pick standards, plus include good or acceptable headlights on all trims and strong results in the updated moderate front overlap crash test.
Top Safety Pick winners may not meet those additional requirements, but still perform well in crashworthiness and crash avoidance tests.
What are the criteria for Top Safety Pick+?
To earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating, a vehicle must receive:
- Good ratings in crashworthiness tests, including updated side and moderate overlap front tests
- Acceptable or good ratings for headlights across all trims
- Advanced or superior ratings for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention, including night performance
What's the importance of having a Top Safety Pick rating?
A Top Safety Pick rating shows that a vehicle meets high standards in crash tests and accident prevention. It's one of the most trusted safety endorsements in the auto industry. Choosing a car with this rating gives drivers greater peace of mind, especially when transporting passengers or family members.
What is the safest Nissan car in 2025?
Based on IIHS testing, the safest Nissan vehicles for 2025 are the Nissan Pathfinder and the Nissan Armada, both of which earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating. They received excellent marks in crash tests, offer superior crash prevention systems, and include acceptable or better headlights on all trim levels.
Explore Safe and Reliable Nissan Models at Mossy Nissan
If you’re considering a vehicle with top safety scores, Mossy Nissan has you covered. Our team can help you explore Nissan models that earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and answer any questions about safety features or technology.
We welcome drivers from San Diego, Chula Vista, El Cajon, and surrounding areas to browse our wide selection of new and used Nissan vehicles. Whether you're looking for a dependable SUV or a fuel-efficient sedan, you'll find great options in stock.
Ready to take the next step? You can apply for financing online in just a few minutes or visit our inventory page to see the latest 2025 Nissan models available.
Looking for more Nissan ownership tips? Learn what to look for when buying a used Nissan, find out why your Nissan might not start, and how to troubleshoot it, or see how far your vehicle can drive on a full tank of gas. These helpful resources are designed to make owning or shopping for a Nissan easier than ever.
Have questions? Contact Mossy Nissan today to speak with a team member or schedule a visit to the dealership. We're here to help every step of the way.
