The redesigned 2026 Audi A6 has added another accolade to its launch, earning the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation following the organization’s latest round of crash testing and safety evaluations. The award recognizes the new A6’s performance across crashworthiness, lighting and crash avoidance testing, placing it among the safest new vehicles evaluated by the IIHS this year.
The A6 achieved Good ratings in the institute’s small overlap front, moderate overlap front and side impact crash tests, along with a Good pedestrian front crash prevention rating and a Good score in the IIHS vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention evaluation. Its headlights received an Acceptable rating, which still satisfies the organization’s criteria for TOP SAFETY PICK+. The A6 also earned Good ratings for seat belt reminders and LATCH child seat ease of use. According to the IIHS ratings chart, the vehicle met or exceeded every requirement necessary to receive the institute’s highest award.
The recognition comes as the A6 enters a new generation for the 2026 model year. IIHS noted that the redesign qualified the car for fresh testing under its current evaluation protocols, which have become progressively more demanding in recent years. To earn a 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+, vehicles must achieve Good ratings in the institute’s primary crash tests, earn a Good pedestrian front crash prevention rating, and score either Good or Acceptable in the updated vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention evaluation. Acceptable or Good headlights must also be standard across all trim levels.
For Audi, the award reinforces the engineering priorities behind the latest A6. While the model introduces new technology, updated styling and an expanded suite of driver assistance systems, its performance in independent IIHS testing confirms that occupant protection and crash avoidance remain central to the new generation’s development.