The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts some of the toughest crash tests in the auto industry. It was harder than ever this year for car makers to achieve the nonprofit organization’s safety awards.

The IIHS raised its standards for 2014’s coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation, its highest honor. In addition to passing a range of crash tests with “good” or better rankings, cars seeking the group’s top status now must either carry crash-prevention technology or offer it as an option.

The organization wanted to distinguish between makers who not only offered crash protection, but those that offered technology that helps drivers avoid accidents to begin with. Twenty-two 2014 models achieved this status, IIHS said yesterday.

Of these, four models stood out for offering crash-prevention technology standard: The Volvo S60, S80 and XC60, as well as the Honda Civic Hybrid(link). The rest of the 22 models offer crash-prevention systems as an option.

Honda was a standout, with six Top Safety Pick+ awards, including its Accord, Civic, and Odyssey. Acura RLX and MDX luxury cars also obtained the award. Four Subaru models were named, while Volvo and Mazda each had three winning models.

Among domestic carmakers, the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ earned the Top Safety Pick+ status. Chrysler and General Motors vehicles were notably absent.

Overall, 17 cars earned the second-tier “Top Safety Pick” status.

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