Include an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ in your car search

2020 was forecast to be a pretty good year for car dealers. Then, well, you know.

Now, to encourage reluctant consumers to visit the showroom, manufacturers are offering everything from deep discounts to free financing to delayed payments (sometimes, all three!).

If you've decided to take advantage of the deals in search of a new family car, make sure to consider models that have earned the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nod as a 2020 Top Safety Pick, thanks to their crash-test results and available front-crash prevention technology. Helping determine the year's winners were two new tests: One on avoiding pedestrian collisions, another on protecting passengers in right-front corner crashes.

Sixty-four cars and SUVs made the cut, with 23 scoring extra as Top Safety Pick+ for their headlights' ability to safely balance visibility with glare reduction for oncoming drivers. Among popular models, you'll find the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Subaru Forester. Mazda and Hyundai emerged as standout manufacturers overall.

Unfortunately, no pickups or minivans made the Top Safety Pick list this year.

Read the IIHS announcement and see the list of all 64 award-winners.