2026 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport Earn IIHS Top Safety Honors

Both the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have earned the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the highest safety recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Top Safety Pick+ designation is awarded to vehicles that meet the IIHS’s most demanding crash-testing and safety standards. In the most recent testing cycle, IIHS raised the bar by updating several safety requirements and the crash tests vehicles undergo.

The “+” rating requires vehicles to demonstrate exceptional occupant protection, effective pedestrian safety systems, and strong lighting performance on all trends, not just the lineup’s top models. Earning this designation means the vehicle, like the 2026 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, must exceed basic safety expectations and provide advanced protection for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Since the 2024 redesign of the Volkswagen Atlas lineup, this is its third top safety pick award.

When it comes to choosing your next family SUV, make safety the top priority – and come see how Volkswagen continues to deliver in a big way. You can find the 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport for sale at your VW dealership in Florence! 

How a Vehicle Earns a “Good” Rating (IIHS)  

There are four levels to the IIHS tests: Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. To earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, the 2026 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport had to earn a “Good” rating on three measures of crashworthiness: Small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front, and updated side tests. The criteria also require that acceptable or good headlights be standard across all trims and that the vehicle achieve an acceptable or good rating in the pedestrian front crash prevention test.

To receive a “Good” rating, the highest score IIHS awards, a vehicle must perform exceptionally in the following areas:

• Small Overlap Front Test:
  
  • Tests how well the vehicle protects passengers when the front corner hits an object, such as a tree or pole. Measures structural integrity, airbag performance, and injury risk to the driver.
    
• Moderate Overlap Front Test:
  
  • Tests protection for both front and rear passengers when the vehicle is hit from the front. It also emphasizes rear-seat occupant safety.
    
• Side Impact Test:
  
  • Simulates a higher-speed side collision with a larger, heavier barrier.
    
  • Measures injury risk to the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
    
• Headlights (Standard on All Trim Levels):
  
  • Must earn an Acceptable or Good rating.
    
  • Ensures consistent visibility and nighttime safety.
    
• Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention:
  
  • Must earn an “Acceptable” or “Good” rating.
    
  • Tests how well the vehicle’s safety systems detect and help avoid collisions with pedestrians in daylight and low-light conditions.

What Makes the 2026 VW Atlas and VW Atlas Cross Sport Winners? 

Volkswagen is dedicated to delivering a safe driving experience for drivers and passengers alike, so every Volkswagen Atlas and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport are equipped with the Volkswagen IQ.DRIVE® advanced driver assistance technology.

As standard equipment, Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE is designed to make driving easier and safer for modern families in Florence who tackle the town’s busy streets and South Carolina’s highways. Its features include:

• Lane Centering
• Capacitive Steering Wheel
• Front and Rear Radar
• Front Camera
• Travel Assist (semi-automatic driving assistance)
• Forward Collision Warning
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Active Side Assist blind spot monitoring
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control w/stop & go
• Lane Keeping System

Drive Home an Award-Winning Volkswagen in Florence Today!

Discover award-winning safety without compromising style or performance when you buy a new SUV for sale at Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen. This achievement reinforces Volkswagen’s commitment to advanced safety technology, smart design, and peace of mind for drivers and families alike.

The Volkswagen Atlas remains one of the most popular three-row SUVs for families. The 2026 VW Atlas offers spacious seating, flexible cargo space, and advanced safety. The Atlas is an excellent choice for growing families and road-trip enthusiasts. 

One reason the Atlas Cross Sport is so appealing is that it blends safety with modern sporty flair and smooth handling. Drivers don’t have to sacrifice looks or performance to get award-winning safety protection. 

You’ll find the Atlas lineup here. As your local source for Volkswagen new and used cars, we serve drivers throughout Sumter, Bennettsville, Conway, and beyond! 

Posted in 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, IIHS Top Safety Honors | No Comments »