2025 Tesla Cybertruck crash test results: NHTSA ratings more positive than IIHS

The 2025 Tesla Cybertruck’s crash tests delivered very different outcomes from two organisations. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a nonprofit that conducts crash and safety evaluations, tested the Cybertruck, and the scores are varied. Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. government agency responsible for official safety ratings, awarded the electric vehicle almost perfect scores.

In the Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test conducted by the IIHS, the Cybertruck was rated good. However, this only applies to models built after April 2025, when Tesla upgraded the truck’s front underbody structure. Earlier builds don’t qualify. The truck also scored ‘good’ in the Pedestrian Crash Prevention test, but it wasn’t evaluated for vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention.

The Seat Belt Reminder earned a ‘marginal’ score, while its LATCH system for car seats was rated ‘acceptable’. The lower anchors were easily accessible, but the top tether anchors were more challenging to use. The lowest score came from the headlights, which IIHS rated ‘poor’.

IIHS didn't test the Cybertruck in the Small Overlap Front and Side Crash test categories. Without those results, and with its poor headlights, the truck didn't qualify for the organisation’s Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards. To earn these awards, a vehicle must achieve strong ratings in the crash tests, good or acceptable test results for its headlights, and effective crash prevention systems. The ‘Plus’ version adds the requirement of a good score in the moderate overlap crash test.

By contrast, the NHTSA gave the Cybertruck its highest overall rating. It earned five stars in front and side crash tests and four stars in rollover resistance. By NHTSA standards, that makes it one of the safest trucks on the market today.