2013 Mazda 3, 2014 Mazda CX-5 earn 'Top Safety Pick' rating

Mazda announced Wednesday that the 2013 Mazda 3 and the 2014 Mazda CX-5 have both earned “good” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

To achieve the overall “good” rating, the vehicles had to perform well in each of the following crash-test categories: frontal moderate overlap, side, rear impact and roof strength.

“The Mazda 3 and the CX-5 are two very important vehicles for Mazda and our customers,” said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “Receiving the 'Top Safety Pick' distinction is a testament to Mazda's dedication to building vehicles that will keep their occupants safe and sound.”

Both vehicles are equipped with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, stability and traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Mazda's SkyActiv unit-body design is also said to help improve both fuel economy and safety.

In December, prior to these most recent results being released, the IIHS announced a full list of Top Safety Picks from 2013.

By Sherrice Gilsbach