The recommendations are based on a comprehensive evaluation by both institutes on various criteria, including vehicle type, size, reliability, emergency handling, braking distance performance, safety ratings and insurance claim rates.

For used vehicles, IIHS/CR split their recommendations into “Best” and “Good” lists. Out of 36 in the “Best” list, 8 are from Subaru and Mazda:

• Mazda3 Sedan / Hatchback – 2014 to 2020
• Subaru Impreza Sedan / Hatchback – 2018 or 2022
• Subaru Legacy – 2013 to 2021
• Subaru Outback – 2015 to 2018
• Mazda6 – 2014 to 2018
• Mazda CX-5 – 2014 or newer
• Mazda CX-3 – 2016 or 2019
• Subaru Forester – 2018 or newer

Meanwhile, when it comes to 16 new cars for teens, eight are either from Subaru or Mazda:

• Mazda3 Sedan / Hatchback
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Outback
• Subaru Forester
• Mazda CX-5
• Mazda CX-50
• Subaru Evoltis
• Mazda CX-9

The IIHS and Consumer Reports factored in being a Top Safety Pick of Top Safety Pick+. That means they have good ratings in three frontal crash tests: driver- and passenger-side small overlap and the original moderate overlap — a good or acceptable rating in the updated side test, advanced or superior ratings for front crash prevention (including daytime and nighttime pedestrian detection), and standard acceptable- or good-rated headlights. Injury claim rates from recent model years are also factored in.

Check out the full list from the IIHS and Consumer Reports here.