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The redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger were named “Top Safety Picks” by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). It is the first time that either has earned the designation.

In press release emailed to journalists, IIHS says, “Chrysler significantly improved the safety performance of these vehicles for 2011. The previous generation Charger and 300 earned the second lowest rating of marginal for side impact protection, even when equipped with head-protecting side curtain airbags.” Those older scores are notable because of the Charger and 300’s size. Typically, large cars earn better scores. The Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon, direct competitors to the Charger and the 300, have all earned scores of “Good” in IIHS front and side impact crash tests.

Becoming a “Top Safety Pick” is no easy feat. In addition to the best possible scores in front and side crash tests, the cars must pass IIHS’s roof strength tests and have standard electronic stability control (ESC). “The roof of the Charger withstood a force equal to 5.37 times the car’s weight. By comparison, the current federal standard is 1.5 times weight. ESC, which was optional on the previous generation models, is now standard.” The goal of the roof strength test is to measure how well a car might protect occupants in a rollover.

Overall, seven vehicles from Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands have been named “Top Safety Picks” this year.

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