The same IIHS tests that rendered the 2013 Kia Forte one of the most dangerous small sedans in the market, awarded its sister car, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Sedan, with the Top Safety Pick+ certification. That is a bit odd, because the design of the Elantra is actually two years older than the Forte.

We don’t what Kia was doing when putting the Forte together, but it seems Hyundai has done their job right. What makes this achievement for the Elantra more remarkable is that little +, which means the car has passed IIHS’s notorious five-part crash tests – including moderate overlap front crash, small overlap front crash, side impact and rollover test, plus evaluates seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts – with flying colors.

To earn the Top Safety Pick+ title, vehicles must pass all the tests with ‘good’ rating, which is the highest score. For the fifth test the rating of ‘acceptable’ is, well, acceptable.

Besides its structural rigidity, the Elantara relies on a whole host of active and safety features to keep its occupants safe and sound. It has Vehicle Stability Management (VSM); ESC (Electronic Stability Control); Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS); six airbags, including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags; and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist. What’s more, the rear doors in this car have internal dual beams for extra protection.