Automakers got a big pat on the back from a traffic safety group that more often prods them to do better.

Automatic emergency braking is the area of progress that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety sees as evolving to an “impressive” degree over just the past year.

The nonprofit, which crash-tests vehicles to rate them on myriad safety features, said the majority of 30 vehicles it evaluated for AEB performance warranted good or acceptable ratings. That means they prevent or drastically limit the impact of crashes at higher speeds.

“The rapid progress manufacturers have made to improve these vital crash avoidance systems is impressive,” IIHS President David Harkey said in a press release on the recent AEB crash tests. 

“Vehicles that excel in this new test will save lives, as it addresses the most dangerous kinds of front-to-rear crashes.”

The group said it rated 22 of the 30 cars it tested as good or acceptable on AEB performance. It compared that to testing done last spring that found only three of 10 small SUVs met the criteria for those ratings.

IIHS tweaked its AEB crash tests last year to reflect the realities of the road today, at higher speeds and including collisions with tractor-trailers and motorcycles.

Models earning a good rating are the standard Acura ZDX, BMW X5, BMW X6, Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Genesis GV80, Honda Prologue, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia EV9, Kia Sorento, Lexus NX, Subaru Forester, Toyota Camry, Toyota Crown Signia, Toyota Tacoma, and the optional system on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Those earning acceptable ratings are the standard Mercedes E-Class, Genesis G80, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Sonata, Jeep Wagoneer and Mazda CX-50, and the optional system on the Acura MDX, whose standard system wasn’t evaluated.

Getting a marginal rating was the Ford Expedition, while the Audi Q7 and Q8, Buick Envista, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Trax, Kia Seltos and Nissan Altima rated poor.

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