The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has unveiled its 2023 Top Safety Pick+ list, and this year’s standouts include electric vehicles from Hyundai, Genesis, and Lexus. The Genesis Electrified GV70, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Lexus RZ 450e have earned the highest safety ratings, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to passenger and pedestrian safety.

Extensive Safety Testing

These electric vehicles underwent a battery of safety tests to assess both crash protection and crash prevention technology. Notably, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Lexus RZ 450e achieved “superior ratings” in vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash tests conducted in low-light conditions, showcasing their advanced safety features. The Genesis Electrified GV70 received an “advanced rating” in the same category, further highlighting its safety prowess.

Unique Architectural Choices

A noteworthy aspect of these safety ratings is the Genesis Electrified GV70’s use of the same architecture as its gas-powered counterpart, rather than the Electric-Global Modular Architecture (E-GMP) found in the Hyundai Ioniq 6. This demonstrates that vehicle safety is a top priority, regardless of architectural differences.

Headlight Excellence

Additionally, the Genesis Electrified GV70 earned recognition for having the best headlights among the three vehicles tested. This achievement underscores the importance of superior lighting systems in enhancing night-time pedestrian safety.

Addressing Night-Time Pedestrian Safety

David Harkey, President of the IIHS, emphasized the significance of comprehensive front crash prevention systems, especially during low-light conditions. He highlighted that “night-time pedestrian safety is a growing concern” and underscored the industry’s commitment to reducing accidents after dark.

These top safety ratings reflect a broader industry trend toward prioritizing holistic road safety, taking significant steps towards achieving the IIHS’s ambitious goal of zero traffic fatalities.