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Almost No Cars(except 2) Can Attain IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Without Options

15K views 37 replies 11 participants last post by  stevew 
#1 ·
https://www.carsdirect.com/automoti...in-highest-iihs-safety-rating-without-options
Safety features have become a key differentiator among today's vehicles. Automakers tout safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or IIHS, like badges of honor. However, shoppers may not know that most cars on the market today can't achieve the agency's highest rating without pricey options. At the moment, the group's top rating is "Top Safety Pick+". Somewhat confusingly, the agency still uses a separate designation called "Top Safety Pick" even though it's no longer the highest score. The difference is that TSP+ has a higher standard for headlights and the agency's front & passenger-side small overlap crash tests. Interestingly, our analysis of the latest test ratings found that virtually none of the group's TSP+ vehicles can achieve the score without optional equipment.


We reached out to IIHS spokesperson Russ Rader, who confirmed that there are in fact just two vehicles able to achieve a TSP+ score without options: the Honda Insight and Genesis G90. The Insight starts at $23,850 but is largely a niche model. The G90 sells in small numbers and starts above $70,000. We suspect most consumers would find all of this incredibly confusing. Quirks such as these will mean that shoppers will have to do their diligence by reading any and all fine print, looking for language like "as tested" or "with optional equipment" in advertisements.
The Honda Insight is only 1 of 2 vehicles that come standard with LED headlights without having to spend more plus provides enough visibility at night to get the Top Safety Pick+ rating.
 
#11 ·
Yeah I would like to oppose this opinion.. I was curious about how bright the lights were on my Insight so my fiancee and I traded cars at night (hers in an older 2010 Toyota Corolla >headlights are horrible comparatively speaking<)... She drove opposite down the road to me and I could tell my car had LED headlights - however they did not blind me like newer trucks and SUV's do.. They were not that bright at all honestly - only "whiter"..
 
#3 · (Edited)
It is astonishing how many vehicles get top crash test results but fail to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower headlight ratings. Many more only include the necessary automatic emergency braking systems and better headlights on top trim levels, sometimes requiring extra safety or tech packages on top of that. Consumers often don't realize that the actual trim level they purchase doesn't meet the IIHS requirements for a TSP award, let alone TSP+. Even if they do, it can be hard to find one that meets those requirements on a dealer's lot.

Designing a vehicle to be able to earn "Good" results in all the actual IIHS crash tests and a 5-star result in all of the NHTSA individual crash test ratings (not just the overall rating) is a very difficult and expensive engineering task. It seems like a major oversight to do that, and then save some money with marginal headlights.

The Insight LX and even EX are relative bargains for overall safety. With teen drivers, that was the big selling point for me. I do wonder why they left off Blind Spot warnings and Rear Cross Traffic Alerts when Accord EX and competitors like Prius LE and Ioniq SEL offer them. At least they could have added LaneWatch to the driver side.
 
#4 ·
It is astonishing how many vehicles get top crash test results but fail to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating due to lower headlight ratings. Many more only include the necessary automatic emergency braking systems and better headlights on top trim levels, sometimes requiring extra safety or tech packages on top of that. Consumers often don't realize that the actual trim level they purchase doesn't meet the IIHS requirements for a TSP award, let alone TSP+. Even if they do, it can be hard to find one that meets those requirements on a dealer's lot.

Designing a vehicle to be able to earn "Good" results in all the actual IIHS crash tests and a 5-star result in all of the NHTSA individual crash test ratings (not just the overall rating) is a very difficult and expensive engineering task. It seems like a major oversight to do that, and then save some money with marginal headlights.

The Insight LX and even EX are relative bargains for overall safety. With teen drivers, that was the big selling point for me. I do wonder why they left off Blind Spot warnings and Rear Cross Traffic Alerts when Accord EX and competitors like Prius LE and Ioniq SEL offer them. At least they could have added LaneWatch to the driver side.
I think Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (same sensor device) were left off for one of the reasons you stated above: the addition wasn't needed for the Insight to earn top safety ratings. Also with the Insight being based on Civic platform/components AND since BSM/RCTA isn't an option for the Civic, Honda probably wasn't motivated to add it for the lower-sales-volume Insight.

That said, BSM/RCTA were also features that I REALLY wanted as well. I hope Honda makes it at least available as an accessory option in the future, if not included standard.
 
#5 ·
Right[img= class=inlineimg]/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif[/img] I should have phrased that, "Honda why did you cheap out and not add BSM and RCTA even on higher trims...". I have a number of minor quirk complaints like this, though I still liked it best in the segment. Seriously, I really do wonder if sometimes they intentionally omit obvious things on new models not only for cost, but also so they have something to do at the refresh.
 
#6 ·
Absolutely great news...to top off everything else this most stylish, and powerful hybrid has to offer. My insurance cost is VERY reasonable. The safety rating helps.

I love the headlights! They are angled low enough not to bother anyone. I don't get "flashed" by oncoming cars at night, so they don't have an issue...except when the automatic dimming headlights are slow to respond around angles and curves. In that situation, I just quickly switch to manual. I'm glad they put that quick disable feature in.

As far as BSM and whatnot, I think people are becoming FAR TOO DEPENDENT on some sensor telling them what they SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR. People use them as "replacements" for being lazy to JUST TAKE A LOOK. I see it on the road all the time. The sensor reacts AFTER THEY MOVE TOWARDS ANOTHER CAR. That is far too close to collision. I would prefer a left side Lane Watch camera in addition to the right side Lane Watch camera. Visual verification is far better, and the law.

Besides, most BSM systems run 24 GHz radar that drives people who use radar detectors NUTS. There is only a few "expensive" radar detectors that filter out "almost all" of the BSM radar, but Honda's and Mazda's are harder to filter, as they resemble CW signals similar to police radar. There is an FCC mandate for car manufacturers to move to 77 GHz, like the Insight uses in front, and that can't happen fast enough. Until then, Escort MAX (any of the series), and Radenso PRO-M are the only choice for best filtering. The Escort MAX II can be had for $250 at Costco (when they run them on sale), but the others are up around $500.

Phil
 
#8 ·
I find the BSM most effective on those few times when I'm trying to make a quick lane change, or when I just forget to look over my shoulder because I'm "sure" no one is there because I've been monitoring the traffic, but of course someone sneaks in anyway.
 
#9 ·
My problem — and the reason I’d like a blind spot monitor — is that the rear and over-the-shoulder visibility in the Insight is poor, or fair, at best. I really like the Lane Watch camera, which overcomes the shoulder limitation, so my preference would be to have BOTH BSM and LW.

It's definitely the case that many drivers have become too dependent on the tech features — there was a relatively recent AAA survey that found most drivers don't know the limits of the systems and do rely on them excessively. It's ironic as the features are there to help safety, but may have worsened it.

OTOH, with reduced visibility (and the Insight's low front), those tech features have become essential aids. A front camera like the rear one showing how close one is to a parking bumper would be a great addition to the Insight.
 
#10 ·
OTOH, with reduced visibility (and the Insight's low front), those tech features have become essential aids. A front camera like the rear one showing how close one is to a parking bumper would be a great addition to the Insight.
A front camera would be nice plus night vision mode with animal detection.:grin:


 
#14 · (Edited)
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid recently joined the ranks of the few vehicles to earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick "Plus" award on all trim levels with standard features.

Insight remains the only car for 2019 to accomplish this AND get 5-stars in every single NHTSA safety evaluation as well. (The 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid and Genesis G90 are still untested by the NHTSA).

Worthwhile to note that the 2018-2019 Camry gets the IIHS Top Safety Pick (or Plus) standard on all trim levels along with 5-star results in all NHTSA evaluations. 2019 Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 meet the IIHS Top Safety Pick standard as well, but miss out on the NHTSA standard with 4-star rollover ratings (like just about any compact or midsize SUV).

Some other vehicles miss out only due to putting "Marginal" or "Poor" rated headlights on lower trim levels, or by not having had the NHTSA expedite crash testing. This is a real shame for many luxury models in particular, especially when the ~$20K Insight LX can get top safety ratings across the board with standard features.
 
#19 · (Edited)
The Tesla Model 3 is now just the second vehicle along with Insight to to get top IIHS and NHTSA ratings with all standard features on every version.

Insight had one blemish in IIHS testing, an "Acceptable" sub category rating for Pelvis/leg in the side impact test. The Model 3 had a single "Acceptable" sub category result in the Lower leg/foot in the small overlap passenger side test. It also had an Acceptable child LATCH ease of use rating.

Model 3 is slightly heavier, an advantage in frontal crashes with another vehicle. It also had a lower rollover risk rating in the NHTSA testing.

Pretty minor differences for two very safe compact cars.
 
#15 ·
The Insight benefited from Honda's decision to go LEDs only on all trims. It allowed them to design a headlight assembly specifically for LEDs instead of an afterthought for the highest trim. This probably made a difference during the IIHS headlight test and explains the different results on the Civic Touring trim (LED was rated Poor).
 
#21 · (Edited)
The Insight is loaded with a ton of value for the asking price. Don't know why Honda doesn't make it more obvious this is one of the rare few cars that is IIHS TSP+ standard across all trims and the only one under $25k. Maybe it would make the other cars they sell appear not as safe?

Honda announced a new "safety" marketing campaign today.

 
#31 ·
#22 · (Edited)
The Honda Passport recently was tested by the IIHS. It only got a TSP award for vehicles built after June 2019 due to headlights rated as "poor". Honda rectified it by adding High beam assist to earn an "acceptable" rating. Enough to get the TSP award for Passports built after June 2019. I wonder if this means Passport owners that own a vehicle built before June 2019 are screwed with a less safe vehicle and resale value. Don't think I've ever seen the same model year vehicle getting 2 separate TSP ratings.

https://carbuzz.com/news/not-all-2019-honda-passports-are-equally-safe
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/honda/passport-4-door-suv/2019#headlights
 
#23 ·
The Honda Passport recently was tested by the IIHS. It only got a TSP award for vehicles built after June 2019 due to headlights rated as "poor". Honda rectified it by adding High beam assist to earn an "acceptable" rating. Enough to get the TSP award for Passports built after June 2019. I wonder if this means Passport owners that own a vehicle built before June 2019 are screwed with a less safe vehicle and resale value. Don't think I've ever seen the same model year vehicle getting 2 separate TSP ratings.
The Tesla Model 3 would have been in same situation/separation as Honda ended up with for the Passport, but Tesla chose to defer IIHS testing instead of Honda's choice to test twice:
"IIHS would have tested the Model 3 shortly after launch; [...] the Model 3 results still could have been known sooner, but Tesla passed on that opportunity. When planning its calendar, IIHS reaches out to manufacturers to ask if they would like to be included in early testing. Tesla did not respond, and hence, was not moved to this year’s early testing queue. Preliminary testing of the Model 3 disqualified it from the top award, however, Tesla made changes to the headlights and that change made the Model 3 qualify for the award pending crash test results."​
 
#26 ·
Wow that's a powerful video! I've had my Insight for about nine months now and I can tell you - it may have saved my butt (and others) at least two times now. I am NOT a bad driver, but I drive 100 miles round trip to work every day mixed city and highway. After work I also drive for Lyft to help out with bills a little here and there. The safety measures at times may seem a little too much but I honestly love it.
 
#27 ·
It's understandable, we're humans, and will do something stupid from time to time. CMBS saved me during this situation.

The headlight on the Insight is the best with Winter approaching as we get less daylight. Found this article written by IIHS on how good headlights are crucial to your reaction time and as your speed increases. They even cited the Honda Insight as an example.

As of March 2019, 14 percent of headlight systems tested on model year 2019 vehicles received a good rating. More than half were rated marginal or poor because of inadequate visibility, excessive glare from low beams for oncoming drivers, or both.


Why does headlight performance matter? It takes 1.5 seconds for a driver to react to an unexpected event under ideal conditions. At a speed of 55 mph, a car travels about 120 feet during this brief period. Once the driver applies the brakes, it takes more than 144 feet, on average, to stop at this speed.



A driver of a 2019 Honda Insight should be able to spot an obstacle in the left lane 174 feet ahead while using low beams and 458 feet ahead while using high beams. When traveling 55 mph, this is the difference between having 2.2 seconds to detect and react to an obstacle using low beams and 5.7 seconds using high beams.


The low beams of many headlight systems with poor ratings don't provide enough light for a driver going 55 mph on a straight road to stop in time after spotting an obstacle in his or her lane. They provide even less illumination on the left side of a straight road and when driving on a curve. https://www.iihs.org/topics/headlights
 
#28 · (Edited)
Honda Opens Doors to U.S. Safety Research & Development Labs

Honda released some videos today introducing the team behind making our cars safe. Plus some heartfelt letters from customers thanking the safety engineering team.

Steven Feit Driver Distraction Research
Bryan Hourt Honda Safety Philosophy
Kishore Pydimarry Crash Simulation & Visualization
Brian Bautsch Collision Safety
Eric Heitkamp Safety Restraint Systems
Adam Mihm Pedestrian Safety
Eric Heitkamp Sled Test Lab
John Scally Active Safety Systems
Brian Bautsch Dummy Lab

Honda - Safety For Everyone
OUR MOTIVATION
Throughout the years, Honda engineers have collected a scrapbook brimming with heartfelt, safety-related customer testimonials.
 
#29 ·
Those stories were quite inspirational, and it makes me happy to know that all manufacturers place safety at the pinnacle of importance.

Please, for the love of god, use your seat belts (especially for children riding in the back). I'm so glad that that mom and 9 year old survived, and I understand completely that in extreme cases a seatbelt can actually be detrimental, but the safety systems are designed to work with the seatbelts, air bag positioning is contingent on you being where you belong in a car.

Cars are leaps and bounds safer than they were during the 60's, and sure they "take" an accident with more cosmetic damage, but crumple zones are engineered for a reason. Injuries happen when the body stops moving, and modern cars are designed to transfer as much energy as possible away from the "passenger compartment" (manufacturers all have their own wording).
 
#30 ·
This article does a nice job at summarizing in one place the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) designation, and the IIHS vs NHTSA tests. Both the IIHS and NHTSA want to find the safest cars in a crash, but accomplishes this with different tests (e.g. NHTSA rollover resistance test vs IIHS roof strength test).

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/iihs-top-safety-pick

The full list of cars earning the 2019 IIHS TSP+ award now totals 5 models who achieve the status using standard equipment and no extra conditions/options (2019 Insight, 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, 2019 Tesla Model 3, 2019 Audio e-tron, 2019 Genesis G90)

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks?tspPlusOnly#award-winners
 
#33 ·
It's October now and there is now another car with that is also a top safety pick+ with over 300k sold that need no additional options, so considerably more volume than the G90.

I must say though, I have the lane departure shut off on the Insight.

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/tesla/model-3-4-door-sedan/2019

Yep. The full list of cars earning the 2019 IIHS TSP+ award now totals 5 models with standard equipment: 2019 Insight, 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, 2019 Tesla Model 3, 2019 Audio e-tron, and 2019 Genesis G90. The Model 3 definitely has more cumulative sales than the other cars on the list.

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks?tspPlusOnly#award-winners
 
#35 ·
Good or acceptable headlights must be standard for a vehicle to qualify for Top Safety Pick+ https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/iihs-announces-tougher-criteria-for-2020-awards
IIHS made TSP+ harder to get this year. In order to be awarded TSP+, a vehicle needs to have at least acceptable headlights on all trims instead of good headlights on a top trim.



  1. Of the 64 award winners, 23 qualify for Top Safety Pick+.
  2. No minivans or pickups qualify for either award so far this year.
  3. Six of the “plus” winners — the Genesis G70, Honda Insight, Hyundai Nexo, Lexus NX, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and Tesla Model 3 — aren’t sold with anything other than good-rated headlights. A good rating means headlights provide the best balance of visibility and lack of excessive glare for drivers of oncoming vehicles.
  4. Good visibility is key to avoiding crashes in the dark. In the time it takes a driver to react to an obstacle under ideal conditions — 1½ seconds — a car traveling 55 mph covers about 120 feet. Thus, headlights need to illuminate obstacles well before that. The difference between good-rated headlights and poor ones can be the difference between seeing an obstacle in time to stop and crashing into it.
  5. Among automakers, Mazda has the most Top Safety Pick+ awards with five — for the Mazda 3 sedan, Mazda 3 hatchback, Mazda 6, CX-3 and CX-5. The company earns an additional Top Safety Pick for the CX-9.
  6. No vehicles from Fiat Chrysler or Mitsubishi earn either award this year. Ford/Lincoln, Volvo and BMW haven’t picked up any Top Safety Pick+ awards, while General Motors and Nissan each earn only one Top Safety Pick and one Top Safety Pick+ award.


Love my Insight and those headlights! :D
 

Attachments

#36 ·
  1. Of the 64 award winners, 23 qualify for Top Safety Pick+.
Also tying back to your original post for this thread, of the 23 that qualify for Top Safety Pick Plus, only 20 achieve that with just 'standard' equipment.
- 3 of the 23 require optional equipment/upgrade
- another 4 within the list of 23 have an 'after date' stipulation, suggesting that the manufacturer changed specs within the model year (presumably to meet TSP+ criteria)
 
#37 ·
https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-c...020-honda-models-earn-iihs-top-safety-ratings

  • 2020 Accord, CR-V and three Civic models each earn TSP and Insight earns the pinnacle TSP+ award
  • Honda Sensing® Collision Mitigation Braking System™ gets SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention and is standard equipment on all six models
  • All fully tested Honda vehicles also earn top U.S. government crash-test ratings
Five Honda models have earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) rating when equipped with specific headlights, and one (Insight) has achieved a TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) rating.

Honda posted a press release about the TSP awards they earned.
 
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