News reported that most fatal car crashes in the United States happen at night when there are insufficient lights on the road. Moreover, more than a quarter of car crashes occur on unlit roads. This shows that the headlights of cars have a significant role in driving safety.
The condition of headlights vehicles might bring a huge difference between being in a potentially dangerous crash and being safe. That is why the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has been testing cars with the best headlights for cars safety evaluation. By doing so, they hope that car crashes in the United States will be lessened.
The tests have been done by measuring the reach of the vehicle’s headlights while it travels straight and curves. Both low-beam and high-beam headlights are also tested. IIHS shows up with ratings: Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. The tests have been done, and some famous names appear on the top list.
Here are some cars and SUVs with the best headlights according to IHHS headlights evaluations.
Table of Contents
Genesis G90
On the first list is Genesis G90, which earned 8.4/10 for overall scores and 10/10 for safety scores. Genesis G90 is worth gaining a perfect “Good” rating for reasons. It has perfect headlights across the line-up tested by IIHS, and it turned out great. Its powerful engines, premium cabin, and composed ride are never disappointing.
Besides, this vehicle is also completed with many advanced safety aids that include pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, lane change assistant, lane keep assist, and many more. It is not yet mentioned how high-tech features such as highway driving assist, safe exit assist, lane following assist, and other beautiful features make anyone won’t leave this car.
The Price of Genesis G90 starts from $72,200, available in two configurations, 3.3T Premium and 5.0 Ultimate.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 became the only one of three vehicles from the United States that earned Top Safety Pick+ and got a “Good” rating for IIHS headlights evaluations. It earned 8.8/10 for the overall score and 9.8 for the safety score. In addition, Tesla Model 3 is completed with standard Tesla Autopilot, followed by several safety systems.
Those several safety systems, such as blind-spot monitoring, sensors, side collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and cameras on all sides of the car, would benefit the driver while driving the vehicle.
This model is the smallest, with a minimalist interior, impressive cargo volume, and two rows of adult-friendly seats. If the smartphone app integration is not available, the driver could use the touch screen controller.
Tesla Model 3 starts at $35,000, available in 4 configurations, including Standard Range, Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance.
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5 is the first Sportscar model that earned a “Good” rating from IIHS headlights test evaluations with 8.6/10 for overall score and 9.9/10 for safety score. That is an excellent score for a sports car model to earn such a high score.
In addition, this car is completed with some standard active safety aids, including lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Although Mazda CX-5 has low-speed automatic emergency braking, IIHS gave it Superior and Advanced for its front crash prevention system standard. Its body is relatively spacious, complete with athletic handling and good gas mileage. However, the ride of this vehicle would be more fun since it is packed with some high-tech features.
The Mazda CX-5 is affordable, starting at $25,190 (MSRP). Available in 5 configurations, including Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reverse, and Signature.
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is PHEV or Plug-in Hybrid Electronic Vehicle whose battery can be recharged by plugging the cable charger into an external electric power source. It has an excellent fuel economy that can provide 17 miles of all-electric range.
The Crosstrek Hybrid earn a “Good” rating from IIHS headlights evaluation with 7.6/10 for the overall score and 10/10 for the safety score. It shows how perfect its headlights are.
These Cars are completed with automatic high beams and standard adaptive headlights. In addition, this vehicle also includes Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeps assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Even though the second-row seats are cramped and there is limited cargo space, this SUV has unique off-road capability, a high-quality interior, good gas mileage, and standard all-well drive. Other features that complete this car are rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic braking. New Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid starts at $35,145.
Subaru Ascent
Another Subaru car has a “Good” rating from the IIHS headlights test as one of the cars with the best headlights. IIHS also stated that Ascent’s headlights earned a “Good” rating on all trims. Ascent earned a 7.7/10 overall score and a 9.8/10 safety score. It comes with standard steering responsive LED headlights and automatic high beams.
Subaru Ascent includes EyeSight suites such as automatic emergency braking, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and rear seat reminder. Other safety aids also complete this SUV, such as rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, blind stop monitoring, and lane change assist.
This SUV is equipped with expensive seats, standard all-wheel drive, a handsome cabin, and a large cargo area for the body itself. However, it is outstanding for a coddling ride, composed handling, and road grip.
Subaru Ascent starts at $31,995 (MSRP), available in 4 configurations, including Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring.
Mazda CX-9
Having so many similarities with its sibling, CX-5, Mazda CX-9 SUV earned a “Good” rating for the IIHS headlights test. It earned 8.3/10 for the overall score and 9.6/10 for the safety score. In addition, it is equipped with an i-Activesense driver assistant by Mazda.
It features pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It also so has standard rain-sensing wipers and traffic sign recognition.
This Mazda Full-Size SUV is also completed with a premium cabin, a powerful fuel-efficient engine, and impressive driving dynamics. It also has a spacious room that accommodates three-rows friendly seats for adults.
New Mazda CX-9 starts at $34,160. That’s a pretty good price for a full-size SUV with plenty of features. CX-9 is available in 5 configurations, including Sport, Touring, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, and Signature.
Let’s Wrapping Up
As I said earlier, the headlight is an essential part of a vehicle, necessary for the car’s driver and other drivers.
The Genesis G90 and Tesla Model 3 have the best headlights on the US market today. At the same time, the Mazda CX-5, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru Ascent, and Mazda CX-9 are my recommendations for SUVs with the best headlights.
