Safety is paramount when it comes to choosing a new car, and Toyota continues to lead the way in this regard. In an impressive achievement, both the 2023 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime have earned the coveted TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Additionally, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, a standout in the small SUV category, has clinched a TOP SAFETY PICK award. Let’s delve into what makes these vehicles stand out in terms of safety.
To receive either the TOP SAFETY PICK+ or TOP SAFETY PICK award in 2023, a vehicle must meet stringent criteria set by the IIHS. These criteria include achieving “good” ratings in three critical crash test categories: the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, and original moderate overlap front tests. Furthermore, vehicles must come standard with acceptable or good headlights across all trim levels and a front crash prevention system that earns advanced or superior ratings in the daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluation.
For the basic TOP SAFETY PICK award, a vehicle must also attain an acceptable or good rating in the updated side crash test. To clinch the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, a vehicle must meet all the previous requirements and obtain a “good” rating in the updated side test, along with an advanced or superior rating in the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian test.
The 2023 Toyota Prius and Prius Prime, both redesigned for the 2023 model year, meet and exceed all the stringent criteria for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. These hybrid models come equipped with a standard front crash prevention system that boasts superior ratings in both daytime and nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations. Additionally, they feature acceptable-rated LED projector headlights across all trim levels, ensuring excellent visibility for drivers in various conditions.
A noteworthy achievement for these vehicles is the upgrade from an “acceptable” to a “good” rating in the passenger-side small overlap front crash test. This improvement has propelled the Prius and Prius Prime into the elite group of TOP SAFETY PICK+ recipients.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, a small SUV with a lot to offer, secures the TOP SAFETY PICK award. It excels in several safety aspects, including superior ratings in both pedestrian front crash prevention tests, emphasizing its dedication to pedestrian safety. Moreover, it offers acceptable or good headlights across all trim levels, ensuring safe nighttime driving.
The Corolla Cross, however, falls just short of the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award due to an “acceptable” rating in the updated side crash test. Nonetheless, its impressive safety features make it a compelling choice for those in search of a safe and stylish small SUV.
These awards from the IIHS provide consumers with vital information to make informed decisions when selecting their next vehicle. Toyota’s dedication to safety innovation underscores its commitment to providing peace of mind for customers on the road.
