Lexus RX 350 wins the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

MANILA, Philippines - The 2010 Lexus RX 350 was honored with the Top Safety Pick Award by the US-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the excellent protection that the luxury SUV provides its occupants.

The IIHS is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the losses brought about by vehicular accidents. The Institute conducts various scientific tests to rate the safety of vehicles and educate consumers about their results and implications.

Every year, the IIHS bestows the Top Safety Pick Award to vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control that achieve the highest possible rating for performance in four rigorous tests. These include high-speed front and side impact tests, as well as a rear impact test wherein the protection given by the seat/head restraints against neck injuries is evaluated. Beginning 2010, the roof strength test, which measures how a car fairs in the event of a rollover, was added to the criteria.

In addition to being equipped with Vehicle Stability Control, the Lexus RX 350 has 10 airbags: driver and front passenger airbags, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, front and rear side airbags with curtain shields. Other safety features include traction control, an adaptive front-lighting system, and a back-up camera embedded in the rear-view mirror.