Lexus IS: Crash Test and Safety Ratings/Safety Features
Safety is one of the main things Lexus focuses on. Here are some safety features and crash test ratings for the Lexus IS.
This article applies to the Lexus IS (2005-2013).
Cars have become safer now than they were decades ago. If you've ever watched crash test videos from the 70's and 80's, it's no secret that this is the Golden Age of automotive safety. Cars have certainly come a long way from "safety bumpers." Now, with the help of technology, cars can sense a potential crash and react accordingly. You may be curious to know what safety features your Lexus IS has from the factory. Here are some of the components and technologies that work to keep you safe out on the road, as well as some crash test data and safety ratings.
NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an organization under the federal government. The organization rates three areas that could result in injury during a crash: frontal impact, side impact, and rollover. The first two tests are measured by crashing the vehicle, whereas the third test is a mathematical formula. NHTSA uses a five-star rating system, with five being the best and zero being the worst.
Test Description |
Lexus IS |
BMW 3 Series |
Mercedes C-Class |
Infiniti Q50 |
Cadillac ATS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front, Driver |
4 Stars | 4 Stars | 4 Stars | 4 Stars | 5 Stars |
Front, Overall Front |
4 Stars | 4 Stars | 4 Stars | 4 Stars | 5 Stars |
Front, Passenger |
4 Stars | 5 Stars | 4 Stars | 3 Stars | 5 Stars |
Overall Rollover Rating |
5 Stars | 5 Stars | 4 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
Overall Overall |
4 Stars | 5 Stars | 4 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
Overall Side |
5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
Barrier, Side |
5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
Side Barrier Rating Driver |
4 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
Pole, Side |
4 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
Pole Barrier Combined, Front |
4 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
Pole Barrier Combined, Rear |
5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
NHTSA results are for 2013-2014.
IIHS
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a non-profit group, which insurance companies fund. These companies determine the insurance rate based on the vehicle's rating and pay out during an accident. Therefore, a better-rated vehicle will most likely cost less to insure. The IIHS ranks vehicles using four descriptions: Poor, Marginal, Acceptable and Good. Good is the highest possible rating.
Test Description |
Lexus IS |
BMW 3 Series |
Mercedes C-Class |
Infiniti Q50 |
Cadillac ATS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Small Overlap |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Dynamic Rating |
Acceptable | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Overall Rear |
Acceptable | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Seat Head/Restraint Geometry |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Chest |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Head/Neck |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Left Leg/Foot |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Overall Front |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Restraints |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Right Leg/Foot |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Structure Safety Cage |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Roof Strength |
Acceptable | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Driver Head Protection |
Good | Good | Good | Acceptable | Not Tested |
Driver Head and Neck |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Driver Pelvis/Leg |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Driver Torso |
Good | Acceptable | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Overall Side |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Rear Passenger Head Protection |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Rear Passenger Head and Neck |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Rear Passenger Torso |
Good | Good | Good | Good | Not Tested |
Structure/Safety Cage |
Good | Marginal | Good | Acceptable | Not Tested |
IIHS results are for 2013-2014.
Safety Features
The great results you see in the crash test ratings come from a variety of cutting edge features the Lexus IS offers. Some features are standard, while others are optional. The pre-collision system, with dynamic radar cruise control, warns you of obstacles ahead and applies the brakes once it detects a possible collision. While using cruise control, it also adjusts the speed to keep a preset distance from cars ahead of you.
The Lexus IS is equipped with a lane departure alert, which means if you zone out of your lane, the Lexus will adjust itself back into the lane. It is also equipped with an advanced air bag system that works like a second cage.
On top of many impressive safety features, they top off the cake with a feature called Enform Safety Connect. This feature offers you peace of knowing that assistance will be there when you need it the most. It's designed for emergencies such as collisions, theft or if your car breaks down on the side of the road.
Safety Checklist
- Side airbags: front/rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
- Driver and front passenger knee airbags: separate airbags in the lower instrument panel designed to minimize knee injuries in frontal crashes
- Electronic stability control
- Anti-lock brakes
- Daytime running lights
Related Discussion
- Crash Test Top Safety Pick - ClubLexus.com
