ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

Lexus ES: 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 ES.

By Brett Foote - December 12, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus ES (2005-2013).

We all hear about how much safer cars are now than they were decades ago. If you've ever watched crash test videos of cars from even the 70's and 80's, it's no secret that we are living in a golden age of automotive safety. Technology has brought us a long way from "safety bumpers" to the point where cars can now sense that a crash is about to happen and react accordingly. You may be curious to know what kinds of safety features your Lexus ES 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 for the Lexus ES.

NHSTA

NHSTA is an organization under the federal government. NHSTA rates three areas that could result in injury during a car crash: frontal impact, side impact, and roll over. The first two tests are actually measured by crashing the vehicle whereas the third test is a mathematical formula. NHSTA uses a five-star rating system with five being the best and zero being the worst.

Test Description

Lexus ESToyota CamryAudi A4Ford Fusion
Front, Driver 5 Stars 4 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars
Front, Overall Front 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars
Front, Passenger 5 Stars 4 Stars 5 Stars 4 Stars
Overall Rollover Rating 4 Stars 4 Stars 5 Stars 4 Stars
Overall Overall 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars
Overall Side 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars 4 Stars
Barrier, Side 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars 3 Stars
Side Barrier Rating Driver 4 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars
Pole, Side 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars
Pole Barrier Combined, Front 4 Stars 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars
Pole Barrier Combined, Side 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars 5 Stars

NHSTA results are for the year 2013.

IIHS

IIHS is a nonprofit group that the insurance companies fund. These are the companies that pay out during an accident and figure the insurance rate based on the vehicle’s rating. 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 ESToyota CamryAudi A4Ford Fusion
Front Small Overlap Not Tested Good Poor Acceptable
Dynamic Rating Good Good Good Good
Overall Rear Good Good Good Good
Seat Head/Restraint Geometry Good Acceptable Good Good
Chest Good Poor Good Good
Head/Neck Good Poor Good Good
Left Leg/Foot Good Poor Good Good
Overall Front Good Good Good Good
Restraints Good Good Good Good
Right Leg/Foot Good Good Good Good
Structure Safety Cage Good Good Good Good
Roof Strength Good Good Good Acceptable
Driver Head Protection Good Good Good Good
Driver Head and Neck Good Good Good Good
Driver Pelvis/Leg Good Good Good Good
Driver Torso Good Good Acceptable Good
Overall Side Good Good Good Good
Rear Passenger Head Protection Good Good Good Good
Rear Passenger Head and Neck Good Good Good Good
Rear Passenger Torso Good Good Good Good
Structure/Safety Cage Good Good Good Acceptable

IIHS results are for the year 2013.

Safety Features

Safety Checklist

  • Side airbags: front and 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
  • Antilock brakes
  • Daytime running lights

The great results you see in crash test ratings come from a variety of cutting edge features the Lexus ES offers, some of which come standard, while others are optional. These include a pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control, which warns you of obstacles ahead and even applies the brakes when it detects a possible collision. It also adjusts speed to keep a preset distance from cars ahead of you while using cruise control.

The Lexus ES is also equipped with a lane departure alert. Which means if you zone out and get out of your lane, the Lexus will adjust itself back in the lane. It is also equipped with an advanced air bag system that works like a second cage.

The Lexus ES is a safe car, and that is earned. On top of a lot of impressive safety feature, they top off their cake with a feature called Enform Safety Connect. This feature offers you the peace of mind of knowing that assistance will be there when you need it the most. It's designed for collision emergencies, if your call gets stolen, or whatever you want to call an emergency, even if you break down on the side of the road.

Related Discussions and Videos