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Acura's 2023 Integra, 2023 MDX and 2023 RDX are top choices for vehicle safety, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The three vehicles earned the highest possible "Top Safety Pick+" ratings in revised headlights and crash protection tests.
As a result of tougher requirements, only 48 cars were nominated for the 2023 model year with only 28 vehicles going on to earn top-tier honors. It is a decrease from last year where 65 TSP+ accolades were handed out by the IIHS.
"The number of winners is smaller this year because we're challenging automakers to build on the safety gains they've already achieved. These models are true standouts in crashworthiness and crash prevention," said David Harkey, president at IIHS.
Safety Engineering and Technology
The Acura cars come with remodeled Advanced Compatibility Engineering bodies and supplemental restraint systems (seatbelts and airbags) for additional protection in head-on collisions.
A network of sturdy elements also distributes crash energy away from the vehicles and reduces the force of impact in passenger compartments.
AcuraWatch is a package of sensing safety technology fitted in all Acura sedans and SUVs. Its purpose is to help drivers avoid accidents and provide an extra layer of protection for occupants while in motion.
Features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Departure Steering Assist
- Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Traffic Sign Recognition
The biggest change to the TSP+ criteria is the replacement of the original IIHS side crash test with an updated evaluation launched in 2021. The new test involves 82 percent more energy than the initial test.
Another amendment is the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention test. "Advanced" or "Superior" performances are now required in nighttime and daytime pedestrian tests to earn a Top Safety Pick+ grade.
The vehicles must also receive a "Good" or "Acceptable" score for standard headlights across all trims.
TSPT+ ranked vehicles are still required to earn "Good" ratings in driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front and moderate overlap front tests.
However, roof strength, head restraints and vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention valuations are no longer part of the criteria.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is an independent agency focused on reducing injuries and property damage from motor vehicle crashes.
It began annual evaluations for Top Safety Picks in the 2006 model year and introduced its Top Safety Pick+ honor in 2013. Both awards identify the best vehicle choices for safety every year.
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