According to Autoblog, headlight performance was included in the rating only this year, which is why a number of manufacturers have already been unable to get the maximum score, as they did last time.
When testing, IIHS specialists check the range and intensity of headlights, the shape of the light beam, the correct operation of adaptive lighting in turns, and automatic high beam switching. The final score is the sum of these parameters. To qualify for the highest Top Safety Pick award, headlights must receive at least an "Acceptable" rating. It is noted that cars on the list, even with weak headlights, earned five stars in crash tests.
The list of cars with unsatisfactory headlight ratings includes: Audi A4 Allroad, A5, A6, Q5, Q7, BMW X1, Cadillac XT5, Infiniti QX60, Jeep Compass, Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, Mini Countryman, Nissan Murano, Toyota C-HR, Volkswagen Atlas (Teramont), Passat, Tiguan, and Volvo XC90. Other models on the IIHS list are offered exclusively on the US market.
