Toyota Avalon Captures IIHS Top Safety Award

Toyota's fifth-generation Avalon has earned a 2018 Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) when the full-size sedan is equipped with good-rated headlights, after acing five crash tests. The 2019 Avalon earned the award under testing criteria for the 2018 model year, according to the institute.

The Avalon performed adequately in the passenger-side small overlap test, scoring an acceptable rating. While the vehicle’s structure sustained itself, the dummy’s head barely contacted the front air bag before sliding off, according to the institute.

To capture a Top Safety Pick+ recognition — the highest accolade given by IIHS — a vehicle must earn good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests and an acceptable or good rating in the passenger-side small overlap test. It also needs available front crash prevention that earns an advanced or superior rating and available good-rated headlights.

The 2019 Avalon features a standard front crash prevention system that performed well, avoiding collisions in IIHS track tests at 12 and 25 mph. The sedan also includes a forward collision warning component that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.

Finally, the car’s LED projector headlights on the Limited and Touring trims earn a good rating. IIHS notes that they provide good visibility in most scenarios, though the low beams create some glare for drivers of oncoming vehicles. The less expensive XSE and XLE trims come with LED reflector headlights that provide mostly inadequate visibility and earn a poor rating.

The Avalon entered its fifth generation with the 2018 model. The 2019 model, which is on sale now, provides more power, an improved Entune infotainment system, and suspension upgrades. Toyota has been selling its flagship sedan in the U.S. since late 1994.

Related: 2019 Toyota Avalon Adds Power, Reworks Tech