The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rigorously tests vehicles for crashworthiness and awards designations for the best performers, known as Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+. These accolades are highly sought after by automakers because safety is a critical factor influencing car buyers’ decisions. The IIHS has recently announced that the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has earned the prestigious Top Safety Pick designation.
Headlight Performance and Safety Ratings
To replicate the model that won the Top Safety Pick award, buyers must select the version equipped with the available HID projector headlights. These headlights received an acceptable rating from the IIHS. In contrast, the base headlamps and the available LED projectors only managed to earn a marginal rating. This distinction is crucial because headlight performance can significantly impact nighttime driving safety. Proper illumination helps drivers detect obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles more effectively, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
The IIHS evaluates headlights based on their visibility and glare. The HID projector headlights on the Equinox provide better illumination without causing excessive glare for oncoming drivers, which is why they received a higher rating. On the other hand, the base and LED projector headlights did not perform as well in these tests, highlighting the importance of choosing the right headlight option for optimal safety.
Advanced Safety Features and Crash Prevention
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox also excels in other safety aspects. The SUV’s standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system earned a superior rating from the IIHS. During Institute tests, the system successfully avoided a collision in the 12 mph test and reduced the impact speed by an average of 22 mph in the 25 mph test. This performance demonstrates the effectiveness of the Equinox’s advanced safety features in real-world scenarios.
In addition to vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention, the Equinox also received an advanced rating for pedestrian front crash prevention. Although this rating does not factor into the 2019 award criteria, it is still a significant achievement. Pedestrian detection systems are becoming increasingly important as more people walk and cycle in urban areas. These systems use sensors and cameras to detect pedestrians and automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent, potentially saving lives and reducing injuries.
The Equinox’s suite of safety features includes lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies work together to provide a comprehensive safety net for drivers and passengers. Lane departure warning alerts drivers if they unintentionally drift out of their lane, while lane-keeping assist gently steers the vehicle back into the lane if necessary. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate the impact.
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox’s Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS underscores the vehicle’s commitment to safety. By offering advanced safety features and high-performing headlights, the Equinox provides drivers with the tools they need to navigate the roads safely. For car buyers, these safety ratings are a crucial consideration when choosing a new vehicle. The Equinox’s achievements in IIHS testing make it a compelling option for those prioritizing safety in their next car purchase.
In summary, the IIHS’s rigorous testing and the Equinox’s impressive performance in these tests highlight the importance of advanced safety features and proper headlight selection. As automakers continue to innovate and improve vehicle safety, consumers can look forward to even safer driving experiences in the future.
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