The Lexus RX SUV has received the highest safety award from the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The IIHS is an independent non-profit organization funded by American insurance companies. 

To rate the Lexus RX a ‘Top Safety Pick’, the IIHS conducted its own testing for offset frontal, side and rear impacts plus roof (rollover) strength. Vehicles must be fitted with standard electronic stability control just to qualify.

In fact the Lexus RX passed with flying colours – scoring the IIHS’ maximum safety ratings across the board.

These tests came on top of Lexus’ own safety research for the RX which totaled well over $30 million and involved crash testing 233 vehicles.

“It’s great to see the IIHS recognize the efforts of Lexus engineers,” revealed Lexus Australia’s chief executive, Tony Cramb. “RX350 and 450h models offer a number of safety features that should be seen as a right, not a privilege – reversing camera, stability control and airbags for both front and rear seat occupants.”