Anyone in the market for the new 2010 Lexus RX can rest assure they are buying one of the safest crossovers available as the vehicle has just earned the highest safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Along with the 2009 Toyota Venza, the new RX receives the agency’s Top Safety Pick award in the latest round of testing because of the vehicle's ‘Good’ results in the frontal offset and side impact tests. Furthermore, the seats of both models pass the agency’s rear protection test with flying colors and another Good rating.

In order to be named a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must come with electronic stability control and earn Good ratings in all front, side, and rear tests. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic safety aids.

Other elements that saw the Lexus RX gain top marks include the fitment of thorax side-impact bags for front and rear occupants, along with knee airbags for those in front, side-curtain bags, and anti-lock brakes – all as standard. A Pre-Collision System (PCS) is optional with the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. For more on oth the RX, read our first drive impressions here.

"Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results," said IIHS president Adrian Lund with today's release of the results.
Via: TheCarConnection