More than half of midsize SUVs score low on IIHS headlight testing

Continuing its evaluation of vehicle headlights, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that the lights on more than half of the midsize SUV models it tested were subpar. Few vehicles have scored well in previous headlight testing by IIHS.

Of the 19 midsize SUVs and 18 luxury midsize SUVs included in the test, 23 received marginal or poor ratings. Twelve were rated acceptable, and two received good ratings.

IIHS has started requiring vehicles to earn a good or acceptable rating in headlight testing in order to qualify for its Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards. In tests conducted in 2016, only one of 31 midsize cars received a good rating in headlight testing while 11 received an acceptable rating. None of the 21 small SUVs tested earned a good rating, while four qualified for an acceptable rating. Among 11 pickups tested, one earned a good rating and one earned an acceptable rating.

"As a group, midsize SUV headlights perform slightly better than the other SUVs and pickups we evaluated last year, and that's encouraging," said Matt Brumbelow, senior research engineer at IIHS. "Still, we continue to see headlights that compromise safety because they only provide a short view down the road at night."

IIHS tests measure how much roadway a vehicle's headlights are able to illuminate on both high beam and low beam settings, as well as straight and curved roads. Researchers also determine if the headlights are creating excessive glare, which can make it harder for oncoming drivers to see. This problem can lower a vehicle's rating to poor if it is severe enough.

Since headlights can vary by trim, different variations are included in the test. Seventy-nine different headlight combinations were available among the 37 SUVs evaluated by IIHS.

Researchers found that the models which received good or acceptable ratings all had projector headlights, which use one lens to spread out the light. The variants which received good ratings all had high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights.

However, IIHS cautioned that these arrangements did not necessarily guarantee a good or acceptable rating. Models may only qualify for good or acceptable ratings with certain configurations. Options such as high beam assist, which automatically switches between low beams and high beams depending on whether other vehicles are nearby, can earn a model extra credit.

The Hyundai Santa Fe was the sole non-luxury midsize SUV to receive a good rating in headlight testing, but only when equipped with the curve-adaptive HID projector headlights with high beam assist. These headlights are part of the model's Tech package, while the Santa Fe's base halogen headlights received a poor rating for inadequate visibility. IIHS also noted that the Santa Fe Sport model received poor ratings with all headlight packages due to excessive glare.

The Volvo XC60 was the only luxury midsize SUV to earn a good rating due to the performance of its optional curve-adaptive HID projector headlights. However, the HID headlights must be purchased as part of the XC60's Advanced or Active Dual Xenon Headlights packages.

More than half of the headlight variants tested by IIHS produced too much glare. Seventeen of these variants would have been rated poor based on excessive glare alone.

"Managing glare can be more challenging for taller vehicles like SUVs and pickups because their headlights are mounted higher than on cars," said Brumbelow. "Better aim at the factory can minimize glare."