Is Lexus’s safety rating for midsize luxury SUVs better than Volvo’s?

Lexus and Volvo auto insurance have a lot to offer in terms of luxury vehicles. Lexus’ NX and RX models and Volvo’s XC40, XC60, and XC90 models are options for anyone looking for a midsize luxury SUV with positive safety ratings. 

When considering ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Lexus NX, Volvo XC40, Volvo XC60, and Volvo XC90 are top safety picks for 2022.

If you’re looking for quotes on Lexus insurance costs or Volvo insurance, we’ve got you covered too!

Volvo vs Lexus: Which company has better safety ratings?

Both Lexus and Volvo offer safe options for midsize luxury SUVs. However, since Lexus has one model chosen as a 2022 top safety pick (Lexus NX) and Volvo has three models (XC40, XC60, XC90), Volvo seems to win in a Lexus vs. Volvo debate.

The good news is that regardless of the midsize SUV you choose regarding Volvo vs. Lexus, you’ll be in a vehicle deemed safe based on multiple tests. Even better, you might be eligible for car insurance discounts because of certain safety features. 

The IIHS evaluates multiple safety aspects, such as crashworthiness and crash avoidance, to identify cars offering the most protection. 

The IIHS tests the following for safety:

• Small overlap front, driver-side 
• Small overlap front, passenger-side
• Moderate overlap front 
• Side, original test 
• Side, updated test
• Roof strength 
• Head restraints and seats 
• Headlights
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-vehicle 
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-pedestrian 
• Seat belt reminders
• Child seat anchor (LATCH) ease of use

The IIHS uses crash test dummies, test tracks, and test labs to allow researchers to assign vehicle ratings. Possible ratings for the Lexus and Volvo midsize luxury SUVs include:

• Good
• Acceptable
• Marginal
• Poor

In specific scenarios, the IIHS uses ratings of basic, advanced, or superior in place of those listed above. Not all tests apply to all vehicles, but the IIHS attempts to evaluate every aspect of safety within the available areas.

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What are Lexus’s safety rating results?

Regarding the Lexus safety ratings for midsize luxury SUVs, the IIHS evaluated the Lexus RX and Lexus NX. The Lexus RX safety results are as follows:

• Small overlap front, driver-side — Good
• Small overlap front, passenger-side — Good
• Moderate overlap front — Good
• Side: original test — Good
• Roof strength — Good
• Head restraints and seats — Good
• Headlights — Poor
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-vehicle — Superior
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-pedestrian — Advanced
• LATCH ease of use — Good+

In comparison, The Lexus NX safety ratings with the IIHS are below:

• Small overlap front, driver-side — Good
• Small overlap front, passenger-side — Good
• Moderate overlap front — Good
• Side, original test — Good
• Roof strength — Good
• Head restraints and seats — Good
• Headlights — Good
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-vehicle — Superior
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-pedestrian — Superior
• LATCH ease of use — Good+

As you can see, both vehicles scored well, though the Lexus NX beat the RX in terms of headlights and front crash prevention, vehicle-to-pedestrian.

When the two Lexus SUVs are compared, the RX proves to be the best Lexus SUV in the midsize category based on the latest results for 2022. If you’re considering purchasing older models of a Lexus, you can check the IIHS for safety ratings based on the year.

What are Volvo’s results from the safety ratings?

Volvo has three midsize SUVs that the IIHS evaluated. Results for the Volvo XC40 are as follows:

• Small overlap front, driver-side — Good
• Small overlap front, passenger-side — Good
• Moderate overlap front — Good
• Side, original test — Good
• Side, updated test — Acceptable
• Roof strength — Good
• Head restraints and seats — Good
• Headlights — Good
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-vehicle — Superior
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-pedestrian — Superior
• Seat belt reminders — Poor
• LATCH ease of use — Acceptable

The Volvo XC40 2022 tests indicate the model has issues with the structure and safety cage and can allow injuries to the driver’s torso and pelvis. Still, the Volvo XC40 is considered a top safety pick for 2022 because of its overall performance in testing.

The results of the Volvo XC60 crash tests are as follows:

• Small overlap front, driver-side — Good
• Small overlap front, passenger-side — Good
• Moderate overlap front — Good
• Side, original test — Good
• Roof strength — Good
• Head restraints and seats — Good
• Headlights — Acceptable
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-vehicle — Superior
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-pedestrian — Superior
• LATCH ease of use — Acceptable

For comparison with both the XC40 and XC60, the Volvo XC90 safety ratings are as follows: 

• Small overlap front, driver-side — Good
• Small overlap front, passenger-side — Good
• Moderate overlap front — Good
• Side, original test — Good
• Roof strength — Good
• Head restraints and seats — Good
• Headlights — Good
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-vehicle — Superior
• Front crash prevention, vehicle-to-pedestrian — Advanced
• LATCH ease of use — Acceptable

The Volvo XC90 safety rating compared with both other models is quite similar. Regarding the safest luxury SUVs, all of Volvo’s midsize luxury SUVs are among the safest on the market in 2022. 

Why use the IIHS to determine safety?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a leading independent, nonprofit organization seeking to reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage from vehicle crashes.

The IIHS seeks to do this through research and evaluation to educate consumers, policymakers, and professionals in the safety industry.

Since the IIHS runs tests on virtually all makes and models of vehicles, it offers an excellent gauge of a vehicle’s safety on its own compared to similar makes and models.

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How can I find the safest midsize luxury SUVs?

To find a safe SUV, research the safest models on the market — the IIHS updates its top safety picks every year. First, check the list of the last few years to see recurring makes and models of midsize luxury SUVs. Then, evaluate crash test results from any make and model you’re considering to determine whether the SUV is the best choice for you and your family.

Not everyone can purchase a new vehicle. If you’re considering buying a used midsize SUV, ensure the car is safe by taking it to a trusted mechanic. Take your time to inspect and evaluate a midsize luxury SUV properly.

How much is insurance on a midsize luxury SUV?

Auto insurance rates vary based on several different factors. Some of the most common factors include:

• Age
• Gender
• Car make and model
• Occupation
• Credit score
• Driving history
• ZIP Code
• Marital status

The table below shows average annual car insurance rates for new and used SUVs from different companies.

Average Annual Auto SUV Insurance Rates with Different Companies

Rates for a new SUV are often higher than those for a used SUV because of its overall value. However, you may find that shopping online and comparing auto insurance quotes with different companies allows you to find the coverage you want at a reasonable price.

Lexus vs Volvo: Settling the Midsize Luxury SUV Debate

While both Lexus and Volvo have safe midsize luxury SUVs, Volvo wins the overall debate with all three of its 2022 midsize luxury models, making it to the top of the safety picks list with the IIHS. 

If you purchase an older model of a midsize luxury SUV, you’ll need to find that year’s evaluation on the IIHS website. For example, if you’re considering a 2017 Lexus RX, you’ll want to research the safest SUVs in 2017 to find the model and evaluate its overall ratings with the IIHS.

Insurance on your midsize SUV may be pricey, but there’s a chance you can find reasonable rates by comparing quotes online and choosing the company offering you the best deal on coverage.

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