The Tesla Model 3 becomes the second all-electric vehicle to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of being named a Top Safety Pick Plus. The Model 3 joins the Audi e-tron, which was recently put through the IIHS’ tests and aced them all, as the only EVs on the market to earn the institute’s highest safety rating.
To be named a Top Safety Pick Plus, a vehicle must earn a rating of Good in all six crash tests, have headlights that earn a rating of Good, and have a front-crash prevention system that earns either an Advanced or Superior rating. The Model 3 the IIHS tested met all of the requirements without any optional equipment, which is out of the ordinary.
The Model 3’s safety rating is a bit of a surprise, as other Teslas haven’t fared too well in the IIHS’ tests. The Model X has never been tested by the IIHS and the last time the Model S was put through the wringer was for the 2017 model year. The Model S didn’t do too well in the institute’s tests, earning a rating of Acceptable in driver’s side small overlap front tests and having Poor-rated headlights.
So far, the few electric vehicles that the institute has tested haven’t fared that well. The only other EV with a Top Safety Pick Plus rating is the e-tron. The Chevrolet Bolt, the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3 all failed to meet the requirements to be named Top Safety Pick vehicles.
With all of the changes in pricing and trim levels, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus is the most affordable option in the lineup with a starting price tag of $40,190 including destination. Currently, Teslas are eligible for a $1,875 federal tax credit. That will disappear at the beginning of 2020.
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