Headlight Performance: The Final Piece of the Puzzle
When the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted its initial crash tests on the 2024 Kia EV9, the results were impressive. This three-row electric SUV excelled in almost every aspect, except for one major concern – its headlight performance. While the headlights provided good illumination, they also emitted a significant amount of glare, leading the IIHS to give them a dismal “Poor” rating. Consequently, the EV9 fell short of receiving the prestigious Top Safety Pick award.
However, Kia has recently addressed this issue by introducing updated headlights in February of this year. These new headlights not only maintain their strong illumination but also eliminate the blinding glare. As a result, the EV9 has now earned the highest rating of “Good” for its headlights. This hardware change has undoubtedly improved the vehicle’s safety features, but unfortunately, it also means that EV9s manufactured before February 2024 will not be eligible for the award. After all, hardware changes cannot be made remotely or over-the-air.
Beyond the headlights, the EV9’s performance in the other IIHS tests has been commendable. In the small and moderate overlap tests, as well as the updated side impact test, the EV9 received a solid “Good” rating. It also excelled in forward crash prevention, seat belt reminders, and child seat anchor access – all of which earned it the same “Good” rating. These results demonstrate Kia’s commitment to safety across multiple categories.
Despite these accomplishments, the EV9 has yet to achieve the higher accolade of the Top Safety Pick+ award. The reason behind this is that the IIHS has not conducted the updated moderate overlap crash test on the EV9. Therefore, it remains to be seen how the EV9 will fare in this specific assessment.
In conclusion, Kia’s efforts to improve the EV9’s headlights have paid off, allowing the vehicle to obtain the Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. This accomplishment reflects Kia’s dedication to continuously enhancing the safety of their vehicles. As new crash tests are conducted, we eagerly await further evaluations of the EV9’s safety performance. With Kia’s commitment to innovation, it’s safe to say that the EV9 will continue to strive for excellence in all areas of safety.