As a car enthusiast and a writer for Car News, I’ve always prioritized safety when evaluating vehicles. The 2019 Lexus ES 350 stands out as a shining example of luxury and safety intertwined. Earning the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick award, the ES 350 demonstrates exceptional performance in a series of rigorous crash tests. Let’s delve into the specifics of what makes this sedan a top contender for safety-conscious drivers.
Crashworthiness: A Testament to Structural Integrity
The 2019 Lexus ES 350 underwent a complete redesign, and its crashworthiness is a testament to the meticulous engineering.
Small Overlap Front: Maximum Protection in a Challenging Scenario
The small overlap front test simulates a collision with a narrow object, like a tree or utility pole, at 40 mph. The ES 350 earned a “Good” rating in both driver-side and passenger-side tests.
- Driver-side: The structure held up remarkably well, limiting intrusion into the driver’s space. The dummy’s movement was well-controlled by the airbags and seatbelts, reducing the risk of injury.
- Passenger-side: Mirroring the driver-side performance, the ES 350 excelled in the passenger-side test. The structure maintained its integrity, and injury measures indicated a low risk of harm to the passenger.
Moderate Overlap Front, Side, and Roof Strength: Comprehensive Safety
- Moderate Overlap Front: This test simulates a head-on collision with another vehicle. Again, the ES 350 earned a “Good” rating, showcasing its ability to protect occupants in a common accident scenario.
- Side: In the challenging side-impact test, the ES 350 achieved a “Good” rating, demonstrating its robust side structure and effective deployment of airbags to protect both driver and rear passengers.
- Roof Strength: The ES 350 achieved a “Good” rating in the roof strength test, indicating its ability to withstand rollovers and protect occupants in such events.
Crash Avoidance & Mitigation: Technology That Protects
The 2019 ES 350 boasts advanced safety technologies that actively work to prevent or mitigate collisions.
Headlights: Illuminating the Path to Safety
- The ES 350 offers two different headlight options, both receiving impressive ratings from the IIHS. The Premium Triple-Beam LED headlamps package earned a “Good” rating, providing excellent visibility. The standard LED projector headlights earned an “Acceptable” rating.
Front Crash Prevention: A Superior Co-Pilot
- Vehicle-to-Vehicle: The standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. This system earned a “Superior” rating for its ability to avoid collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
- Pedestrian (Day): The same Pre-Collision System earned an “Advanced” rating in pedestrian detection, showcasing its ability to identify and react to pedestrians in various scenarios.
LATCH Ease of Use and Other Features: Family-Friendly Safety
- Child Seat Anchors: The ES 350 scored a “Good” rating for the ease of use of its LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, making it convenient for parents to securely install child seats.
- Optional Blind Spot Detection and Standard Lane Departure Warning: These available features provide an extra layer of safety by alerting the driver to potential hazards in blind spots and helping prevent lane departure accidents.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Safety
The 2019 Lexus ES 350 is more than just a luxurious sedan; it’s a statement of commitment to safety. From its impressive crashworthiness to its advanced crash prevention technologies, the ES 350 provides peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. If you’re in the market for a midsize luxury car that prioritizes safety without compromising on style and performance, the ES 350 deserves serious consideration.
Have you experienced the 2019 Lexus ES 350? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other car reviews for more insights on the latest models.