Featured 2016 Prius v Only Midsize to Earn "Good" in IIHS' New Headlight Tests

Only the v Five with LED headlights, not the lower model v's.

 

I was surprised to see anything positive about a Prius model in this report:

Source: New Study Finds Big Gaps in Headlights | TheDetroitBureau.com

The Toyota Prius V received the only “good” rating among the 31 models tested, the IIHS reporting it delivered enough light for a driver to spot a car, pedestrian, bicycle or some other object as much as 387 feet ahead. That would provide a driver enough time to come to a complete, safe stop.


By comparison, the halogen headlamps used by the BMW 3-Series were rated the worst of the 31 models tested, delivering enough illumination only to spot obstacles at 128 feet. That would barely provide a driver enough warning to come to a stop at speeds of no more than 35 mph, according to the IIHS.
. . .
The IIHS tested 31 vehicles, but the process actually covered 82 different headlight systems, as some vehicles offer more advanced lighting options. To get the most effective lighting with the Toyota Prius V, for example, a motorist would have to order the optional advanced technology package – which is only available on the hybrid’s most expensive trim model. Other versions of the Prius V with standard halogen lights ranked “poor.”


But that’s not always the case. The optional LED system on the Honda Accord sedan earned a “marginal” rating, while the basic halogen lamps rated “acceptable.”​

In the past, each new Prius model release was followed shortly by a new IIHS emphasis on a safety test that their press releases seemed to emphasize the poor performance of the Prius. So the Gen-3 came out after getting a top IIHS listing and they updated the test and tossed the Prius on the dung hill. It looked like 'moving the goal post' and taking back a score. So I'm not taking a 'victory lap', yet, since some of the Gen-4 users are reporting on-coming traffic often flashing to indicate the beams are too high when on low.

I looked through the Gen-4 new car features and the auto-leveling sensors are no longer there. In fact, the high/low beams are done with mechanical reflector versus activation of an LED array area. The mechanical reflector means the total light output should not change BUT now we have a moving part. It does not appear to have any 'leveling' sensors from the NFC.

Bob Wilson

ps. For your amusement, this is the photo in my source and the caption under it:

The Toyota Prius V ranked best -- but only when
ordered with the optional technology package.​

The front license plate . . .

 

I'm certain they didn't test a Camry V6 with standard LED headlights. I have one and was concerned that there was no mention of auto-leveling in any Camry reviews or brochures, but on closer inspection saw the sensor and have seen them work many times. I've only been flashed once in over six months driving in several states.

They're the most effective lights I've ever used including any halogen off-road bulbs and HID's. There are separate low/high/fog/DRL lamps (no moving shutters), color temp is perfect, beam pattern very wide (helped by the standard LED fog/DRL lamps), sharp cutoff and projection distance is outstanding. They're a real safety improvement especially in low visibility rainy, foggy and snowy nights on unlit mountain roads.

I expect the 2017 PiP will take it up a notch with what appears to be separate hi/low/fog/DRL LED lamps, adaptive focus and auto high beams standard.

 

Some would rather drive with poor lights than be seen driving the new style prius.

I wonder if they tested a Tesla.

 

The Prius v is still in its first generation. There no new style Prius v.

 

MODEL S owners complain it's too dim, one even modified a Lexus HID lights to make it work better. One reason some are waiting for the MODEL X LED light for the next S refresh.