2016, 2017 Buick Envision Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus Award
CARS.COM — The Buick Envision’s designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a Top Safety Pick Plus is a two-tiered milestone for the all-new two-row SUV. The Envision, which debuted for the 2016 model year, is also the first Chinese-built vehicle tested in the Top Safety Pick program, the institute stated.
Related: 2016 Buick Envision: First Drive
The Envision earns the Plus designation for both its 2016 and 2017 models, both receiving scores of good in the institute’s five crash tests, including small and moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats evaluations. That’s in addition to an advanced rating for its front crash prevention system; systems must score advanced or superior for a Plus honor.
The Envision’s front crash prevention system, which features auto emergency braking, is optional for both model years. Forward collision alert, which earns a basic rating, is standard on 2016 models not equipped with auto emergency braking and optional on 2017 models.
“In the IIHS 12-mph track test, the Envision with the autobrake system avoided a collision,” IIHS said in a statement. “In the 25-mph test, its impact speed was reduced by 9 mph.”
The Envision is competitive with luxury SUV rivals in terms of safety. The 2016 Acura RDX and Audi Q5 both earned Top Safety Pick Plus awards. The Q5’s scores were identical to the Envision’s, while the RDX edged them both out with a superior rating for front crash prevention. The 2016 Lincoln MKC is not currently rated as a Top Safety Pick.
