Rear crash protection: Lexus

For each seat/head restraint, rear-end crash protection is an assessment of occupant protection against neck injury in rear impacts at low to moderate speeds. Although such injuries usually aren't serious, they occur frequently.

The overall ratings are based on a two-step evaluation. In the first step the geometry (distance behind and below the head of a seated average-size man) is rated good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. Seats with good or acceptable geometry then are subjected to a dynamic test simulating the forces in a stationary vehicle that's rear-ended by another vehicle of the same weight going 20 mph. Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall.

In the dynamic tests measurements are recorded on a dummy (BioRID) representing an average-size man. BioRID is designed specifically for rear-end testing at low to moderate speeds. The dynamic ratings are derived from two seat design parameters (acceleration of the dummy's torso and time from impact initiation to head restraint contact with the dummy's head) plus tension and shear forces recorded on the dummy's neck. Overall ratings are based on both geometric measurements and dynamic results.

More about the procedures for rating seat/head restraints

Good Acceptable Marginal Poor

Model	Seat type	Overall rating	Dynamic rating	Seat/head restraint geometry
CT 200h 2011-2013	Power leather seat
ES 2013	Power leather seats
ES 2007-2012	Power leather seats
ES 2004-2006	All seats
GS 2013	Power leather seats with 4-way head restraint
GS 2010-2011	Power leather seats (AHR)
GS 2006-2009	Power leather seats
GS 2003-2005	All seats
GX 2010-2011	Power leather seats (AHR)
GX 470 2003-2009	All seats
HS 250h 2010-2012	Power leather seats (AHR) mfg. after May 2010
HS 250h 2010	Power Leather Seats (AHR) mfg. before June 2010
IS 2006-2013	Power leather seats
IS 2001-2005	All seats
LS 2010-2013	Power leather seats (AHR)
LS 2007-2009	Power leather seats
LS 2001-2006	All seats
RX 2010-2013	All seats (AHR)
RX 2004-2009	All seats

Note: Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are also tested dynamically.

Rear crash protection test details (technical information)

Geometric ratings of other Lexus models

Ratings of seat/head restraints in newer model cars are based on restraint geometry and a dynamic test. The Institute has been publishing model-by-model ratings of the the geometry of the head restraints in older models since the mid-1990s. Geometry is the necessary first step toward a seat/head restraint that provides effective protection in rear-end crashes at low to moderate speeds.

More than one rating: Ratings are for individual vehicle models. More than one rating may be shown for a model because vehicle seat options can affect head restraint geometry.

No rating shown/no model year listed: The Institute has not evaluated the head restraints in every vehicle model during every model year. If a rating box is blank or if a model year is not listed, no rating is available. If a box is shaded gray, the model was not manufactured that year.

AHR: active head restraint. These are designed to move closer to the backs of occupants' heads in rear-end crashes. These are not rated for geometry at this time.

Model	2004	2003	2002	2001
ES 300
ES 330	see table above
GS 300	see table above	see table above
GS 400
GS 430	see table above	see table above
IS 300	see table above	see table above	see table above	see table above
LS 400/430	see table above	see table above	see table above	see table above
LX 450/470
RX 300
SC 300
SC 400
SC 430

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