The IIHS has recently revealed the Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ winners for the 2023 model year. Many modern vehicles are well-equipped to potentially earn these awards, especially luxury vehicles. Most of them have advanced driver’s assistance systems (ADAS) packed with standard collision prevention tools, plus unique features that cheaper rivals lack.

While several luxury SUVs received the IIHS’s approval, there’s only one finalist in the Large Luxury Car category. Let’s review why the Genesis G90 is one of the safest vehicles you can buy.

What’s the difference between Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+?

According to U.S. News, a Top Safety Pick winner must receive above-average scores on the front, drivers-side, and passenger-side overlap tests. This is the base test to determine how well a car withstands a collision with another object on the designated side. 

The car also needs an average score (at minimum) on the updated side test. This one simulates a situation where the car is driving at a higher speed and striking a heavier obstacle. An average score is also required for the headlight examination, plus an impressive score on the vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention test.

A Top Safety Pick+ winner requires most of the same criteria, with a few extra stipulations. Only an above-average rating is accepted on the updated side test. These cars must also have excellent daytime and nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention scores.

The Genesis G90 received a Top Safety Pick+ award

With the exception of the headlight test, the IIHS gave the Genesis G90 excellent overall scores in every crash test category. Every G90 has LED headlights with automatic high beams. Visibility is reportedly still slightly limited when trying to see past sharp left curves, but the headlights provide excellent lighting otherwise.

In addition to its solid construction, the 2023 Genesis G90’s base trim has every single ADAS feature available. It has front/rear automatic emergency braking, several lane-keeping assistance features, and forward collision warning. Drivers have their blind spots covered by blind-spot monitors with a dedicated camera, plus a 360-degree backup monitor. 

You also get parking sensors for both ends of the vehicle and a parallel park assist function. Highway driving assist is included with smart cruise control, which automatically adjusts your following distance and speed to match the posted speed limit. Genesis also thoughtfully installed a rear-seat reminder and safe exit assist for extra passenger protection.

There’s also a driver drowsiness warning function and a head-up display to help mitigate distractions while driving. Additionally, the 12.3-in digital gauge cluster displays all of your driver diagnostics clearly. You can also access standard navigation (or use the Maps app with smartphone integration) through the 12.3-in center touchscreen.

Even with so much safety tech, the Genesis G90 doesn’t skimp on convenience. The cabin showcases plush leather surfaces and seats with standard heating for both rows, plus massaging front seats. Riders also get to enjoy a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a Bang and Olufsen audio system.

A few Hyundai cars also won Top Safety awards

From Genesis’s parent company, the Hyundai Sonata sedan earned a Top Safety Pick award in the Midsize Car category. Most ADAS features are included on the base trim, and fully-loaded models share some of the ones offered on the Genesis G90.

The Hyundai Palisade is a Top Safety Pick+ winner, beating even the G90 on the headlights test. The Palisade is also the only one of the three with turning detection for cyclists and pedestrians. However, the 2023 Genesis G90 still has the edge in terms of interior quality and ADAS feature quantity.