Electric Cars

In recent evaluations, the 2025 Tesla Cybertruck and Model 3 did not secure the coveted Top Safety Pick+ or Top Safety Pick designations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This outcome stems from a range of performance ratings including Acceptable, Marginal, and even Poor across various safety categories. While some aspects of both vehicles demonstrated strong performance, critical areas did not meet the stringent criteria set by the IIHS, preventing them from achieving the highest safety accolades. This news emphasizes the ongoing challenges even advanced electric vehicles face in consistently excelling across all facets of automotive safety assessment.

The Tesla Cybertruck, a highly anticipated electric pickup, demonstrated commendable performance in several key safety tests. It earned \"Good\" ratings in the updated moderate overlap front crash test and for its front crash prevention system, specifically concerning pedestrian detection. However, the vehicle's overall safety evaluation was hampered by an \"Acceptable\" score for its Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system's ease of use, indicating potential difficulties in correctly installing child safety seats. Furthermore, the Cybertruck received a \"Marginal\" rating for its seatbelt reminders and a \"Poor\" rating for its headlights, a critical component in crash avoidance and mitigation.

The IIHS detailed specific concerns regarding the Cybertruck's headlights. While equipped with high-beam assist, the system lacks curve-adaptation, which can limit visibility on winding roads. The low beams provided satisfactory visibility on straight sections of the road but generated excessive glare. For curves, the low beams were rated \"Good\" on sharp left and both right curves but only \"Fair\" on gradual left curves. The high beams, according to the IIHS, offered good visibility on the right side of straightaways and fair visibility on the left, with excellent performance on all four curve tests, compensating somewhat for the low beams' limitations on gradual left curves.

Similarly, the Tesla Model 3, a popular electric sedan, also experienced mixed results in its IIHS safety assessments. The Model 3 achieved \"Good\" ratings for its side crashworthiness, as well as its front crash prevention systems for both vehicles and pedestrians. However, its moderate overlap front crash test performance and the ease of use of its LATCH system were rated as \"Acceptable.\" The sedan's seatbelt reminders also received a \"Marginal\" score, contributing to its inability to secure a Top Safety Pick award.

Despite these shortcomings for Tesla, it's worth noting that other electric vehicles have faced even more significant challenges in recent IIHS evaluations. For instance, the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning received an overall \"Poor\" rating in the moderate overlap front crashworthiness test. This poor score was primarily due to deficiencies in subcategories such as chest and rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics. The IIHS explicitly stated that measurements from the rear dummy indicated a high risk of chest, head, or neck injuries, and that the rear lap belt moved from its ideal position, increasing the potential for internal injuries. This context suggests that while Tesla has areas for improvement, some competitors are struggling with more fundamental aspects of crash safety.

Ultimately, the IIHS evaluations underscore that achieving the highest safety ratings requires comprehensive excellence across all tested categories. While modern vehicles generally offer robust front-seat crash protection, the differentiation now often lies in areas like rear-seat safety performance and advanced features such as headlight effectiveness, which the IIHS began testing more rigorously in 2022. Both the Cybertruck and Model 3 demonstrate strengths in certain areas but also highlight specific components that need refinement to meet the evolving and increasingly stringent safety standards. This ongoing assessment by independent organizations like the IIHS is crucial for pushing automotive manufacturers to continuously enhance vehicle safety.

Toyota's enduring three-row mid-size SUV, the Highlander, is a fixture in the automotive market, celebrating over two decades of successful production. This consistent popularity is attributed to its ample cargo capacity, competitive pricing, and appealing design. For the month of September, Toyota is sweetening the deal on the Highlander with an enticing lease offer. Qualified customers in select regions can lease a Highlander for as little as $449 per month. This 36-month lease requires an initial payment of $4,448 at signing and includes an annual mileage allowance of 12,000 miles. For those who drive less, opting for 10,000 miles per year could lead to further savings. Additionally, the lease package includes ToyotaCare, covering scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles. It's important to note that this estimated monthly payment does not cover taxes, fees, or other supplementary charges.

For individuals who prefer to avoid a substantial upfront payment, zero-down lease options are also available. By distributing the initial $4,448 down payment across the 36-month lease term, the estimated monthly payment would adjust to approximately $573. This calculation provides an insight into what a zero-down lease might entail, though it is not an official offer but rather an approximation. Prospective lessees are encouraged to visit Toyota's official website and input their zip code to access the most precise and localized deals and incentives for the Toyota Highlander, as advertised lease rates often exclude taxes, fees, and other regional charges.

The Toyota Highlander maintains its strong standing within the fiercely competitive mid-size SUV segment, a testament to its intrinsic value and practicality. Its standard engine, delivering a robust 265 horsepower to the front wheels, with available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction, offers reliable performance. Compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-90, the Highlander boasts superior rear-seat accommodations, ensuring greater comfort on extended journeys. While the interior materials may not be class-leading, they are robust and designed to withstand years of daily usage. Furthermore, the Highlander excels in practicality, offering a generous 84.3 cubic feet of total cargo space, surpassing rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, underscoring its versatile appeal. Despite some rivals excelling in specific areas, the Highlander's strong fundamentals and well-rounded performance make it a consistently reliable choice.

The current September lease offer for the Toyota Highlander remains consistent with last month's terms, and Toyota is not widely advertising lease deals for the base 2025 models in many markets. It might be prudent for interested buyers to consider waiting another month to see what new offers the fourth quarter brings, as better incentives may become available. Ultimately, the Highlander represents a dependable and practical option for families and individuals seeking a capable and comfortable three-row SUV.