updated: Aug. 2, 2024

Night blindness is a condition that can affect anyone, not just those with degenerative vision issues. This is especially concerning for individuals who frequently drive at night. If you’ve experienced difficulty seeing the road while driving in an SUV, the issue may not lie with your eyes but rather with your vehicle’s headlights.

The Study: Alarming Findings

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently conducted an extensive study on 21 small SUVs, evaluating all 47 available headlight options. The results were startling: not a single vehicle could be recommended for its headlight performance. Out of the 21 models tested, only four were deemed “acceptable.”

Moreover, over 66% of the 47 headlight combinations received a “poor” rating, with 17 models producing potentially dangerous levels of glare. These findings suggest a widespread issue in the automotive industry regarding headlight quality.

Fundamental Industry Flaws

The IIHS study highlights a troubling trend in the automotive industry. It’s not just about isolated mistakes or oversights; it’s indicative of a “new normal” where optimal headlight performance is not a manufacturing priority. Surprisingly, this issue is not confined to cheaper, lower-tier vehicles but spans across various price ranges and technological advancements.

The problem isn’t limited to basic headlight options either. Advanced technologies like LEDs and intelligent swiveling headlights did not show a measurable difference in performance or grading during the tests. The IIHS rating framework does not favor one type of lighting technology over another. Instead, it focuses on the amount of usable light provided by both low and high beam settings on straightaways and curves.

The Testing Methodology

The IIHS conducted rigorous tests to evaluate headlight performance. The headlights were assessed using a device that measures how far the light projects as a vehicle is driven on five different approaches: straightaways, a sharp left turn, a sharp right turn, a gradual left curve, and a gradual right curve.

Additionally, testers measured glare from low beams for oncoming drivers. A vehicle with excessive glare on any of the approaches could not earn a rating higher than acceptable, according to the IIHS standards.

Test Results

The tests measured the amount of usable light a headlamp provides in both high and low settings on curves and straightaways. This barebones test did not account for modern technologies like LEDs and adaptive turning. Surprisingly, some basic incandescent lamps outperformed advanced headlight options. Marks were also deducted for headlights that produced excessive glare, often due to poor calibration.

The Few That Passed the Tests

Among the disappointing results, a few models managed to earn an “acceptable” rating. The Mazda CX-3 stood out with the highest marks overall. It featured the best adaptive headlight technology with LED bulbs that automatically adjusted the high beam when approaching traffic was detected. The low beam lights were also well-rated for their illumination on turns, though there was still room for improvement.

The other models that received barely passing grades were the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Hyundai Tucson.

The Worst Performers

At the bottom of the list was the Honda HR-V, which had the worst performing headlights in the study. Regardless of weather conditions, the HR-V’s headlights were inadequate, and unfortunately, Honda offers no alternative headlight upgrades for this model. This issue was also prevalent in 11 other models on the fail list.

Moving Forward

The engineers at the IIHS suggest that many of these poorly performing headlights could be improved with simple recalibrations. Stronger and more efficient bulbs are ineffective if they are not properly aimed and focused to maximize road illumination for the driver.

For those following the evolution of modern SUVs, this widespread headlight issue is another challenge in their ongoing struggle with consumer satisfaction. The automotive industry has often been criticized for prioritizing flashy features over substance. However, to stay competitive, companies must improve in areas of safety and security, including headlight performance.

Conclusion

The IIHS study sheds light on a critical safety issue affecting many small SUVs on the road today. While modern vehicles boast advanced technologies, headlight performance remains a fundamental aspect of driving safety that requires urgent attention. Manufacturers must prioritize effective headlight design and calibration to ensure drivers can navigate safely, especially at night. Consumers, in turn, should be aware of the headlight performance of their vehicles and advocate for better standards in automotive safety.