Hyundai Genesis Top Safety Pick Comes at a Price

It's all about the front driver's side of your car when it comes to collisions, which is why the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has its small overlap crash test. A good percentage of folks involved in those types of crashes suffer fatal injures.

That's why it's good news Hyundai’s 2015 Genesis sedan has become the first and only rear-wheel drive vehicle in its class to receive the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest honor as a 2014 Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with optional front crash prevention. Genesis is also the first rear-wheel drive luxury sedan to earn a Good rating in the small overlap crash test. (The all-wheel drive version also gets the same marks.)

The only problem is this safety comes at a price. The front crash safety prevention feature is only available after spending $7500 for the signature and option packages on the Genesis base model 3.8-liter engine. (The technology package is standard on the 5.0-liter model.) With delivery, you're paying $46,450 for the base model to be a Top Safety Pick+.

According to a Hyundai news release, "IIHS rates vehicles in a moderate overlap front crash, small overlap front crash, side impact and rollover test, and evaluates seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impact collisions. Additionally, IIHS evaluates available front crash prevention systems that aim to prevent a crash or lessen its severity. Winners of the Top Safety Pick + award must earn Good ratings for occupant protection in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, no less than acceptable in the small overlap test, and at least a basic rating for front crash prevention.

“The Top Safety Pick + designation recognizes state-of-the-art safety,” said IIHS president, Adrian Lund. “The new Genesis is not only engineered to protect people when crashes happen, but with its optional automatic emergency braking system rated superior in our tests, this car can help drivers avoid some of the most common kinds of collisions altogether.”

“IIHS Top Safety Pick+ are important ratings in vehicle crash test safety,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Genesis’ Top Safety Pick + recognition further reinforces its segment leadership in delivering advanced safety performance and technology as well as a host of world-class active and passive safety features.”