Mazda CX-3 vs. Honda HR-V - Which Has the Best and Worst Headlights In its Class?

The all-new Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V small crossovers have a lot in common, but one has the best headlights in the class and one the worst.

In a recent test of small crossovers, the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety called the all-new Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring the best model for headlights in the class and called the Honda HR-V the worst.

- What about Performance? CX-3 vs. HR-V

IIHS has begun to conduct headlight effectiveness testing. The rankings and ratings that result from the testing will be rolled into the Top Safety Pick Plus system that IIHS uses to note the best vehicles for safety in a given class. Headlights from each and every possible trim are tested, so one good option is not enough for a model to earn a high rating.

- What About Overall Safety? CX-3 vs. HR-V

IIHS tests both high and low beams and gives extra points for automatic high beams. In its video overview of the results of the small crossover testing, IIHS said of the Mazda CX-3 “The best performing headlights in this test of small SUVs are available on a new model, the Mazda CX-3, and specifically on the Grand Touring Trim.” IIHS went on to say of the Honda HR-V, “The worst headlights were on the Honda HR-V. The low and high beams on this vehicle failed to light up any of our four curves or the straightaway with adequate illumination. And the HR-V is one of 12 small SUVs that can’t be purchased with anything other than Poor-rated headlights.”

- What About Price? CX-3 vs. HR-V