How Safe is the 2019 Tesla Model 3? An IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Deep Dive

The 2019 Tesla Model 3 earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest honor, the Top Safety Pick+ award, with all its standard safety equipment. This achievement marked Tesla's first IIHS award and placed the Model 3 among the safest vehicles on the road, proving that electric vehicles (EVs) do not require a safety compromise. The sedan aced all crashworthiness tests and received top scores for its standard headlights and automatic emergency braking system.

What Does the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award Mean for the 2019 Model 3?

The Top Safety Pick+ is the most stringent safety award from the IIHS, an independent, non-profit research organization. For the 2019 model year, earning this accolade required a vehicle to achieve a rating of 'good' in all six crashworthiness tests, including a new, tougher passenger-side small overlap frontal test. This test simulates a collision where the front corner of the vehicle hits another car, a tree, or a pole.

The 2019 Model 3 earned 'good' ratings across the board. It also needed an 'acceptable' or 'good' rating for its headlights and an 'advanced' or 'superior' rating for its front crash prevention system. The Model 3's standard LED headlights received a 'good' score, and its standard Autopilot safety suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, earned a 'superior' rating by successfully avoiding collisions in tests at both 12 and 25 mph.

How Did the Tesla Model 3 Perform Compared to Other Electric Vehicles?

In 2019, the Tesla Model 3 was in elite company. It matched the Top Safety Pick+ award earned by the 2019 Audi e-tron electric SUV and the 2019 Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell SUV. This demonstrated that safety leadership was not confined to a single type of alternative powertrain.

The award also highlighted a key advantage for Tesla: the top safety rating was achieved with standard equipment. In contrast, the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV earned the next-lower Top Safety Pick award. It missed the "Plus" designation primarily because its headlights were rated 'poor' for causing excessive glare, and its top crash prevention rating required an optional system.

What Were the Model 3's Key Safety Improvements Over the Model S?

This award was a significant milestone for Tesla. The only other Tesla tested by the IIHS previously was the 2017 Model S, which failed to qualify for any award that year. The Model S received a 'poor' score for its headlights and an 'acceptable' rating (the second-tier score) in the challenging driver's side small overlap front test.

The Model 3's success showed a focused improvement in vehicle safety architecture. It was designed from the ground up to excel in these specific, rigorous tests, benefiting from a rigid battery pack mounted low in the chassis that contributes to structural integrity and a low center of gravity.

Is a Used 2019 Tesla Model 3 a Safe and Smart Buy Today?

Based on our assessment experience, the 2019 Model 3 remains a highly compelling and safe choice on the used car market. Its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ certification provides long-term peace of mind. When shopping, potential buyers can find models like the Standard Range and Standard Range Plus with varying mileage.

• Price Example: A 2019 Model 3 Standard Range Plus with approximately 78,885 miles might be listed around $17,975.
• Key Consideration: For used EVs, it's wise to check the EV battery health rating. A 'Good' rating indicates the battery is performing within expected parameters for its age and mileage.

When considering a used 2019 Model 3, prioritize a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection to verify the condition of the battery, tires, and other wear-and-tear items beyond its exceptional inherent safety.