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Three Audi models—the A3 sedan and the Q4 e-Tron and Q4 e-Tron Sportback SUVs—have earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest safety honor, the Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) award for the 2023 model year. This designation signals to car shoppers that these vehicles are among the safest on the market, having passed a rigorous series of crash tests and safety feature evaluations. The achievement, however, comes with an important caveat for the A3 related to headlight performance on the previous model year.
To qualify for the prestigious TSP+ award, a vehicle must earn a rating of 'good' in six demanding crashworthiness evaluations. These tests simulate a range of real-world collision scenarios to assess the structural integrity and occupant protection of a vehicle. The required tests are:
Beyond crash performance, the vehicle must also be equipped with a front crash prevention system that earns a superior rating in vehicle-to-vehicle tests and an advanced rating in daytime vehicle-to-pedestrian tests. Finally, the vehicle must offer good- or acceptable-rated headlights across all trim levels.
The 2023 Audi A3 compact luxury sedan and the all-electric 2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron and Q4 e-Tron Sportback SUVs all met the stringent criteria. According to IIHS data, each model comes standard with a front crash prevention system that performed excellently. The headlight specifications are what differentiated the model years for the A3.
For the 2023 A3, good-rated headlights are standard on all trims, which secured its TSP+ status. The story was different for the 2022 A3. Despite the car's redesign for the 2022 model year, IIHS testing found that two of its available headlight systems received poor ratings, which prevented the 2022 version from achieving the 'Plus' designation. For the Q4 e-Tron SUVs, both the 2022 and 2023 model years qualified because they are available with either good-rated LED projector headlights or acceptable-rated LED reflector headlights, depending on the chosen trim level.
The IIHS TSP+ award provides a trusted, independent benchmark for safety, cutting through marketing claims. For shoppers comparing luxury compact sedans or electric SUVs, this award offers a significant point of differentiation. Safety is often a top priority for families and commuters, and this designation provides a clear, data-backed reason to shortlist these Audi models. It also underscores the importance of checking specific model years, as safety equipment can change, as seen with the A3's headlights between 2022 and 2023.
This trio of 2023 models joins several other Audi vehicles that have previously earned the IIHS's top honor. This growing list includes the:
This pattern indicates a strong commitment to safety across Audi's lineup, giving buyers confidence in the brand's engineering priorities.
When shopping for a new or used Audi, prioritizing models with the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus designation is a smart strategy for maximizing occupant protection. Be sure to verify the specific model year's ratings on the official IIHS website, as safety features and test results can vary significantly from one year to the next. This is especially crucial for the 2022 vs. 2023 Audi A3, where headlight performance was the deciding factor.
