Pickup Truck Headlight Safety: Shocking IIHS Test Results Revealed
New research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) exposes significant safety gaps in pickup truck headlight performance. With only one model earning a "good" rating, these findings have major implications for nighttime driving safety and Top Safety Pick Plus qualifications.
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Why Headlight Performance Matters More Than Ever
The IIHS - an independent nonprofit funded by auto insurers - has made headlight ratings a key factor for its prestigious Top Safety Pick Plus awards. Their latest evaluation of 11 popular pickup models with 23 different headlight configurations reveals alarming performance disparities.
Key Findings at a Glance:
Only 1 model earned a "good" rating (2017 Honda Ridgeline with LED projectors)
17 of 23 headlight combinations received "poor" ratings
Halogen headlights consistently underperformed compared to LED and HID options
Trim level significantly impacts safety, with premium packages often including better lighting
How IIHS Tests Headlight Safety
The rigorous evaluation process measures:
Straightaway illumination: How well low and high beams light the road ahead
Curve performance: Effectiveness when navigating turns
Glare control: Amount of distracting light projected toward oncoming drivers
Testing becomes particularly complex as manufacturers offer multiple headlight options across trim levels. A single truck model might have both passing and failing configurations depending on equipment packages.
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Mid-Size Pickup Headlight Ratings Breakdown
Model
Headlight Type
Rating
2016 Chevrolet Colorado
Halogen low/high beams
Poor
2016 GMC Canyon
Halogen low/high beams
Poor
2017 Honda Ridgeline
LED projector low beams, halogen high beams
Good
2017 Honda Ridgeline
Halogen low/high beams
Poor
2016 Nissan Frontier
Halogen low/high beams
Poor
2016-17 Toyota Tacoma
Halogen low/high beams
Poor
The Honda Ridgeline's LED-equipped trims (RTL-E and Black Edition) demonstrated how advanced lighting technology can dramatically improve safety outcomes. This stark contrast between halogen and LED performance underscores the importance of headlight selection when purchasing a truck.
Half-Ton Pickup Headlight Performance
Model
Headlight Type
Rating
2016-17 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Xenon HID low/high beams
Poor
2016-17 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
LED low/high beams
Poor
2016-17 Ford F-150
Halogen low/high beams
Poor
2016-17 Ford F-150
LED low/high beams
Poor
2016-17 GMC Sierra 1500
LED low/high beams
Acceptable/Marginal*
2016-17 GMC Sierra 1500
Xenon HID low/high beams
Poor
2017 Nissan Titan
Halogen low/high beams
Marginal
2017 Nissan Titan
LED low beams, halogen high beams
Marginal
2016 Ram 1500
Halogen low/high beams
Marginal/Poor**
The GMC Sierra 1500 emerged as the only half-ton pickup to approach acceptable performance, though even its LED system received mixed ratings. This segment-wide underperformance suggests manufacturers need to prioritize headlight engineering improvements.
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What These Ratings Mean for Truck Buyers
Consumers should consider several factors when evaluating headlight safety:
Trim level matters: Higher-end packages often include better lighting systems
LED superiority: LED projectors generally outperform halogen and HID options
Aftermarket potential: Some poor-rated systems may be upgraded post-purchase
Insurance implications: Better visibility could reduce accident risk and premiums
Prospective buyers should always test drive vehicles at night to personally evaluate headlight performance before purchasing.
The Future of Headlight Safety Standards
As IIHS incorporates headlight ratings into its Top Safety Pick Plus criteria, manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve lighting systems. Emerging technologies like adaptive driving beams (currently restricted in the U.S.) could revolutionize nighttime visibility when regulations change.
Consumer awareness campaigns and updated federal standards may drive faster adoption of advanced lighting systems across all vehicle price points.
Expert Recommendations for Safer Night Driving
While awaiting industry-wide improvements, drivers can:
Clean headlight lenses regularly (haze reduces output by up to 80%)
Adjust headlight aim during routine maintenance
Consider professional headlight restoration for older vehicles
Reduce speed in low-visibility conditions regardless of headlight quality
