As Ford Authority previously reported, the Lincoln Nautilus was awarded a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) back in 2021, though that only applied to models equipped with the full LED multi projector headlamps that were available on Ultimate Package-equipped Nautilus Reserve II and Black Label trims. Now, the Lincoln Nautilus has once again earned Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS, though this time, it applies to all models in the lineup – joining the Ford Explorer in that regard.
This achievement is even more notable given the fact that the IIHS revised its requirements for the Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards handed out this year, seeking better side crash protection and improved pedestrian crash prevention systems while also eliminating subpar headlights from the field of qualifying vehicles. That means that just 48 models qualified for one of the two awards in 2023, compared to 101 last year.
For this year’s awards, IIHS replaced its Top Safety Pick side crash test with an updated version that originally launched in 2021, which involves 82 percent more energy than the original test. The revised system also adds a new evaluation – the nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention test – while headlight requirements have become more stringent as well. Meanwhile, roof strength, head restraint, and vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention evaluations are no longer part of the award criteria.
The Lincoln Navigator achieved this status by receiving “good” ratings for all crashworthiness tests, though models equipped with the  full LED multi projector headlights received a “good” ranking in that category, while others were given an “acceptable” rating. Additionally, the Nautilus received “superior ratings” for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash protection, “advanced” ratings for vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash protection, and “acceptable” or “marginal” ratings for child restraints, depending on the model.
“The number of winners is smaller this year because we’re challenging automakers to build on the safety gains they’ve already achieved,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “These models are true standouts in both crashworthiness and crash prevention. It’s exciting that these manufacturers have been so swift to implement the substantial design changes and technological advancements that these new requirements demand. We’re confident that the number of winners will continue to grow throughout the year.”
We’ll have more on the Nautilus soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Lincoln news, Lincoln Nautilus news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.
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