IIHS: Toyota Venza and Lexus RX Earn Top Safety Pick Award - VIDEO ENHANCED

WASHINGTON - June 18, 2009: The 2009 Toyota Venza, a midsize SUV, and the 2010 Lexus RX, a midsize luxury SUV, are the Institute's newest 2009 Top Safety Pick award winners. To qualify for Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. Criteria to win are tough because the award is intended to drive continued safety improvements such as top crash test ratings and the rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard on the Venza and RX.

"Recognizing vehicles at the head of the class for safety helps consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple test results," says Institute president Adrian Lund.

New Institute ratings for the Toyota Venza | Lexus RX