Tesla might be having issues making profits and launching the Model 3 sedan, but it’s clear the young automaker can build a safe SUV. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just awarded the 2017 Model X with a 5-star rating in every crash test category and sub-category. That makes the Model X the first SUV to ever earn a 5-star rating across the board. What’s more, the NHTSA’s findings show occupants have the lowest probability of injury in any SUV it has ever tested, with a 93-percent likelihood of walking away without serious injuries.

NHTSA testing includes three main areas: frontal, side, and rollover crashes. Further broken down, the frontal crash testing includes a 35-mph, full-frontal crash into a solid barrier. Side impact testing includes both impacts with another vehicle and with a stationary pole like a tree or telephone post. Rollover testing includes both the likelihood of a rollover and the roof’s ability to remain structurally intact. Not only did the Model X earn 5 stars in the roof crush test, the NHTSA was unable to educe a rollover, even during its dynamic rollover test. Tesla claims the Model X’s aversion to tipping lies in its low center of gravity provided by the battery packs mounted under the floor.

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Safer Vehicles Mean Fewer Fatalities

Modern vehicles have become incredibly safe compared to those just 20 years ago. Intense testing from multiple organizations (both government and private) has led to advancements in vehicles’ structural design and the safety systems. Passive safety technology like airbags and seatbelts are better than ever, but are being supplemented by active safety systems like computer-controlled collision avoidance devices and other driver aids like blind spot monitoring and lane-keep assist.

Tesla provides these and other systems to keep its Model X out of trouble. Nevertheless, potential customers and current owners will find it comforting to know they’re heavily protected, should a crash occur. We look forward to seeing what the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s testing reveals about the Model X. Sometimes the IIHS and NHTSA can produce different crash test results due to differences in testing. The IIHS goes even further in vehicle testing by evaluating items like headlights and crash avoidance systems. We’ll bring you that information as it happens. In the meantime, be sure to read our review of the Tesla Model X here.