Exeed RX was crashed in a test: how safe is it?

The Exeed RX crossover in its hybrid modification (PHEV, plug-in hybrid) was tested for safety according to Euro NCAP methodology. As a result of these tests, the car received the top 5-star safety rating, with the following category scores:

• adult occupant protection: 90%
• child protection: 85%
• protection of "vulnerable road users": 81%
• safety system performance: 80%

Euro-NCAP Testing

It is noteworthy that the organization also updated the 2023 testing protocols, so stricter requirements are now in effect: for instance, in passive safety, protection for side-impact occupants with a pole has been added, and penalties for frontal safety issues have doubled.

In active safety, over 100 new test scenarios have been introduced, which, in particular, raise the level of performance of the automatic emergency braking system in cases of frontal collision warnings. Additionally, Euro-NCAP tightened the criteria for assessing the consistency of body structures upon impact — and dummy injury metrics.

The new tests showed that the Exeed RX PHEV coupe crossover meets the current "strict" safety requirements: high safety level confirmed (5 Euro-NCAP stars). The manufacturer claims this is due to the use of a body structure, 85% consisting of high-strength steel components, the use of hot-stamped steel in critical areas, and the roof's ability to withstand up to 10 tons of load (!), thus ensuring the safety of the passenger "compartment" in collisions.

Adult Protection

The rating of 90% in the adult occupant protection category was achieved due to the crossover coupe's frame energy-absorbing capsule design — and 3-level load transfer paths. Additionally, according to experts, in crash tests with a deformable barrier, the new Exeed RX PHEV demonstrated a very high level of energy absorption, combined with minimal cabin deformation and maximum passenger protection, including in terms of the secondary collision prevention system and effective whiplash mitigation.

Child Protection

The plug-in hybrid Exeed RX (PHEV) received maximum scores in simulated crash tests for children aged 6 and 10 in the child protection category. The company states such results were achieved by equipping the car with dual Isofix mounts, a system against accidental kid lock, and the ability to disable the front passenger airbag when a child seat is installed.

Protection of "Vulnerable Road Users"

In the "vulnerable road users" protection category, the Exeed RX PHEV scores 81% thanks to the effective operation of 18 intelligent driver assistants; achieving top marks in preventing collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

Safety System Performance

In the performance of safety systems, the crossover scored 80% — thanks to the technologies applied: safety is ensured by adaptive cruise control, a driver fatigue monitoring system with eye tracking, lane keeping, road sign recognition, and more.