Genesis GV80 Recognized for Vehicle Safety in 1st Evaluation in U.S.

Hyundai's Genesis GV80 SUV, which was recently thrust into the headlines when golf icon Tiger Woods survived a serious crash in one, has obtained the highest safety rating from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The GV80 earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating in its first results from the institute's rigorous safety evaluation, after only recently hitting the U.S. market in December last year, Hyundai said on March 19.

Founded in 1959, the IIHS is a nonprofit organization that carries out thorough crash tests to gauge the safety of hundreds of cars released every year.

To earn the Top Safety Pick+ grade, a vehicle must receive the highest rating in all six test categories -- the moderate overlap front, drive-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints.

The fact that Woods survived the horrific car crash while driving his GV80 in California on Feb. 23 highlighted the vehicle's safety. The car suffered severe damage to its exterior, but the interior remained mostly intact. The golfing icon suffered multiple fractures to his leg, but was released three weeks later on March 16 and is undergoing rehabilitation at home.