Small SUVs Not the Best on Some Crash Avoidance
Front-to-rear crashes with motorcycles, large trucks show crash-prevention tech less effective in those scenarios.
The Subaru Forester is the only small SUV to so far receive a good rating in the updated crash test.
Subaru
A newly updated crash test shows many small sports-utility vehicles fail to perform well in what the tester considers some of the most dangerous accidents.
The revised front crash-prevention test evaluates accidents that result in motorcycles and large trucks being struck because research shows current technology is less effective at preventing crashes with those types of vehicles.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety toughened the test of front-to-rear crashes in its recent update by conducting high-speed evaluations. The original crash tests were at low speeds because they evaluated what was still relatively new technology.
The nonprofit testing organization says automatic emergency braking prevents up to half of front-to-rear accidents but that the particular risks in crashes involving motorcycles and large trucks warrant close attention.
“Obviously, crashes that happen at higher speeds are more dangerous,” said IIHS Senior Research Scientist David Kidd, who led the development of the new evaluation. “Deadly underride crashes often occur when the struck vehicle is a large truck, and motorcyclists are frequently killed when they’re rear-ended by a passenger car, since their bike offers no protection from the impact.
When it comes to small SUVs, just one of 10 2023 and 2024 models IIHS tested so far got a good rating in the crash tests – the Subaru Forester. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 received acceptable ratings; the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Compass marginal ratings; and the Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Taos poor.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry
Autos More Appealing
Consumers gave new cars better scores again this year for design, performance and more as mass-market brands kept gaining on premium lineups, JD Power found in an annual poll.
Read More →
Used EVs Defy Overall Market
While the used-car market saw three months of price declines or stagnation, the used EV segment did the opposite – rising for three straight months.
Read More →
Gone to the Dogs
A Stellantis brand decided to have some fun with one of its SUVs’ design to address growing emphasis on family pets.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →