New IIHS Side Impact Crash Test: Midsize SUVs

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The IIHS released the results of its new tougher side impact test today. Compared to the previous test, the barrier weighs 4,200 lbs instead of 3,300 lbs, and it comes hurtling at 37 mph rather than 31 mph.

Explorer/Aviator: Good
QX60/Pathfinder: Good
CX-9: Good
Ascent: Good
Highlander: Good
Atlas: Good
ID.4: Good
Enclave/Traverse: Acceptable
Passport/Pilot: Marginal
Palisade/Telluride: Marginal
Wrangler: Marginal
Murano: Marginal

The previous round tested compact SUVs, which didn’t fare as well. Among vehicles in that group, only the Mazda CX-5 scored a “Good” rating in the new side impact test.

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Glad to see IIHS continue to raise their testing standards, especially as traffic fatalities are up.

https://www.axios.com/2022/05/17/traffic-deaths-transportation-nhtsa

“An increase in dangerous driving — speeding, distracted driving, drug- and alcohol-impaired driving, not buckling up — during the pandemic, combined with roads designed for speed instead of safety, has wiped out a decade and a half of progress in reducing traffic crashes, injuries and deaths,” said Russ Martin, senior director of policy and government relations for the Governors Highway Safety Association.

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I’m confused on why the Murano scored the worst in the updated side test, but is still a top Safety Pick+.

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2022 Top Safety Pick+ has its own criteria, that isn’t inclusive of the new side impact test. It may in the future, not currently.

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Previous TSP (top safety picks) were awarded based on the criteria existing at that time and do not lose them immediately. Manufacturers are given time to catch up to the latest criteria.

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