April 9, 2018—In a new round of evaluations, five of seven small SUVs earn good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for occupant protection in a passenger-side small overlap front crash.
The small overlap front test was introduced in 2017 to encourage manufacturers to offer the same level of protection for front-seat passengers as drivers in this type of crash, according to the IIHS.
A good or acceptable passenger-side rating is needed to qualify for the Institute's 2018 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, as well as good-rated headlights. To earn TOP SAFETY PICK, vehicles must achieve good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests; earn an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention; and also have at least acceptable-rated headlights.
None of the newly rated 2018 models earns better than acceptable marks for structure.
Tests found an issue with side airbag deployment in the Escape and the Outlander Sport.
