New crash tests: some midsize SUVs perform worse than many cars in side tests

[Jeanum]

ARLINGTON, VA — Results of crash tests for six SUVs show frontal crash protection has improved. However, the tests reveal significant differences in how well SUVs protect people in serious side crashes. Among the worst performers in the side test are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevrolet TrailBlazer, even though both are equipped with standard side airbags. The front and side tests recently were conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to evaluate how well midsize SUVs protect people in the two most common kinds of serious crashes. Rear crash protection ratings for these models were released earlier this year.

To view the rest of the above quoted IIHS press release, please click on: http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr101107.html?id=826

Video link for midsize SUV crash tests (if this doesn't load, please click the link for the above press release page, then click on the accompanying "video" link to launch the video ): http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr101107.html?id=826#

.pdf version of IIHS press release and details of the SUV crash ratings:
http://www.iihs.org/news/2007/iihs_news_101107.pdf

[southpawboston]

great info. i just loved this quote:

“SUVs should have an advantage in side crashes because the driver and passengers ride higher up than in cars. People often think they’re safer in one of these vehicles, but many cars hold up better than some of these midsize SUVs in this test.”

it's sad that many people automatically assume they're safer in a big honkin' SUV, without actually bothering to see what the data says...

[jdchic3]

Yikes! It makes me want to go out and buy a new car! (We have an 01 grand Cherokee, so it doesn't even have side impact air bags)

[natysr]

Originally Posted by southpawboston

great info. i just loved this quote:



it's sad that many people automatically assume they're safer in a big honkin' SUV, without actually bothering to see what the data says...

So true. Honestly we didn't buy our first Pathfinder thinking it was safer than our car, we bought it because it was a midsized SUV with the most towing capacity at the time. We bought our second pathfinder because we loved our first one so much.

I am glad to see though that our SUV got the best rating of those tested.