SUV's and rollover risk?

Unregistered · Mar 20, 2006

Hi all,
We are talking about getting a new(er) car and I've been looking at the Toyota Avalon and the RAV4. I need something that will comfortably seat 3 kids across the back, with a Regent. My boys will probably outgrow their boosters before I get the car, but they are big boys, so we'll need some hip room.

I really like the SUV's and was particularly interested in Honda and Toyota. I have heard that the rollover % is higher with SUV's though, and if this really is a big issue, then I will get the Avalon. (or Honda equivalent) But I really like the RAV4.

I want the safest option--headrests and lap/sholder belts in all positions, side curtain airbags, tether anchors, etc. Thanks!

Victorious4 · Mar 20, 2006

You can compare the crash test results at http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx

Almost 50% of accidents are to the front, so good frontal scores are a must regardless.... Although roll overs are the most deadly kind of crash & side impacts are also very dangerous, side curtain airbags & properly restraining all passengers greatly reduces the risks -- positioning the kids in harness type restraints outboard & bigger kids in the middle would evenly distribute safety....

I don't know specifics about which SUVs have which features, but my 2005 Hybrid Escape had 3 top tether anchors & outboard LATCH could be used for a center seat install (either/or, not both center+outboard) -- I fit a Forward Facing Britax Boulevard between a Rear Facing Britax Wizard & Parkway in my Escape

(LOVED that gas mileage, too *SIGH* I miss that car!!!) Side curtain airbags are optional on the Escape....

jen_nah · Mar 22, 2006

Also look at the Chevy Equinox/Pontiac Torrant. They have a wide back seat (I have gotten 3 carseats across an Equinox). They come with side curtain airbags for both rows. Get good gas mileage (I think one of the best for small SUV market) plus a fully loaded one runs around $27k.

jen_nah · Mar 22, 2006

Check www.safercar.gov they have an up to date list that iihs.org doesn't have. Also safercar is a NHTSA website.

scatterbunny · Mar 22, 2006

Just be aware of the differences in IIHS and NHTSA testing--they score the same vehicles differently, and the differences in testing account for that.

On frontal tests, the
government has the full front hit a barrier at 35 m.p.h., while the
institute's test has a barrier strike part of the front end at 40 m.p.h.

For side tests, the government's program measures the equivalent of a
passenger car striking another passenger car in the driver's side at 38.5
m.p.h., while the institute simulates an SUV striking a passenger car at 31
m.p.h.

The tests, which assess vehicle structure and restraint systems, lead to
discrepancies in scores, a potential source of confusion for consumers. For
example, side-impact tests conducted by the institute last year gave poor
marks to the 2005 Volkswagen Beetle, Hyundai Elantra and Kia Spectra. In
government testing, the vehicle's scores ranged from three to five stars in
front- and rear-seating positions.

Unregistered · Mar 22, 2006

Thanks for the links.

Now we are talking about getting a Sienna. :lol If we're going to spend that much money, we might as well get something big enough.

SafeDad · Mar 22, 2006

If you visit www.informedforlife.org , you will find vehicle ratings from 2004-2006 models that include IIHS, NHTSA, weight and rollover ratings. They are all combined into one rating that considers the relative risk of each factor. It's a great comparsion tool that can be used across all weights and classes of vehicles.

SUV's and rollover risk?

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