Most SUVs, Minivans, Trucks Don't Hold Up in Rear Crash Tests
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a report today stating that 54 of the 87 SUVS, minivans and trucks it tested earned either Marginal or Poor ratings in rear crash tests. IIHS has a vested interest in the tests, as they account for 2 million insurance claims per year, with neck injuries the most-reported claim. IIHS says the tests are “based on geometric measurements of head restraints and simulated crashes that together assess how well people of different sizes would be protected in a typical rear crash.”
Only one truck — the 2007 Toyota Tundra — scored an overall grade of Good, the organization’s highest. Only one minivan currently in production — the Hyundai Entourage — received that score. The no-longer-produced Ford Freestar also earned a Good rating.
Numerous SUVs received Good ranks, but there were a few surprises in the Poor, or worst, category, including the 2007 BMW X3 and X5, 2007 Dodge Nitro, 2007 Lexus GX 470, 2007 Lexus RX and 2007 Toyota Highlander.
The full list of grades is below.
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Needed to explain the results better, didn't get the idea on first read through. But anyhow so poor seat design will cause some whiplash. Believe me a car hitting a truck or true suv from rear will be totaled where a suv won't. I think every test shows there is always some risk in everything and its hard to be perfect on all.
The real point is that it ISN'T hard to get a good grade in this respect, they just don't. Active head restraints usually equal a good rating.
I found it interesting how almost every brand had a vehicle that did good and some that did really bad (except for Volvo and Subaru- Honda almost). Don't build practices usually carry through an entire lineup? Does anyone know why there are such discrepencies, besides the obvious new models?