The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released concerning findings about the rear-seat safety of midsize cars. The updated moderate overlap front crash test revealed significant differences among vehicles, highlighting the need for improved rear-seat protection.
In a notable achievement, the Honda Accord emerged as the top performer in rear-seat safety, securing an exceptional rating. However, most midsize cars struggled to meet the IIHS’s strict safety criteria. Among the other six vehicles assessed, the Subaru Outback received an acceptable rating, showing moderate success in rear-seat protection. On the lower end of the spectrum, the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Volkswagen Jetta received poor ratings, indicating notable deficiencies in their rear-seat safety provisions.
During testing, a recurring issue was the “submarining” of the rear dummy, where it slid forward and went beneath the lap belt. This increased the risk of internal injuries, especially in vehicles that received poor ratings. Measurements taken from the rear dummy indicated potential injuries to the head, neck, and chest in poorly rated vehicles.
The updated moderate overlap front test was introduced last year after research revealed a higher risk of fatal injuries for belted occupants in the rear seats compared to those in the front. The aim of this new evaluation is to encourage manufacturers to prioritize improvements in rear-seat safety. The evaluation involves placing a dummy in the back seat behind the driver to assess injuries commonly observed in back-seat passengers.
To receive a good rating, vehicles must demonstrate minimal risks of injury to the head, neck, chest, and thigh of the rear dummy. Proper positioning without submarining is crucial, as well as maintaining a safe distance between the dummy’s head and the interior components. Shoulder belt retention on the shoulder is also essential, as evaluated by a pressure sensor on the dummy’s torso.
Ratings in the updated moderate overlap front test for midsize cars:
| Vehicle | Overall rating | Structure & safety cage | Driver injury measures | Rear passenger injury measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Honda Accord | G (Good) | G | G | G |
| 2023 Subaru Outback | A (Acceptable) | G | G | G |
| 2023 Nissan Altima | M (Marginal) | G | G | A |
| 2023 Toyota Camry | M | G | G | M |
| 2023 Hyundai Sonata | P (Poor) | G | G | P |
| 2023 Kia K5 | P | G | G | P |
| 2023 Volkswagen Jetta | P | G | G | P |
In June of this year, the IIHS tested five small crew cab pickups, and none of them received a top score in the updated moderate overlap front evaluation that focused on rear-seat safety. Similarly, a selection of five small cars also underwent the updated safety test, and none of them performed well.