Tag Archives: IIHS

10 Used And Affordable Family Cars That Have 5-Star Safety Ratings

Summary

  • High security rankings from NHTSA and IIHS make these used vehicles a compelling alternative for these looking for reliability and worth.
  • The honest pricing of those fashions, coupled with their security options, make them hidden gems within the used automotive market.
  • Versatile choices like sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes present the proper mix of security, affordability, and efficiency for consumers.

While not each used automotive is a winner, there are a couple of with excessive rankings that deserve a re-examination. In explicit, these with excessive accolades from the NHTSA and IIHS, as these are among the most secure automobiles of their respective mannequin years. These embody sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes which can be certain to compel these out there for a protected automobile.

Another shining characteristic of those chosen fashions is their honest worth ranges. When you pair main security and low worth, you are certain to get a couple of used models that are hidden gems, which is what we’re right here to discover. Let’s have a look!

In order to provide the most correct and up-to-date automobile security info attainable, we have relied on information sourced from the NHTSA and IIHS. New mannequin pricing info has been sourced from varied automakers and used automobile pricing has been sourced from Kelley Blue Book. The fashions proven on this record have been ranked by their common used worth vary from least expensive to most costly.

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10 2014 Ford Focus

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Front 3/4 shot of a 2014 Ford Focus
Ford

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The Focus is a long-time member of the sporty sedan movement and all the time makes time to relive its sports activities automotive heritage. This consists of an aggressive hatchback possibility and a number of powertrains, every with its personal slew of advantages from horsepower to gas effectivity. Interior-wise, the main target presents added cargo and storage configurations, thanks partly to its five-door hatchback variation.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

S Sedan 4D

$5,000 – $5,123

$19,025

SE Sedan 4D

$5,100 – $5,757

$20,730

SE Hatchback 4D

$5,400 0 $5,777

$21,230

Titanium Sedan 4D

$6,350 – $6519

$24,390

Titanium Hatchback 4D

$6,900 – $7,134

$24,890

Even in trendy type, the Focus retains the economical worth level, which is a key consider its ongoing success, together with the versatile, and peppy, angle it shows. The Focus was redesigned in 2012 for the third era and with that, it acquired an up to date chassis with more durable parts and strategic structure that protects occupants within the occasion of a collision.

Crash Test Video

9 2013 Hyundai Elantra

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Front 3/4 shot of a 2013 Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The Elantra is likely one of the most economical automobile decisions and has been since its inception. Competing with the commemorated Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Hyundai Elantra presents many sought-after options that make it a compelling alternative. Chief amongst them is the handbook transmission.

  • Recalls: 4 (together with one pressing “fire risk when parked”)
  • NHTSA investigations: 4 (together with engine fires)
  • Awards: IIHS 2013 “Top Safety Pick”

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

GLS Sedan 4D

$5,650 – $6,195

$18,470

GS Coupe 2D

$6,110 – $6,807

$19,685

GT Hatchback 4D

$6,000 – $6733

$20,170

SE Coupe 2D

$5,990 – $6,577

$21,520

Limited Sedan 4D

$5,750 – $6,226

$21,720

To say the 2013 Hyundai Elantra is flexible can be the understatement of the century, because it consists of the choices of a sedan, hatchback, and coupe, whereas providing a handbook and computerized transmission. It’s clear Hyundai wished to stay it to the fanatic fashions by overlaying all their bases with a “Swiss army knife” mannequin. That stated, all 2013 Elantras are powered by a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder that pumps out 148 hard-working horses.

Crash Test Video

8 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Front 3/4 shot of a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
GM

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The Chevy Malibu is a well-liked alternative for cut price hunters searching for a dependable and constant sedan to do each day duties. The 2013 Malibu incorporates a remarkably quiet cabin and an environment friendly powertrain possibility, making it an excellent alternative for commuters and car-poolers. The inside and exterior design additionally acquired a refresh for the 2013 mannequin 12 months, which incorporates refined driving manners, refreshed inside structure and facilities, and a contemporary exterior design.

  • Recalls: 11 (together with electrical miscommunication)
  • NHTSA investigations: 2 (together with Hybrid system fireplace)
  • Awards: IIHS 2013 “Top Safety Pick”

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

LS Sedan 4D

$5,900 – $6,245

$23,155

LT Sedan 4D

$6,100 – $6,525

$24,765

Eco Sedan 4D

$6,250 – $6,941

$25,955

LTZ Sedan 4D

$7,250 – $7,765

$28,590

Interior-wise, the 2013 Malibu options the Chevy MyLink infotainment system, which permits wi-fi smartphone connectivity and Bluetooth leisure functionality. These options shine within the Malibu’s quiet cabin, growing occupant immersion.

Crash Test Video

Related

10 Used And Affordable SUVs That Have 5-Star Safety Ratings

There are a shocking variety of protected and reasonably priced used SUVs, from subcompact to mid-size luxurious.

7 2014 Toyota Camry

Rear 3/4 shot of a 2014 Toyota Camry
Toyota

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The Camry is a dependable and fashionable mannequin identified for its distinctive steadiness of practicality, consolation, and worth. Even in the present day, the Camry remains a top choice due to its ever-advancing design and options, in addition to its low worth level and user-friendliness. It additionally stays a beacon of reasonably priced, protected transport, and continues to garner accolades for its security, because it did in 2014.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

L Sedan 4D

$10,950 – $11,161

$23,609

LE Sedan 4D

$10,900 – $11,300

$24,494

SE Sedan 4D

$10,900 – $11,223

$24,924

SE Sport Sedan 4D

$11,000 – $11,455

$26,049

Hybrid LE Sedan 4D

$9,500 – $10,996

$26,950

While not the edgiest of the sedan choices, the common-or-garden Camry is ready to match, and exceed in some circumstances, the potential and skill of its friends due to sound design and bulletproof parts. This consists of gas financial system, longevity, security, and luxury. Overall, the Camry is the definition of a “safe buy”, because it presents a lot of the fashionable options and features as different mainstream fashions do, and is traditionally cheaper than them. Plus, reliability speaks for itself.

Crash Test Video

6 2015 Toyota Corolla

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Front 3/4 shot of a 2015 Toyota Corolla
Pintrest

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

What may be stated in regards to the humble Corolla that hasn’t already been stated? It’s among the many hottest automobiles in historical past, with top-of-the-line monitor data for reliability. Not to say, the Corolla is historically affordable, making it an apparent alternative for brand spanking new drivers and people searching for a dependable commuter. The 2015 Corolla made a splash with its up to date, mature exterior and inside design. Toyota additionally granted the 2015 Corolla some spicy tech upgrades that, on the time, made its rivals appear dated.

  • Recalls: 1
  • NHTSA investigations: 2

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

L Sedan 4D

$11,950 – $12,434

$18,385

LE Sedan 4D

$10,900 – $11,561

$19,400

LE Plus Sedan 4D

$10,750 – $11,179

$19,800

LE Eco Sedan 4D

$10,700 – $11,220

$19,800

S Sedan 4D

$11,000 – $11,317

$20,030

LE Eco Plus Sedan 4D

$11,850 – $12,032

$20,500

While not probably the most adrenaline-pumping mannequin in its class, the Corolla makes up for its lack of efficiency with consolation and financial system. As talked about earlier than, the inside took a leap ahead for the 2015 mannequin 12 months, bringing with it a slew of tech and facilities that put it on many consumers’ radars. The customary 1.8-liter four-cylinder produces a mere 132 horsepower in base type, although a higher-tuned model of that very same engine is accessible and produces, look ahead to it, 140 horses. Before you start to bash the common-or-garden commuter, keep in mind this: the 2015 Corolla provided a six-speed handbook transmission, a four-speed auto, and a CVTi-S. Food for thought.

Crash Test Video

5 2017 Volkswagen Golf

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Front 3/4 shot of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf
Bring a Trailer

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The VW Golf’s design has remained very consistent through the generations, although its efficiency has taken a leap towards the sporty facet, solely growing in potential because the years progress. The 2017 Golf is a main instance of recent VW sporting potential, because it options a typical turbocharged engine and spectacular driving dynamics. The 170 horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder delivers peppy torque supply and harmonious exhaust notes, unafraid to shroud its angle.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

TSI Hatchback 4D

$11,550 – $12,008

$21,815

TSI Wolfsburg Edition Hatchback 4D

$12,500 – $13,006

$23,515

TSI SE Hatchback 4D

$12,000 – $12,665

$26,265

TSI SEL Hatchback 4D

$13,450 – $14,015

$28,815

The 2017 Golf shows refined and nimble dealing with, thanks partly to plain stability and traction management, which will increase its grip. Its powertrain pairs effectively with both the five-speed handbook transmission or the six-speed DSG dual-clutch computerized transmission, and responds effectively to each choices. The inside is somewhat posh, with a driver-centric structure that caters to the driving lovers in us all, although the sport-bolstered seating could develop into a bit uncomfortable on lengthy drives.

Crash Test Video

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4 2017 Honda Fit

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Front 3/4 shot of a 2017 Honda Fit
Honda

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The Honda Fit has all however deserted typical requirements in favor of a extra heart-pounding strategy. This interprets to a peppy powertrain, nimble dealing with, and responsive torque supply wrapped up in a somewhat oblong-looking hatch. Much just like the VW Golf, the Fit hatchback is a sleeper in hatchback sedan garments, which makes for some very entertaining freeway driving and winding street navigation. The 2017 Honda Fit presents each a six-speed handbook transmission and a CVT, guaranteeing there is a Fit that is match for you!

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA investigations: 1

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

LX Hatchback 4D

$11,100 – $11,728

$17,780

EX Hatchback 4D

$12,550 – $13,793

$19,690

EX-L Hatchback

$15,000 – $15,754

$21,255

EX-L w/ navigation Hatchback 4D

$14,150 – $14,894

$22,255

The inside options of the Fit embody a colour infotainment display screen and bolstered seating for sporting help. While not of premium materials, the structure is extremely user-friendly and classy with what it gives. Utility and cargo house are additionally a plus, because the little Fit makes knowledgeable use of each cubic inch whereas sustaining a compact footprint.

Crash Test Video

3 2020 Nissan Altima

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Front 3/4 shot of a 2020 Nissan Altima
Pintrest

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

5/5

The Altima is an all-time favorite for households and lengthy commutes because of its spacious cabin and comfy high quality of trip. The 2020 Altima options many customary security options and facilities, together with ahead collision warning, computerized emergency braking, rear seat reminder, and NissanJoin infotainment system. Higher trims added extra security and help options to the suite, a lot of that are customary on in the present day’s automobiles.

  • Recalls: 5 (together with “over cured tire failure)
  • NHTSA investigations: 2 (together with “complete loss of power”)
  • Awards: IIHS 2020 “Top Safety Pick”

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

2.5 S Sedan 4D

$15,500 – $17,546

$25,250

2.5 SR Sedan 4D

$18,220 – $18,989

$26,850

2.5 SV Sedan 4D

$18,500 – $19,628

$29,090

VC-T SR Sedan 4D

$19,500 – $20,585

$30,700

2.5 SL Sedan 4D

$18,600 – $19,965

$31,190

2.5 Platinum Sedan 4D

$19,500 – $20,865

$33,350

VC-T Platinum Sedan 4D

$21,300 – $22,602

$36,130

The 2020 Altima options two engine choices, the primary being the usual 188 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder and the extra rowdy 248 horsepower turbo 2.0-liter four-pot. Both engines show respectable energy functionality and gas financial system, making them very best commuters or carpool champions. Available clever all-wheel drive additionally appealed to these residing in environments that have tough climate or robust street circumstances because of its excellent traction functionality.

Crash Test Video

2 2020 Ford Fusion

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Front 3/4 shot of a 2020 Ford Fusion
Ford

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

5/5

The Fusion has been in comparison with its overseas competitors, together with the Civic and Elantra, because it compares extra to a modern, small cruiser than an American sedan. The 2020 Ford Fusion options 4 engine choices, these being the 173 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the 181 horsepower Ecoboost 1.5-liter four-cylinder, the 245 horsepower Ecoboost 2.0-liter, and the 188 horsepower hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder. All powertrains aside from the hybrid hook up with a six-speed computerized transmission and have each FWD and AWD. The hybrid powertrain connects to a CVT.

  • Recalls: 1
  • NHTSA investigations: 0

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

S Sedan 4D

$17,000 – $17,614

$24,365

SE Sedan 4D

$17,900 – $18,871

$26,695

SE Hybrid Sedan 4D

$17,550 – $18,177

$29,195

SEL Sedan 4D

$19,100 – $19,715

$29,895

SEL Hybrid Sedan 4D

$18,000 – $18946

$32,825

Titanium Sedan 4D

$19,100 – $19,982

$35,645

Titanium Hybrid Sedan 4D

$20,000 – $21,048

$35,790

The 2020 Fusion consists of the usual Ford CoPilot safety suite, which incorporates lane-keep help, blind spot monitor, and computerized emergency braking, to call a couple of. Higher trims embody dual-zone local weather management and heated entrance seats, for these trying to enhance occupant consolation. All in all, the common-or-garden Fusion presents a plethora of choices to fit your driving model and necessities.

Crash Test Video

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1 2020 Mazda Mazda3

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Front 3/4 shot of a 2020 Mazda Mazda3
Mazda

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

5/5

The 2020 Mazda3 is a sporty sedan that is available in each sedan and hatchback type. While the Mazda3 is not a high-performance automobile, it does show respectable agility and responsive trip high quality. Not to say, the structure and high quality are a notch extra premium than its rivals, the Civic and Corolla.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Sedan 4D

$18,000 – $18,728

$22,445

Select Sedan 4D

$18,100 – $18,930

$23,645

Hatchback 4D

$18,000 – $18,645

$24,645

Preferred Sedan 4D

$19,700 – $20,426

$25,145

Preferred Hatchback 4D

$19,010 – $20,420

$26,145

Premium Sedan 4D

$19,990 – $21,445

$27,445

Premium Hatchback 4D

$20,100 – $22,360

$28,445

The 2020 Mazda3 expands its security and driver help suite to incorporate adaptive cruise management, computerized emergency braking, and lane preserve help. The i-Acticesence suite additionally consists of many extra features that make each day driving safer and extra constant. The largest promoting level to many driving lovers is the non-obligatory handbook transmission. However, in order for you that handbook trans, you may need to go for the RWD Hatchback, because the sedan and AWD fashions include customary auto transmission.

Crash Test Video

Most Automakers Get Poor IIHS Rating for Driver Monitoring Systems

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) does not consider automakers are preserving an in depth sufficient eye on drivers as they use superior driver-assist programs. A new report from the agency gave 11 out of 14 monitoring/safeguard programs available on the market in the present day a poor score, whereas two are ranked marginal, and only one is labeled acceptable. None earn a superb score.

According to IIHS requirements, a superb score requires programs to watch the motive force’s eyes and hand place and have two alerts inside a 10-second span. If the motive force remains to be deemed inattentive by 20 seconds, a 3rd alert must be carried out or the automotive ought to start emergency motion to gradual the automotive and safely exit the street. Regardless of the alerts, 35 seconds of inattentive motion ought to have the automobiles slowing and exiting the street.

Monitoring programs also needs to require people to provoke lane modifications. Lane-keep help shouldn’t disengage if a driver makes guide changes whereas it is lively, as this encourages drivers to actively drive. Similarly, adaptive cruise management shouldn’t routinely resume after a protracted cease, presumably in heavy visitors the place issues might be hectic. Lastly, if seat belts aren’t fixed or computerized emergency braking is disabled, the monitoring system ought to stop the motive force assists from activating.

The IIHS examine coated automobiles from Ford, General Motors, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Genesis, Lexus, Nissan, and Volvo. Lexus has the excellence of incomes the suitable score, with General Motors and Nissan receiving the 2 marginal rankings. The examine concedes that Ford will get near a greater score, however the takeaway is that each driver monitoring system within the group falls brief in a number of areas.

“The shortcomings vary from system to system,” mentioned IIHS Senior Research Scientist Alexandra Mueller. “Many vehicles don’t adequately monitor whether the driver is looking at the road or prepared to take control. Many lack attention reminders that come soon enough and are forceful enough to rouse a driver whose mind is wandering. Many can be used despite occupants being unbelted or when other vital safety features are switched off.”

While the examine is essential of those programs, the IIHS believes fixes might be achieved largely by way of software program modifications.

“These results are worrying, considering how quickly vehicles with these partial automation systems are hitting our roadways,” mentioned IIHS President David Harkey. “But there’s a silver lining if you look at the performance of the group as a whole. No single system did well across the board, but in each category, at least one system performed well. That means the fixes are readily available and, in some cases, may be accomplished with nothing more than a simple software update.”

Most-watched IIHS crash exams of 2023

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) routinely publishes movies of its crash exams to YouTube. While it is actually satisfying to observe new automobiles get smashed to items, the clips additionally present a singular perception into how security is engineered into new automobiles. These are the IIHS’s most considered crash check movies from final 12 months. 

5. 2023 Rivian R1S Updated Moderate Overlap Crash Test

Taking the fifth spot is the 2023 Rivian R1S. It’s the costliest automotive on this checklist, and the one purely electrical automobile. We can perceive the general public’s curiosity right here — Rivian is a brand new model, and it is all the time attention-grabbing to see how battery-powered automobiles stack up towards exams initially designed for gas-powered automobiles. The reply? Not properly, at the least with reference to the up to date average overlap check, the place the R1S scored a “marginal” score. 

4. 2023 Toyota Camry Updated Moderate Overlap Crash Test

Next on the checklist is the 2023 Toyota Camry. While it is not a really thrilling automotive, it is simple to see why this crash check was so in style. The Camry is the best-selling sedan within the United States, shifting practically 300,000 models in 2023. Buyers, homeowners, and Uber passengers alike are possible curious to know the way this automotive would fare in a crash. Like the Rivian, it was in a position to rating properly in each crash class save for the check you see above, the up to date average overlap check, the place it too scored a score of “marginal.”

3. 2023 Ford Maverick Updated Side Crash Test

The IIHS’s exams of the Ford Maverick try to reply a query we’re certain is on each pickup proprietor’s thoughts: Can a pickup truck nonetheless be protected if it is small? Sure, an F-150 can tank just about any affordable affect you throw at it, however what about Ford’s entry-level unibody truck? The public’s curiosity was sufficient to raise the Maverick’s aspect crash check video to 3rd place. While it was in a position to obtain a “good” score on this check, it was solely given an “acceptable” score for its average overlap.

2. Volvo XC60

Volvo is touted as one of many most secure automotive manufacturers on the market, so it is fairly massive information at any time when considered one of its automobiles would not ace a crash check. That’s precisely what occurred right here in the course of the XC60, the place within the IIHS’s up to date aspect crash check, the SUV was solely in a position to rating an “acceptable” score (one score under “good”). The XC60 was in a position to ace each different check, although, so we suspect it is nonetheless fairly protected. 

1. Toyota Grand Highlander

The most-viewed video from the IIHS in 2023 goes to the Toyota Grand Highlander’s driver-side small overlap crash check. We suspect this video was so in style for a similar causes the Camry’s crash check was so broadly considered: Because lots of people will purchase this automotive, they usually merely need to know the way it performs in a crash. The Highlander is the go-to alternative for large households, which means dad and mom are possible curious to know the way it’ll carry out. The automotive earned an “acceptable” score right here, the one check the place it carried out under “good.”

First-Ever Mazda CX-90 Earns 2023 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ AWARD

WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 12, 2023) – The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2024 CX-90 and CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) its highest safety rating, the 2023 TOP SAFETY PICK+.

IIHS President David Harkey stated, “The excellent performance of these two new SUVs demonstrates Mazda’s commitment to safety. In 2023, we raised our award standards, and Mazda has met the challenge.”

Mazda North American Operations President and CEO Tom Donnelly said, “Safety is a top priority at Mazda, and our engineers continually strive to enhance crashworthiness and crash avoidance technologies to meet and surpass stringent testing criteria. We are incredibly proud that the 2024 CX-90 and CX-90 PHEV have achieved the TOP SAFETY PICK+ for 2023.”

To attain the 2023 TOP SAFETY PICK+, a vehicle must achieve excellent ratings in driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, original moderate overlap front, and updated side tests. All trims must feature acceptable or good headlights, and a front crash prevention system with advanced or superior ratings in both daytime and nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations must be available.

The Mazda3 Sedan, Mazda3 Hatchback, CX-30, CX-5, and CX-50 vehicles have all received the 2023 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award.

To learn more about advanced safety at Mazda, please visit the MazdaUSA.com website – https://www.mazdausa.com/why-mazda/safety.

The IIHS is an independent, non-governmental safety-testing organization funded by the insurance industry. For more information, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, overseeing the sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Colombia through around 795 dealers. Mazda Canada Inc. manages operations in Canada, Mazda Motor de Mexico handles operations in Mexico, and Mazda de Colombia manages operations in Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Stay updated on MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.###

Tougher IIHS Midsize Cars Rear-Seat Safety Test Shows Head, Neck Injury Risk

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.