The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently conducted a more stringent moderate-overlap front crash test on five small cars, and the results are concerning. None of the tested vehicles managed to achieve the agency's top rating of Good, highlighting potential safety issues in this category.

The updated moderate-overlap front crash test introduced an additional dummy positioned in the rear seat behind the driver. To earn a top rating, both occupants must demonstrate that they would be adequately protected in the event of a crash.

According to IIHS President David Harkey, "In all the small cars we tested, the rear dummy 'submarined' under the seat belt, causing the lap belt to ride up onto the abdomen and increasing the risk of internal injuries." This alarming finding emphasizes the need for improved safety measures to protect rear passengers.

Here are the results of the tested vehicles and their scores:

Make/Model Overall Score Driver Restraints And Kinematics Score Rear Passenger Restraints And Kinematics Score
2022-23 Honda Civic Sedan Acceptable Good Poor
2023 Toyota Corolla Sedan Acceptable Good Poor
2022-23 Kia Forte Poor Good Poor
2022-23 Nissan Sentra Poor Good Poor
2022-23 Subaru Crosstrek Poor Good Poor

 

In the vehicles that received Poor scores, the sensors' measurements from the rear dummy indicated a moderate or high risk of head, neck, or chest injuries.

The IIHS modified the moderate-overlap front crash test after research revealed that rear passengers were less safe than those in the front. While automakers have made significant advancements in protecting drivers, such as improved airbags and advanced seat belts, the same level of innovation has not been applied to rear passengers.

Previous evaluations conducted by the IIHS also shed light on safety disparities. In a test involving mid-sized SUVs, only four out of 13 vehicles achieved a Good rating. Similarly, in an assessment of small SUVs, only two models received a Good score out of 15.

Source: IIHS