Not all large SUVs are created equal when it comes to safety

Top line: After testing three popular SUV models, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that only one got a 2024 Top Safety Pick award. This is one step below the highest ranking, which none of the SUVs qualified for. 

The clear winner: The Jeep Wagoneer received good marks for maintaining survival space for the driver and front passenger.

• Some minor issues included slight footwell intrusion, leading to a moderate risk of injury to the driver's left foot and ankle.

In the driver-side test, the Chevy Tahoe had enough survival space. It also had good airbags and restraints. 

• But, significant footwell intrusion posed a meaningful risk of lower leg injuries. 

• The passenger-side test was worse, with a high risk of injury to the right foot and a lower risk to the left leg.

The Ford Expedition showed significant structural issues, including the steering column detaching and the A-pillar separating from the rocker panel. 

• During testing, the driver's right leg was at a high risk of injury, and the left leg was at a moderate risk.

• The Expedition’s side curtain airbag for the rear passenger also failed to deploy.

Key quote: “The huge mass of these large SUVs provides some additional protection in crashes with smaller vehicles, though that also means they present more danger to other road users,” IIHS President David Harkey said. “The flip side of their large size is that there is a lot more force to manage when they crash into a fixed obstacle like a tree or bridge abutment or the barrier we use in our front crash tests.”

Between the lines: Since 2021, over 90% of new models passed the small overlap front crash test. But, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition fell short. These models also struggled with headlight tests, receiving marginal or poor ratings. This is surprising given the technology available today and the strength of the automakers’ engineering teams.

Bottom line: Safety is a huge selling point for car buyers, especially ones with families, and these ratings can directly influence purchase decisions and negotiations.

Become an automotive insider in just 5 minutes.

Get the weekly email that delivers transparent insights into the car market.

Join 64,000 others now, it's free:

In today's automotive landscape, car buyers invest more time than ever in researching, considering, and comparing options. But for dealers, the challenge lies in pinpointing the audience ready to make a purchase.

Enter Premier by Edmunds.

Premier offers dealers a groundbreaking way to connect with in-market car shoppers precisely when, where, and how they prefer. With over 20 million monthly visits, Edmunds.com is the go-to destination for buyers seeking market insights, expert advice, and budget tools to make informed decisions.

Through Edmunds Premier, dealers gain access to this highly coveted audience. Simply list your new and used inventory on Edmunds, and watch as qualified, in-market traffic flows directly to your vehicle detail pages on your website.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your dealership's visibility and sales performance. You can sign up for Premier today at Edmunds.com/CDG.