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If you are shopping for a full-size SUV and safety is your number one concern, you might want to go with an import. The IIHS published its 2024 Top Safety Pick Awards. While multiple full-size foreign SUVs won the award, the Detroit Three fell short. Only Jeep’s Wagoneer took home the same prize.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, not every full-size SUV is even eligible. They must earn the highest rating in three separate crash tests, have “acceptable” rated headlights standard on all trims, and “good” or “acceptable” scores for automatic braking with pedestrian detection.

GM and Ford make multiple SUV configurations and trims on their full-size pickup truck chassis–ranging from luxurious Cadillacs and Lincolns to more basic Chevrolets and Fords. For 2024, the IIHS tested Chevrolet’s Tahoe, Ford’s Expedition, and Jeep’s base-level Wagoneer (not to be confused with the premium Grand Wagoneer). All three struggled with the “small overlap test” when only a corner of the front strikes an obstacle. The biggest mark against the Wagoneer was risk of chest injuries for rear seat passengers. This prevented it from winning the Top Safety Pick+ award.

A 2023 Ford Expedition with crushed front end with dummy in driver's seat
2023 Ford Expedition crash test | IIHS

The Ford and Chevrolet SUV performed even worse than the Wagoneer, with the Chevy showing a higher risk of abdominal injuries for rear seat passengers. The IIHS didn’t pull any punches with these SUVs’ performance.

“There is room for improvement…Looking at the structure for the Expedition and the Tahoe, I am very disappointed that they couldn’t do better in the small overlap test. That test has been around for over 10 years. They could have and should have designed these vehicles to do well… we know they know how to design some of these structures to hold up in these tests. So it just takes the effort and the will to put those designs into practice.”

Raul Arbelaez, IIHS vice president

Spokespeople from GM and Ford clapped back, saying the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is happy with the Tahoe and Expedition. Of course all of GM and Ford Motor Company’s SUVs must meet the minimum crash test safety requirements set by the NHTSA.

Woman stands next to a white Jeep Wagoneer
Jeep Wagoneer | Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for IMG Fashion

The team that built the Wagoneer was very happy to hear about the award. Bill Peffer, head of the Jeep brand for North American took the opportunity to praise the engineers behind the SUV. “This recognition validates the dedication of our engineers, who integrated state-of-the-art technology in every aspect of the Wagoneer’s design.”

What other full-size SUVs won Top Safety Pick awards for 2024? They are all Audis. The award goes to the Audi Q7, Audi Q8 e-tron and Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron. American EV startup Rivian also won the award for its full-size R1S SUV.

Next, read about other SUVs that won the top safety awards, or see the IIHS report on large SUVs in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.