Why That New SUV Just Might Not Be as Safe as You Think
It may seem like all new SUVs are automatically safe. While it’s true that SUVs and cars have certainly become safer over the years, that doesn’t mean that every SUV is equally safe. While safety technology has improved and helps to prevent accidents, some SUVs have more than others, and some are equipped with more safety equipment than others. Let’s take a look at three SUVs that may seem like a good idea, but aren’t really as safe as their competitors.
The 2022 Dodge Durango is one of the least safe SUVs
The 2022 Dodge Durango has a lot going for it – except for safety. While it may be a a stylish SUV that has a muscle-car vibe, its crash test ratings are less than stellar. The 2022 Dodge Durango gets only a marginal for its small overlap, driver test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This includes a poor rating for the structure and safety cage as well as the lower leg/foot. The driver restraints and dummy kinematics score is just acceptable.
In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives it just four out of five stars for its overall crash, overall frontal-crash, and overall frontal-crash, driver and passenger side tests. It also gets a less-than-optimal three out of five stars for its 4WD rollover rating.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee has poor crash test ratings
The small overlap tests measure how well a car does when the front left corner of the vehicle hits something like a tree or another car. The IIHS first started doing these tests in 2012. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee has only a marginal rating for its small overlap, driver test. This includes a marginal rating for its structure and safety cage. It also has a poor rating for its small overlap, passenger side rating and an acceptable rating for the lower leg and foot.
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner doesn’t have great crash test ratings
Toyotas are thought to be safe, but the 2022 Toyota 4Runner has less than stellar crash test ratings. The IIHS front small overlap, driver side crash test rating is only marginal. This includes a poor rating for the structure and safety cage as well as an acceptable for the lower leg and foot.
The NHTSA gives the 2022 Toyota 4Runner just four stars for the overall crash test rating as well as the front driver side. The front passenger side score is even lower, at just three stars. Side crash test scores are mostly good, with the exception of the side pole rating, which is four stars. The rollover rating is only three stars.
If you’re looking for a safe SUV, look elsewhere. While it’s tempting to believe that car manufacturers aren’t making SUVs that aren’t safe these days, the truth is that sometimes SUVs and other vehicles aren’t quite as solid as they could be. It’s important to check the crash test ratings of any vehicle you’re considering buying, so you know you’re getting one of the safest SUVs for you and your family.