Midsize SUVs are a popular choice for families, but when it comes to safety, especially for rear passengers, not all models offer the same level of protection. New crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveal that many midsize SUVs fall short in protecting passengers seated in the back in front crashes. While most of these vehicles adequately protect the driver, only a select few extend that crucial safety to rear occupants, making the search for Good Midsize Suvs for families more critical than ever.
“Vehicle manufacturers have made great strides in front-seat safety,” notes IIHS President David Harkey, “but this new test shows that rear-seat safety hasn’t kept pace.” This disparity highlights the importance of considering rear passenger safety when choosing a family vehicle, and these latest results help identify which good midsize SUVs prioritize the well-being of all occupants.
The IIHS updated its established moderate overlap front crash test by including a second dummy in the rear seat, positioned behind the driver. This updated test now places a greater emphasis on rear passenger protection, becoming a key differentiator among vehicles. Out of 13 midsize SUVs evaluated under this rigorous new standard, only four achieved the coveted “good” rating for rear passenger safety.
Which Midsize SUVs Offer Good Rear Passenger Protection?
For families prioritizing safety, particularly for children or other rear-seat passengers, knowing which SUVs excel in these tests is paramount. The good midsize SUVs in this latest IIHS evaluation demonstrate a higher standard of protection for everyone in the vehicle.
The following four midsize SUVs earned a “good” rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, indicating they are among the safest choices for rear passenger protection:
- Ford Explorer: The Ford Explorer demonstrates robust protection for rear passengers, earning a “good” rating overall. While measurements indicated a slight risk of head or neck injuries for rear occupants, it still stands as a strong performer in this category.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: The all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E also achieved a “good” rating, showcasing excellent rear passenger safety. The Mach-E performed consistently well across all metrics in the rear passenger evaluation.
- Subaru Ascent: Known for its safety-conscious design, the Subaru Ascent earned a “good” rating, though with a slight risk of head or neck injuries noted for rear passengers. Despite this minor point, the Ascent provides a high level of overall protection.
- Tesla Model Y: Another electric SUV, the Tesla Model Y, rounds out the list of good midsize SUVs for rear passenger safety. The Model Y demonstrated strong performance in the rear passenger crash test, ensuring a high degree of safety.
These good midsize SUVs distinguished themselves by ensuring the seat belt remained correctly positioned on the pelvis, the side curtain airbag functioned effectively, and minimizing excessive force on the rear dummy’s chest. While some showed a marginal head or neck injury risk, their overall performance positions them as leaders in rear passenger safety within the midsize SUV category.
Midsize SUVs with Marginal Rear Passenger Safety Ratings
While not achieving the top “good” rating, some midsize SUVs earned a “marginal” rating, suggesting they offer some protection but with noted weaknesses. These vehicles require consideration with a degree of caution when rear passenger safety is a top priority:
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Chevrolet Traverse: The Chevrolet Traverse received a “marginal” rating. Measurements indicated a more significant risk of head or neck injuries for rear passengers compared to the “good” rated SUVs. High seat belt tension also raised concerns about potential chest injuries.
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Toyota Highlander: A popular choice, the Toyota Highlander, also earned a “marginal” rating. While showing a slight risk of head and neck injuries, the primary issue was the rear dummy’s seat belt moving into an improper position on the abdomen, increasing the risk of abdominal injuries.
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Volkswagen Atlas: The Volkswagen Atlas also received a “marginal” rating. Similar to the Highlander, a slight risk of head and neck injuries was observed. Additionally, high seat belt tension and the rear dummy’s head approaching the front seatback contributed to the “marginal” score.
Midsize SUVs with Poor Rear Passenger Safety Ratings
The majority of midsize SUVs tested, unfortunately, received a “poor” rating for rear passenger protection. These vehicles demonstrated significant deficiencies in safeguarding rear occupants during a moderate overlap front crash:
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Honda Pilot: The Honda Pilot received a “poor” rating. Measurements indicated a high risk of head and neck injuries for rear passengers, along with high seat belt tension and potential chest injury risk.
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Hyundai Palisade: Another popular SUV, the Hyundai Palisade, also earned a “poor” rating. Similar to the Pilot, it showed a high risk of head and neck injuries and high seat belt tension for rear passengers.
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Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s “poor” rating was attributed to a high risk of head and neck injuries, high chest injury values due to seat belt tension, and a concerning head position of the rear dummy between the window and airbag after impact.
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Jeep Wrangler 4-door: The Jeep Wrangler 4-door also received a “poor” rating. It notably lacks a rear side curtain airbag. Furthermore, the lap belt moved out of position, increasing abdominal injury risks, and a significant risk of head and neck injuries was observed.
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Mazda CX-9: The Mazda CX-9 earned a “poor” rating, primarily due to a high risk of head and neck injuries and high seat belt tension for rear passengers.
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Nissan Murano: The Nissan Murano rounds out the “poor” rated SUVs. It demonstrated a high risk of head and neck injuries and the rear passenger dummy’s head came close to hitting the front seatback.
These “poor” ratings underscore that significant improvements are needed in rear passenger protection for many midsize SUVs currently on the market.
Driver Protection Remains Strong, But Issues Exist
Interestingly, while rear passenger protection varied significantly, all 13 SUVs performed well according to the original front-seat crash test criteria. However, even in driver protection, some flaws were noted:
- The Volkswagen Atlas showed a significant risk of right leg injuries for the driver.
- In the Chevrolet Traverse, the driver dummy’s head hit the steering wheel hard despite the airbag.
- The driver’s side airbag in the Jeep Wrangler 4-door failed to deploy.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Rear Passenger Safety in Midsize SUVs
The updated IIHS moderate overlap front crash test reveals a critical gap in safety for rear passengers in most midsize SUVs. While front-seat safety has advanced considerably, rear-seat occupants are not always receiving the same level of protection. For consumers seeking good midsize SUVs with comprehensive safety for their families, especially those with children or frequent rear passengers, focusing on models with “good” ratings in this updated test is crucial. The Ford Explorer, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Subaru Ascent, and Tesla Model Y stand out as the current good midsize SUVs that prioritize rear passenger safety. This new crash test serves as an important tool for buyers to make informed decisions and encourages manufacturers to enhance rear passenger safety across their vehicle lineups.
