IIHS's New Crash Test Is A Real Pain In The Neck – CarBuzz
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released the first official findings from a brand-new form of crash testing, one that could significantly reduce the number of whiplash injuries recorded annually in the United States. Those among you that own a Toyota RAV4 can heave a sigh of relief, but those of you with a Ford Bronco Sport or Hyundai Tucson on the driveway may want to read on.
Like the head restraint evaluation it replaces, the IIHS’ new test determines the impact a rear-end collision can have on occupants in the driver’s seat. To test this, a midsize male dummy, with an articulating rather than rigid spine, is belted into a car seat loaned by the manufacturer being evaluated. The seat itself is then bolted to a sled on rails, and a rear-impact collision is simulated at 20 mph.
As was previously the case, the test measures head contact time – i.e. how long it takes for the head restraint to reach the back of the dummy’s skull – and the forces/speeds exerted on the upper spine, specifically the T1 vertebrae. The old test, however, was actually discontinued in 2022 when it was discovered that almost every seat being evaluated was receiving a ‘Good’ rating. Despite this, the number of whiplash cases being reported at accident sites were actually on the rise in North America.
The IIHS has since introduced a more rigid test, conducted with “greater severity,” to measure more metrics. While this new test will not eliminate false whiplash claims by defendants hoping for a quick pay-day, it is hoped the results will encourage automakers to continue developing their car seats to further improve cabin safety.
Ever wonder how crash test ratings are determined?
Alongside head contact time, for example, the new test more thoroughly evaluates head and spine support, and how much energy the seat absorbs under impact. Two different speeds are now being used as standard – 20 mph and 30 mph – given the significant differences 10-plus mph can make on the human body. The IIHS even measures how far the pelvis will move when impacted at 30 mph.
Moreover, the US organization also recommends that drivers, just as you would adjust your seatbelt before setting off, should ensure the headrest helps hold your neck in a natural upright position. Also, don’t put your feet on the dashboard. It may not be illegal, but it’s monumentally stupid.
IIHS used 36 late-model vehicles to fine-tune the new test, though the specific models weren’t revealed. With a baseline established, 18 small SUVs were chosen for the first official round of testing, all being 2025 models save for the 2024 Honda CR-V.
Interestingly, just four models – the Audi Q3, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Subaru Forester, and the Toyota RAV4 – passed the test with a top-tier ‘Good’ rating. Nine models received a mild slap on the wrist but were nevertheless ‘Acceptable.’ Two further vehicles – the BMW X1 and the Nissan Rogue – got a stern telling off, as their results were deemed ‘Marginal.’
Rotational brain injuries, or in English, whiplash, has proven to be a hidden danger in car accidents. The IIHS hopes to change that.
However, there were three vehicles – the Ford Bronco Sport, Hyundai Tucson and the Mazda CX-50 – that received a ‘Poor’ rating. This means, during the evaluation, the dummy’s head moved a great deal relative to the spine, over-stretching the vertebrae in the process.
In the Tucson, the head restraint pushed the dummy’s chin down towards the chest. In the CX-50, the head was rocked backwards and upwards. And in the Ford, the head restraint took a comparatively long time to make contact with the dummy’s head, meaning the speed and force of the impact were more severe. It should be noted, however, that, although these models fared far less well than others, none of the 18 vehicles tested were deemed unacceptable or un-roadworthy.
Vehicle
Rating
Audi Q3
Good
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Good
Subaru Forester
Good
Toyota RAV4
Good
Buick Encore GX
Acceptable
Chevrolet Equinox
Acceptable
Honda CR-V (2024MY)
Acceptable
Jeep Compass
Acceptable
Kia Sportage
Acceptable
Mercedes-Benz GLB
Acceptable
Mitsubishi Outlander
Acceptable
Volkswagen Taos
Acceptable
Volvo XC40
Acceptable
BMW X1
Marginal
Nissan Rogue
Marginal
Ford Bronco Sport
Poor
Hyundai Tucson
Poor
Mazda CX-50
Poor
Source: IIHS
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