Crash tests, a noble activity of independent research organizations, have one disadvantage – if they do not change for a long time, carmakers will start making cars so that they perform well in a particular test. And when the test changes, the result can be quite sad.
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This is shown by the latest change in the American IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) side impact test, which produces about 80% more energy on the side of the tested car than before. The mobile obstacle is heavier, weighs 1,896 kg, travels faster, 60 km / h, and its shape is modified to look better like the front of a car.
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The first set of tests focused on twenty small and compact SUVs from the Mazda CX-5 to the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kiu Sportage and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross to several models not sold in Europe. The only Mazda achieved the highest rating of “good” and according to David Harkey, President of the IIHS, this is how the car should look after a side impact.
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On the contrary, two cars received a “weak” rating – the current Honda HR-V, not the new hybrid model, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. In the case of the Honda, the B-pillar even separated from the floor of the car, and after the impact, the structure hit the crew compartment so much that it was in the middle of the driver’s seat.
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| Excerpt from the results of the more stringent IIHS side impact test | ||
| 20 crossovers and SUV model years 2021-2022 | ||
| Model | Overall rating |
Body structure and protective cage |
| Mazda CX-5 | good | good |
| Audi Q3 | acceptable | acceptable |
| Buick Encore | acceptable | good |
| Chevrolet Trax | acceptable | good |
| Honda CR-V | acceptable | acceptable |
| Nissan Rogue/X-Trail | acceptable | good |
| Subaru Forester | acceptable | acceptable |
| Toyota RAV4 | acceptable | good |
| Toyota Venza | acceptable | good |
| Volvo XC40 | acceptable | on the edge |
| Chevrolet Equinox | on the edge | good |
| Ford Escape / Kuga | on the edge | acceptable |
| GMC Terrain | on the edge | good |
| Hyundai Tucson | on the edge | on the edge |
| Jeep Compass | on the edge | on the edge |
| Jeep Renegade | on the edge | on the edge |
| Kia Sportage | on the edge | on the edge |
| Lincoln Corsair | on the edge | acceptable |
| Honda HR-V | faintly | faintly |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | faintly | on the edge |
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