It is a story we’ve heard earlier than. Automakers have centered on front-passenger security, delivering strong protections for the driving force and one different individual, however many autos fall brief in relation to backseat security. Earlier this yr, the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security discovered that minivans didn’t adequately defend backseat passengers, and the IIHS’ most up-to-date findings present that full-size pickup vehicles are aren’t protected sufficient for second-row passengers, both.
The IIHS checked out 4 massive pickups, together with the Ram 1500, Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, all 2023 fashions. Apart from the Silverado, which earned an “Acceptable” rating, the group grabbed high “Good” marks for side-crash security. Sadly, the identical couldn’t be stated for his or her rear-seat protections.
This discovering doesn’t imply that second-row seats are much less protected than earlier than. It’s extra of a sign that automakers have offered upgraded airbags, higher seatbelts, and different options that usually don’t make it to backseat passengers. Regardless of that discovering, the IIHS stated that kids are nonetheless most secure within the again and famous that its decrease rankings don’t apply to kids correctly secured in security seats.
Revisions to the IIHS check requirements embody extra drive in aspect exams and a heavier emphasis on backseat security within the reasonable overlap entrance crash check. The Tundra scored highest within the new check however solely earned a “Marginal” score. The opposite three vehicles returned “Poor” scores. A strong efficiency within the reasonable overlap entrance check is required to earn a High Security Decide award.
IIHS officers periodically replace the group’s crash-test requirements to maintain up with new tech and traits within the auto business. The extra intense side-crash testing helps simulate the collision forces generated by at the moment’s heavy EVs, vehicles, and SUVs. A number of beforehand high-flying autos misplaced their High Security Decide designations with the replace, and the IIHS’ up to date reasonable overlap check has additional slimmed the sphere.
To see the movies of the eight crash exams — overlap and aspect for every of the 4 vehicles — head to the IIHS channel at YouTube.
