IIHS Reveals Large SUVs Fall Short in Second-Row Safety

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the size of an SUV doesn't necessarily equate to better crash protection. Recent tests on three large body-on-frame SUVs revealed their inability to adequately protect second-row passengers.

The IIHS conducted crash tests on three popular models: the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Wagoneer. Although all three SUVs performed well in front and side-impact tests, concerns were raised about the safety of second-row occupants. The IIHS noted, "Measurements taken from the rear dummy showed a fairly high risk of chest injuries because of high seatbelt forces."

David Harkey, President of IIHS, commented, "The large mass of these SUVs provides some additional protection in crashes with smaller vehicles, but it also poses greater danger to other road users. The downside of their large size is the increased force to manage in crashes involving fixed obstacles like trees, bridge abutments, or the barriers used in our front crash tests."