New crash tests: some midsize SUVs perform worse than many cars in side tests

ARLINGTON, VA — Results of crash tests for six SUVs show frontal crash protection has improved. However, the tests reveal significant differences in how well SUVs protect people in serious side crashes. Among the worst performers in the side test are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevrolet TrailBlazer, even though both are equipped with standard side airbags. The front and side tests recently were conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to evaluate how well midsize SUVs protect people in the two most common kinds of serious crashes. Rear crash protection ratings for these models were released earlier this year.

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"The performance of some of these models in the side test was surprising," says Institute senior vice president David Zuby. "SUVs should have an advantage in side crashes because the driver and passengers ride higher up than in cars. People often think they're safer in one of these vehicles, but many cars hold up better than some of these midsize SUVs in this test."

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"Nearly every car with side airbags has both head and torso airbags, but the Grand Cherokee and TrailBlazer have head protection only," Zuby points out. "Head protection is rated good in both vehicles, but the lack of chest protection and weak side structures that allowed a lot of intrusion contributed to high forces on the driver dummies' chests and abdomens."

So not only do these vehicles make the roads more dangerous for those who would opt to drive a smaller, more fuel-efficient car, but they also aren't as safe as their smaller counterparts either.