The results are in, and the latest crop of midsize SUVs don’t all roll the same. In fact, of the most recent dozen tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, fewer than half are ranked “good.”
Among the SUVs that scored in the top half are the new-for-2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Kia Sorento, the 2010 Toyota Highlander and Venza, and the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox / GMC Terrain duo. These SUVs also received the distinction of IIHS “Top Safety Picks,” indicating a high level of occupant safety in addition to simple rollover tests, and offer electronic stability control.
The 2010 Jeep Liberty, and its Dodge Nitro twin, sit at the top of the heap with a rollover score of 4.96, but missed the cut for “Top Safety Pick.” Rounding out the bottom half is the recently launched Honda Accord Crosstour, with a “Marginal” score of 2.82.
To achieve a “Good” rating, the vehicle must be able to withstand an impact four times its body weight within 5 inches of crush. The minimum federal standard is 1.5.
Sound confusing? Have a look at the IIHS chart for the full results.
Source: IIHS
