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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just updated its side crash test, leaving some SUVs in a worse safety standing than before. What has changed from the original side crash test to the updated crash test and which six SUVs didn’t do well on the new test?

2022 Honda Passport Trailsport compact adventure SUV dirting through a dirt field and kicking up dust clouds
2022 Honda Passport Trailsport | American Honda Motor Co., Inc

The IIHS side crash testing has changed to simulate a collision at a higher speed: 37 mph vs the previous 31 mph. The barrier used in testing is also heavier, and more like vehicles on the road now, as heavier SUVs and trucks dominate. The barrier in the original test weighed 3,300 pounds, while the current barrier weights 4,200 pounds.

The 2022 Honda Passport scored a marginal rating in the new IIHS side test

The 2022 Honda Passport scored a marginal rating in the IIHS’ new updated side crash test. It also has a marginal rating for the structure and safety cage. Within the driver injury measures, the Honda Passport got a good rating for the head and neck, a good score for the torso, and a marginal rating for the pelvis. The driver head protection rating is good.

The passenger side injury measures include a good rating for the head and neck, a marginal for the torso, and a good score for the pelvis. Rear passenger head protection is also good.

The 2022 Honda Pilot also has a marginal rating

Like its sibling, the 2022 Honda Pilot has a marginal rating in the IIHS’ updated side crash test. In fact, its scores are identical: a marginal rating for the structure and safety cage, a good rating for the head and neck within the driver injury measures, a good score for the torso, and a marginal rating for the pelvis. The driver head protection rating is also good.

In addition, the passenger side injury measures include a good rating for the head and neck, a marginal for the torso, and a good score for the pelvis. Rear passenger head protection is also good.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade doesn’t do well on the new side crash test

The oh-so-popular 2022 Hyundai Palisade didn’t fare well on the IIHS’ updated side crash test either. Its scores include a marginal rating for the structure and safety cage, a good rating for the head and neck within the driver injury measures, and a good score for the torso. However, the pelvis rating for the Palisade is poor. The driver head protection rating is good.

The passenger side injury measures include a good rating for the head and neck, an acceptable for the torso, and a good score for the pelvis. Rear passenger head protection is also good.

The 2021-2022 Jeep Wrangler updated side crash test results are marginal

The 2021-2022 Jeep Wrangler has a marginal overall updated side crash test. However, most of its sub scores are good. It has good ratings for the structure and safety cage, head and neck within the driver injury measures, and torso as well as the pelvis rating. In addition, the driver head protection rating is good.

Also, the passenger side injury measures include a good rating for the head and neck, torso, and pelvis. However, the rear passenger head protection is poor.

The 2022 Kia Telluride’s marginal rating ruins its safety

The 2022 Kia Telluride has otherwise pretty good safety scores, but the IIHS updated side crash test has a marginal rating. Its results are identical to the Hyundai Palisade, another SUV whose new side crash test puts a damper on its overall reputation.

The 2022 Nissan Murano has a poor structure and safety cage

The 2022 Nissan Murano has an overall marginal rating and a poor structure and safety cage. Within the driver injury measures, the Nissan Murano got a good rating for the head and neck, an acceptable score for the torso, and a marginal rating for the pelvis. The driver head protection rating is good.

Everything within the passenger side injury measures include good ratings for the head and neck, torso, and pelvis. Rear passenger head protection is also good.

The IIHS new side crash test will help consumers make safer decisions when car shopping. If you’re looking for a safer SUV, take a look at the side crash results with good ratings.

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