Some mid-size SUVs fail IIHS front crash tests

While larger vehicles often do better in crash-testing, recent results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show some mid-sized SUVs are not always the safest choice.

Three Fiat Chrysler SUVs and one from Hyundai earned poor ratings from the U.S.-based IIHS in recent small overlap front crash testing of mid-sized sport utility vehicles.

The small overlap front crash test replicates an accident in which the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole.

The Dodge Journey earned a poor rating, and the Dodge Durango, Jeep Cherokee and Hyundai Santa Fe earned marginal ratings in this test.

The problem was passenger and driver compartments that crushed on impact. This resulted in injuries to the dummie's left lower leg, the left hip, left knee and in some cases the right lower leg.

"The chief problem is a structure that collapses, which in some cases defeats the airbag's ability to protect the driver's head," said David Zuby, IIHS executive director.

The airbag slipped sideways as the compartment folded, so it did not deploy in the right place to protect the driver's head.

"About 25 per cent of the deaths and serious injuries that occur in front crashes in new vehicles are small overlap front crashes," Zuby said.

Ford Flex earned an acceptable rating and Jeep Wrangler had a good rating, but does not have a roof so did not get a superior safety rating as it would leave passengers exposed during a rollover.

Zuby said SUVs are improving their safety performance, with newer models more likely to perform well in crash testing.

The IIHS picks the following vehicles as top safety picks:

- Nissan Murano.

- Ford Flex.

- Toyota Highlander.

- Chevrolet Equinox.

- GMC Terrain.

- Kia Sorento.

- Nissan Pathfinder,

Since IIHS began small overlap testing in 2012, manufacturers have responded to the challenge by taking the test into account when models are redesigned. They also have tweaked existing designes to beef up the front structure and improve airbags.

"This test presented a major challenge for manufacturers when it was introduced three years ago, and many have adapted quickly," Zuby said.