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Crash Tested - IIHS SUV Rollover Winners
by Matthew Keegan
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, a non-profit organization supported by auto insurers, added a new component to its crash testing in 2009. Along with front, rear and side testing, the IIHS now tests roof strength, an important consideration for all passenger vehicles, but particularly so for high profile models such a sport-utility vehicles.
Roof Testing
The addition of roof strength testing is significant, given that thousands of people die annually due to rollover accidents. When vehicles receive the top rating from the IIHS, that means that these models are considered most able to withstand a serious accident.
As you might guess, not too many SUVs have passed this test yet. Those that have are typically crossover models, such as the Toyota Venza, while taller models with higher roof pillars usually don't.
Jeep Wins
But the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has received the IIHS' "Top Safety Pick" rating for crashworthiness, quite an accomplishment for this all new model. The Jeep now joins the Toyota Highlander, Toyota Venza, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Kia Sorento in this accomplishment, also becoming one of the largest SUVs to pass testing thus far.
Notably, the Equinox and Terrain include only those models built after March 2010 when certain modifications were made and put into production by GM. The Kia and the Jeep are the only 2011 models tested so far.
In the same test, the Ford Edge was rated acceptable, while several others were rated marginal: Honda Pilot, Honda Accord Crosstour, Nissan Murano, Mitsubishi Endeavor and Mazda CX-7. Those models passed, but they clearly are not safety favorites for auto insurers.
The Grand Cherokee also joins other previously named Top Safety Picks in the midsize SUV category including: Lexus RX, Dodge Journey, Subaru Tribeca and a pair of Volvo models the XC60 and XC90.
IIHS Rating
According to the IIHS, their rollover rating system is based on research showing that occupants in vehicles that roll benefit from stronger roofs. In particulars, vehicles rated "good" must have roofs that are more than twice as strong as the minimum required under the current federal safety standard. The ratings, products of the IIHS's roof strength testing program, add to consumer information tests that rate vehicles' front, side, and rear crashworthiness. Notably, the rollover test is designed to help consumers pick vehicles that offer the best protection in one of the most serious kinds of crashes.
About the Author
Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing auto trends writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including springs and coilovers.
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