Although SUVs make up a huge share of the auto market, some of us still have that nagging little doubt in the back of our minds about how likely we are to roll over in one and how we would fare if we did. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has the same concerns and has been testing SUVs for roll over performance.
These tests help determine the Top Safety Picks and Toyota Highlander and Venza came out very well in its test. The most recent test performed was for roof crush on mid-sized SUVs. Good is the highest rating and that rating was received by Toyota Highlander along with Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Nitro, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Kia Sorento. Chicago used Toyota buyers can feel confident that the Toyota SUVs are very safe.
One vehicle, the 2010 Ford Edge received a rating of Acceptable. Marginal ratings were given to the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-7, Mitsubishi Endeavor and Nissan Murano. Thankfully, the Institute did not have to rate any vehicles as Poor.
Russ Rader of the Insurance Institute wrote that most vehicles in the Marginal rating level had roof designs already set before the Institute came out the roof strength testing in March of last year. The six good performers show that the automakers are committed to meeting this test and improving rollover protection as they roll out their new models, he added.
The Good rating on rollover testing resulted in five vehicles being awarded the status of Top Safety Pick. Included were Toyota Highlander and Venza along with Equinox Grand Cherokee and Sorento. The distinction requires Good ratings on front, side and rear crash tests as well as the roof strength test. Vehicles receiving this designation also must have electronic stability control, which significantly lessens the rollover risk. Dealers of the Chicago Prius and other Toyota models are confident their vehicles are some of the best designs on the road.
During the roof crush test, the Institute uses a metal plate which pushed down on one corner of the vehicles roof. Ratings are determined by how much force the roof can stand up under before it caves in to a depth of five inches.
A Good rating is given to vehicles whose roofs can stand up to four times its curb weight. Roofs withstanding 3.25 times the curb weight receive Acceptable ratings and Marginal ratings begin at 2.5. This is higher than the federal standard of 1.5 curb weight. Chicago used Toyota customers should rest easy knowing that Toyota has ensured its vehicles exceed the federal standard by such a large margin.
Chicago Prius dealers are not only thrilled with the ratings received on the brands SUV models, but are looking forward to the first feedback from the plug-in Prius models being delivered this week for 18 months of test driving to several corporations and organizations around the country.
25 Dec, 2024