The outgoing model already earned top honors in most of the IIHS crashworthiness categories, except for the small-overlap test. The driver’s space in the 2014 model was seriously compromised after hitting the small-overlap barrier at 40 mph, with as much as 11 inches of intrusion.
“The side curtain airbag didn’t deploy, and the dummy’s head barely contacted the front airbag before sliding off the left side, as the steering column moved to the right,” the IIHS wrote in its report. “Measures from the dummy indicated a high likelihood of injuries to the left lower leg and possible injuries to the left thigh and knee in a crash of this severity.”
Results from the 2016 model were markedly different. Maximum intrusion was measured at just four inches, while the dummy’s movement was well controlled. Dummy measurements consequently indicate a low risk of significant injuries in similar real-world crash scenarios.
Segment rivals that have also received the Top Safety Pick rating include the Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Nissan Pathfinder. The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner earned only marginal scores in the small-overlap test, while the 2015 Honda Pilot received a poor rating in the trial.
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