Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[IIHS goes behind the scenes of its own frontal offset crash tests]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/iihs-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-its-own-frontal-offset-crash-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/iihs-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-its-own-frontal-offset-crash-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/iihs-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-its-own-frontal-offset-crash-test/#commentsFiled under: , ,

IIHS spokeswoman with dummy and crash test car - video screencap

It would be glib to say that safety equipment has had a huge influence on automobiles in the past 20 years. The result of cars being massively more safe than they were not long ago has made them bigger, heavier, more expensive, more challenging to develop, harder to fix and harder for emergency responders to deal with. That's just what it takes to try and keep people safe when they're wielding two-ton battle tanks in close quarters.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is one of the entities in the greyhound-and-rabbit jockeying that keeps pushing the bounds of safety. It uses its testing to confer the Top Safety Pick designation that carmakers seek and it launched the small overlap frontal crash test that tripped up a number of vehicles.

It has begun a video series demonstrating what it tests at its facility in Virginia and how, with its crash test dummies, it assesses the results. There are two videos so far, one detailing the front offset test, the other examining the specifics of the crash test dummies who do all the 'work.' There will be eight videos in total, with another released every Tuesday. You can watch the first two below. They're a short and fascinating six minutes of viewing.

Continue reading IIHS goes behind the scenes of its own frontal offset crash tests

IIHS goes behind the scenes of its own frontal offset crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto safetycrash testcrash test dummiescrash testingiihsinside iihsinsurance institute for highway safetysmall overlap frontal crash testvideoThu, 23 May 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20580148/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/iihs-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-its-own-frontal-offset-crash-test/20580148/article-detail.xml 20580148 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/iihs-bts-videos_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/iihs-bts-videos.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru Forester first to ace difficult new IIHS crash test [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/subaru-forester-first-to-ace-difficult-new-iihs-crash-test-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/subaru-forester-first-to-ace-difficult-new-iihs-crash-test-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/subaru-forester-first-to-ace-difficult-new-iihs-crash-test-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its new small overlap frontal crash test last year, and while a number of cars have passed the test with an "Acceptable" rating, the 2014 Subaru Forester is the first vehicle to ace the test with a "Good" rating. A total of 13 small crossovers and SUVs were subjected to the more rigorous testing procedure, and only the Forester and the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport drove off with the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Two of the worst-performing vehicles that were called out in this group were the Nissan Rogue and Jeep Wrangler, which were the only two not to receive a Top Safety Pick Rating. The Jeep Patriot did earn that distinction despite not performing well in the small overlap test. To be named a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn top ratings in front, side, rear and roof-strength tests, while a Top Safety Pick+ requires four out of five to be "Good" ratings with the fifth no worse than "Acceptable;" the Forester received "Good" ratings in all five tests. Scroll down for a video showing how the Forester and some of its competitors performed in the small overlap test, along with a press release.

Continue reading Subaru Forester first to ace difficult new IIHS crash test [w/video]

Subaru Forester first to ace difficult new IIHS crash test [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 subaru forester2014 subaru forester crash test2014subaruforestercrashtestcrash testiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetysmall overlap frontal crash testsubaru forestersubaruforesterTop Safety Picktop safety pick+Thu, 16 May 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572277/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/subaru-forester-first-to-ace-difficult-new-iihs-crash-test-w-v/20572277/article-detail.xml 20572277 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/forester-xt-lead-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/forester-xt-lead-opt.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS survey says D.C. residents like speed and red-light cameras]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/iihs-survey-says-d-c-residents-like-speed-and-red-light-cameras/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/iihs-survey-says-d-c-residents-like-speed-and-red-light-cameras/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/iihs-survey-says-d-c-residents-like-speed-and-red-light-cameras/#commentsFiled under: ,

Speed cameras on pole

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released a study this week that seems to go against what critics and the media have been reporting for years. According to the report, some people - more specifically, a large majority of the residents in Washington D.C. - actually like red light and speed cameras.

The study, conducted in November 2012, interviewed 801 people who live in the District. Of those surveyed over the phone, 71 percent had driven and walked in the city during the past month, 23 percent had walked and not driven and 4 percent had driven and not walked. Of those, just over 50 percent of residents surveyed said they would support cameras at stop signs and nearly 60 percent supported crosswalk cameras. A full 90 percent residents surveyed who hadn't driven in the city in the past month said they favor speed cameras, while 88 percent favor red light cameras.

The press release (posted below) reveals that the eye-opening IIHS study comes from the pedestrians' - not the drivers' - perspective. The data suggests that camera enforcement to increase safety is welcomed despite any revenue controversy. In a city like our nation's capital, chock-full of tourists and with plenty of congestion, residents are so fed up with reckless violators (there were 158 traffic deaths in the District from 2007-11) that they apparently welcome such monitoring even if the tickets end up in their own mailboxes.

Continue reading IIHS survey says D.C. residents like speed and red-light cameras

IIHS survey says D.C. residents like speed and red-light cameras originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gatsoiihsinsurance institute for highway safetypedestrian safetyred light cameraspeed cameratraffic cameratraffic surveyFri, 26 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/iihs-survey-says-d-c-residents-like-speed-and-red-light-cameras/20549418/article-detail.xml 20549418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/speed-camera-on-pole_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/speed-camera-on-pole.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS calls out big rigs for dangerous rear underride guards [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/iihs-calls-out-big-rigs-for-dangerous-rear-underride-guards-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/iihs-calls-out-big-rigs-for-dangerous-rear-underride-guards-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/iihs-calls-out-big-rigs-for-dangerous-rear-underride-guards-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Malibu in IIHS big rig underrider crash test - video screencap

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is always looking for new ways to make America's highways safer, and this latest test checks out the crashworthiness of one of the most overlooked vehicles on the road: tractor trailers. Pointing out design flaws inherent in semi trailers during rear-end collisions, the IIHS performed three different tests on eight of the most popular semi trailers on the market including a full-width impact, a 50-percent overlap (where only half of the car makes contact with the trailer) and a narrower overlap where only 30 percent of the car hits the trailer.

In the tests, which were run at 35 miles per hour using a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, all of the trailers safely prevented the vehicle from underriding - going underneath the trailer - during the full-width crash. Compared to the results from this same test just two years ago, it's a big improvement in safety. In the 50-percent test, only one of the trailer's underride guards failed allowing the rear edge of the trailer to impact the passenger compartment, which would have most likely killed the driver. In the 30 percent overlap test, only one trailer managed to prevent the crash car from going under the trailer. The safest trailer, produced by a company called Manac, had the underride guard beams pushed out to the edges of the trailer providing additional strength and support. All of the trailers passed US and Canadian crash standards.

Scroll down for the crash-test video as well as a press release from IIHS.

Continue reading IIHS calls out big rigs for dangerous rear underride guards [w/video]

IIHS calls out big rigs for dangerous rear underride guards [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testiihsinsurance institute for highway safetyroad safetysemi trucksemi truck safetytractor trailertractor trailer safetytractor trailer underridetruck safetyunderride guard crash testunderridingvideoMon, 18 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20506251/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/iihs-calls-out-big-rigs-for-dangerous-rear-underride-guards-w-v/20506251/article-detail.xml 20506251 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/iihs-tractor-trailer-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/iihs-tractor-trailer-test.jpg <![CDATA[Five vehicles named Top Safety Pick+ including new Civic, MKZ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/five-vehicles-named-top-safety-pick-including-new-civic-mkz/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/five-vehicles-named-top-safety-pick-including-new-civic-mkz/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/five-vehicles-named-top-safety-pick-including-new-civic-mkz/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In an attempt to help push vehicle safety to a higher level, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety created a stricter Top Safety Pick+ rating last year, which incorporates a brutal small overlap test and requires cars to get Good ratings in four out of the five categories (and no less than Acceptable in the fifth). Joining the list of the safest cars of 2013, the 2013 Volvo XC60, Lincoln MKZ, Honda Civic (sedan and coupe) and the 2014 Mazda6 have all received the coveted TSP+ rating.

The Mazda6 and Lincoln MKZ have both been completely redesigned, and both received Acceptable ratings in the small overlap test. The Honda Civic, coming off its emergency refresh for 2013, is the first small car to be subjected to the small overlap test, and IIHS says that one of the car's many upgrades includes a stiffer front structure allowing it to receive Good ratings in all categories. Similarly, the XC60 gets all Good ratings thanks to, according to IIHS, Volvo updating the airbag software allowing the side airbags to inflate during the small overlap test.

The 2014 Subaru Forester has not yet been subjected to the small overlap test, so it must make do with just a Top Safety Pick rating until the IIHS tests small utility vehicles, which is expected to happen later in the spring.

Continue reading Five vehicles named Top Safety Pick+ including new Civic, MKZ

Five vehicles named Top Safety Pick+ including new Civic, MKZ originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda civic2013 lincoln mkz2013 top safety pick+2013 volvo xc602014 mazda6hondaiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetylincolnmazdasafetytop safety picktop safety pick+tsptsp+volvoFri, 08 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20494589/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/08/five-vehicles-named-top-safety-pick-including-new-civic-mkz/20494589/article-detail.xml 20494589 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-honda-civic-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-honda-civic-review.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat 500 least safe vehicle to drive according to insurance website [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fiat 500 crash test

When the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crashed a 2012 Fiat 500, the little car got the best scores in all categories. It's a safe car, then, right?

"If safety is a priority, you should avoid the smallest cars," advises Russ Rader, spokesperson for IIHS. "Weight counts. Smaller, lighter cars are safer than they used to be, but all things being equal, people riding in bigger, heavier vehicles get more protection in crashes."

That's why, despite its near-perfect crash-test score, the Fiat 500 is No. 1 on Insure.com's list of worst vehicles for protecting passengers from injuries. In an accident with a larger object, the Fiat's safety cage and array of air bags do what they can to protect passenges, but like eggs in a coffee can, the passengers get thrown about and smashed up.

If the Fiat 500 is like a coffee can, then a fullsize GMC pickup (which tops the website's list of vehicles best at protecting passengers) would be a 50-gallon barrel. In a collision between the two, the barrel of eggs will win every time. The GMC Sierra 1500 is rated best at protecting passengers by Insure.com, but IIHS rated it just average in the side impact test and marginal in the roof strength test. Second place on Insure.com's best list is the Porsche Cayenne, which has not been tested by IIHS. The third through fifth place spots go to the GMC Yukon, Sierra 2500 and Terrain.

The listings are the result of Insure.com's analysis of personal injury protection and medical payment claims which affect what car owners are charged for insurance.

Check out videos of the IIHS crash test of the Fiat 500 as well as the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 below.

Continue reading Fiat 500 least safe vehicle to drive according to insurance website [w/video]

Fiat 500 least safe vehicle to drive according to insurance website [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 least safe cars2014leastsafecarscrash testfiatfiat 500 safetyfiat safetygmc 1500gmc crash testgmc safetygmc sierraiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetylarge car safetyleast safe cars insure.comleastsafecarsinsure.comsafest small carsmall car crast testsmall car safetyWed, 30 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20442068/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/20442068/article-detail.xml 20442068 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/500crash-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/500crash-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda3, CX-5 earn IIHS Top Safety Picks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mazda3-cx-5-earn-iihs-top-safety-picks/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mazda3-cx-5-earn-iihs-top-safety-picks/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mazda3-cx-5-earn-iihs-top-safety-picks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Mazda technologies like SkyActiv-Body and SkyActiv-Chassis, plus ultra-high-tensile steel, six airbags, "crusable" brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column have helped the 2013 Mazda3 and 2014 Mazda CX-5 win Top Safety Pick laurels from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It's the second year in a row for the Mazda3.

The accolade is earned by receiving "Good" marks for frontal moderate overlap crashes, side and rear impact crashes, and tests of roof strength. Remember, the small overlap test that the IIHS commenced in August 2012 has lately tripped up some makers who have excellent safety reputations.

The Mazda3 and CX-5 join offerings like the Dodge Dart, Hyundai Elantra, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Subaru Forester among the 117 vehicles so far declared Top Safety Picks - which is different than the 13 named Top Safety Picks+, mind you - for this year. Have a read of the press release below for more information.

Continue reading Mazda3, CX-5 earn IIHS Top Safety Picks

Mazda3, CX-5 earn IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testcx-5iihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetymazdamazda3top safety pickThu, 17 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20426159/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/mazda3-cx-5-earn-iihs-top-safety-picks/20426159/article-detail.xml 20426159 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/cx-5iihssafetypick_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/cx-5iihssafetypick.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2013 Honda Accord V6 Coupe - red - front three-quarter view

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has revealed its annual list of Top Safety Picks, an award that highlights automobiles it says offer "superior crash protection." A new and still more significant award, the Top Safety Pick+ honor, is given to those vehicles that earn good ratings for occupant protection in four out of five areas of measure. And while some 117 vehicles were given the TSP seal of approval for 2013, just 13 passed muster for TSP+.

To be fair, IIHS only evaluated 29 vehicles with its new testing procedures for TSP+ (we'd expect that the number of qualified cars will rise substantially for 2014). Luxury and Near Luxury midsize cars were the first groups evaluated, followed by midsizers in the Moderately Priced Cars category - unsurprisingly, it's only midsize cars that you'll find among the class this year.

Only two luxury sedans made the list of 13 for 2013: the Acura TL and Volvo S60. The other 11 cars on the list included entries from domestic, Japanese and German car makers: Dodge Avenger, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord (sedan and coupe), Kia Optima (but not its close kin, the Hyundai Sonata, strangely), Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy and Outback, Suzuki Kizashi and the Volkswagen Passat all made the grade.

Scroll down below for the full IIHS press release, and some more information about the methodology behind the institute's new Top Safety Pick+ testing.

Continue reading IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013

IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002013 iihs top safety pickaccordaccord coupeacuraaltimaauto safetyavengerchryslerdodgefordfusionhondaiihsinsurance institute for highway safetykiakizashilegacynissaoptimaoutbackpassats60subarusuzukitltop safety picktop safety pick+volkswagenvolvoWed, 02 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20414992/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/20414992/article-detail.xml 20414992 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/iihs-top-safety-picks-2013-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/iihs-top-safety-picks-2013-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander Sport named 2013 IIHS Top Safety Picks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/mitsubishi-lancer-outlander-sport-named-2013-iihs-top-safety-pi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/mitsubishi-lancer-outlander-sport-named-2013-iihs-top-safety-pi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/27/mitsubishi-lancer-outlander-sport-named-2013-iihs-top-safety-pi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has added a pair of Mitsubishi models to its ever-growing list of 2013 Top Safety Picks, giving the prestigious safety award to the 2013 Outlander Sport and Lancer (sedan and Sportback). Both models make a return visit to the list, but with 117 cars now on the list and IIHS crash standards getting tougher just about every, this is big news for the small Japanese automaker.

Among small SUVs, the Outlander Sport is just one of nine vehicles in this segment to be named a Top Safety Pick, while the Lancer's name is surrounded by 28 other compact coupes, sedans and hatchbacks in the highly competitive small car segment. The Top Safety Pick status does not apply to the Lancer's Ralliart or Evolution variants, and neither the Outlander Sport nor the Lancer were subjected to the new small frontal offset crash test that would have resulted in the new Top Safety Pick+.

Scroll down for Mitsubishi's press release.

Continue reading Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander Sport named 2013 IIHS Top Safety Picks

Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander Sport named 2013 IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mitsubishi lancer2013 mitsubishi outlander sportcrash safetyiihsiihs top safety pickinsurance institute for highway safetylancermitsubishioutlander sportThu, 27 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411498/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/27/mitsubishi-lancer-outlander-sport-named-2013-iihs-top-safety-pi/20411498/article-detail.xml 20411498 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-1356568229_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-mitsubishi-outlander-sport-1356568229.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Fusion nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/2013-ford-fusion-nabs-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/2013-ford-fusion-nabs-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/2013-ford-fusion-nabs-iihs-top-safety-pick/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crushed, mangled and smashed the 2013 Ford Fusion and gives it a coveted Top Safety Pick designation. That's the second Fusion generation in a row given the title.

IIHS said measures taken from its dummies in the driver and rear seat passenger positions "indicate low risk of any significant injuries" in the moderate overlap and side impact tests. The car's side airbags deployed front and back during both tests and dummy movement was "well controlled."

The Institute also gave the Fusion the top rating of Good in rollover and rear crash tests. The photo above shows the Fusion about to undergo IIHS's rollover evaluation in which a metal plate is pressed against one corner of the roof at a constant speed. "The maximum force sustained by the roof before 5 inches of crush is compared to the vehicle's weight to find the strength-to-weight ratio," according to the IIHS website.

The Fusion withstood 17,527 pounds before the roof crushed to the test's limit. That gave it a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.14. That compares well to the 2012 Honda Accord's 4.99, 2013 Subaru Legacy's 4.95 and previous-gen Fusion's at 4.78. The best ratio was claimed by the 2013 VW Passat at 6.32 and the worst by the 2010 Hyundai Sonata at 3.12 for which it got a marginal rating. You can see more IIHS roof strength evaluations here.

2013 Ford Fusion nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fusioncrash testford fusion safetyfusion airbagsfusion safetyIIHSiihs crash testiihs top safety pickInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyFri, 09 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20374355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/09/2013-ford-fusion-nabs-iihs-top-safety-pick/20374355/article-detail.xml 20374355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-ford-fusion-roof-test-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-ford-fusion-roof-test-opt.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS says booster seats are getting better, releases 2012 report]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/iihs-says-booster-seats-are-getting-better-releases-2012-report/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/iihs-says-booster-seats-are-getting-better-releases-2012-report/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/27/iihs-says-booster-seats-are-getting-better-releases-2012-report/#commentsFiled under:

Booster Seat

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has released its latest booster seat test results which show seat makers are more than ever designing better products.

The agency looked at 17 booster seats newly introduced for 2012. All but two of those have been added to the list of Best Bet booster seats which now totals 47.

"Booster manufacturers have risen to the Institute's challenge to improve seat design, giving parents more choices than ever when shopping for a booster that will provide a good, safe fit for their children," says Anne McCartt, Institute senior vice president for research, in a press release.

The Institute does not crash test booster seats, but instead checks to make sure a car's seat belts properly fit the seat and the child. A correct fit means the lap belt lies flat across the child's thighs and the shoulder belt crosses snugly over the middle of the shoulder.

The two low-ranked boosters for 2012 are the Safety 1st All-inOne and Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite. Both are older 3-in-1 designs made my Dorel Juvenile Group Inc. The two seats can convert between a rear-facing infant seat, front facing child seat, and booster for larger children. While the IIHS said the two seats perform acceptably for the first two stages, they were not suitable as boosters

Four Evenflo boosters that didn't make last year's cut have been discontinued.

See the IIHS video below, along with a press release and the rundown of all the Best Bet booster seats.

Continue reading IIHS says booster seats are getting better, releases 2012 report

IIHS says booster seats are getting better, releases 2012 report originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Oct 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best boosterbest booster seatbest+booster+seat+on+the+marketbest+booster+seatsbestboosterseatonthemarketbestboosterseatsbooster seat ratingbooster seatsbooster+seat+best+2012boosterseatbest2012child booster seat ratingschild seat ratingchild seat safetychildren+car+seatchildrencarseatIIHSiihs best bet boostersiihs best bet boosters 2012Insurance Institute for Highway Safetythe+best+child+car+seatthebestchildcarseatSat, 27 Oct 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20360637/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/27/iihs-says-booster-seats-are-getting-better-releases-2012-report/20360637/article-detail.xml 20360637 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2012-iihs-booster-ratings_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2012-iihs-booster-ratings.jpg <![CDATA[Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ get IIHS Top Safety Pick [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/scion-fr-s-subaru-brz-get-iihs-top-safety-pick-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/scion-fr-s-subaru-brz-get-iihs-top-safety-pick-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/scion-fr-s-subaru-brz-get-iihs-top-safety-pick-w-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There are many reasons why we love the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, and now safety can be added to this list. Both of these track-friendly fraternal twins were just named as 2012 Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety making them the only sub-$30,000 sport coupes to make the list.

Aside from the small batch of luxury cars, the IIHS has not performed any more of its small overlap tests, but both the FR-S and BRZ earned top marks for frontal-, side- and rear-crash safety as well as roof strength. Since both cars are practically identical, only the FR-S was used for these crash tests, and it joins the xB, xD and tC for Scion's 2012 Top Safety Pick cars. For Subaru, aside from the old-bodied WRX and the yet-to-be-released XV Crosstrek, all of the automaker's current models are Top Safety Picks, and if it can pull off top safety results for its all-new crossover and next-generation sport sedan, its entire lineup would be on the list... something that even Acura can no longer boast.

Speaking of Acura, other new additions to the ever-growing list of safe cars include the 2013 ILX. Scroll down to watch videos of the FR-S crash tests.

Continue reading Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ get IIHS Top Safety Pick [w/videos]

Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ get IIHS Top Safety Pick [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 top safety pick2013 scion fr-s2013 subaru brziihsinsurance institute for highway safetyscionsubarutop safety pickFri, 07 Sep 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20317900/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/07/scion-fr-s-subaru-brz-get-iihs-top-safety-pick-w-videos/20317900/article-detail.xml 20317900 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/scion-frs-iihs-crash-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/scion-frs-iihs-crash-test.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS launching first new frontal crash test since 1995 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/iihs-launching-first-new-frontal-crash-test-since-1995-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/iihs-launching-first-new-frontal-crash-test-since-1995-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/iihs-launching-first-new-frontal-crash-test-since-1995-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volvo S60 earns good rating in new IIHS small overlap frontal crash test

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has unveiled a new crash testing methodology in dramatic fashion - by dinging some of the most popular entry luxury sedans for failing to adequately protect the driver during certain types of crashes. The 2012 Acura TSX, 2012 BMW 3-Series, 2012 Lincoln MKZ and 2012 Volkswagen CC were all deemed "marginal," while the 2012 Audi A4, 2012 Lexus ES, 2012 Lexus IS, and 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class were called "poor" by the testing group.

The new test is designed to simulate the effects of hitting a tree or pole at 40 miles per hour, but rather than striking the object dead-on, the IIHS delivers a more glancing blow that only impacts a quarter of the car's front end. These types of collisions are particularly dangerous, as the impact will often miss the energy-absorbing structures built into the car's frame.

"These are severe crashes, and our new test reflects that," said IIHS President Adrian Lund in a statement. "Most automakers design their vehicles to ace our moderate overlap frontal test and NHTSA's full-width frontal test, but the problem of small overlap crashes hasn't been addressed. We hope our new rating program will change that."

Whether that will happen remains to be seen, but the new testing regimen will undoubtedly annoy luxury carmakers like Audi, BMW and Mercedes whose vehicles did not fare so well. Volvo, whose S60 was given a "good" rating, will likely be pleased to retain its reputation for safety. The only other of the vehicles IIHS tested to perform as well was the Acura TL, while the Infiniti G sedan was deemed "acceptable."

Scroll down to read the full press release and watch an accompanying video.

Continue reading IIHS launching first new frontal crash test since 1995 [w/video]

IIHS launching first new frontal crash test since 1995 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testcrash testingiihsiihs top safety pickInsurance Institute for Highway Safetysmall overlap crash testsmall overlap frontal crash testTop Safety PickTue, 14 Aug 2012 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20299761/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/14/iihs-launching-first-new-frontal-crash-test-since-1995-w-video/20299761/article-detail.xml 20299761 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-volvo-s60-small-overlap-crash-test-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2012-volvo-s60-small-overlap-crash-test-opt.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS considering autonomous braking, other tech as part of crash evaluations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/iihs-considering-autonomous-braking-other-tech-as-part-of-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/iihs-considering-autonomous-braking-other-tech-as-part-of-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/iihs-considering-autonomous-braking-other-tech-as-part-of-crash/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volvo City Safety operation graphic

Automakers are constantly working to make their vehicles safer than ever before, and while much of that effort is spent in areas the public will never see, recent years have welcomed a rash of more highly visible advancements. Those include autonomous-emergency braking (AEB) systems like Volvo City Safety and Mercedes-Benz Pre-Safe Braking, as well as lane departure warnings and adaptive headlights. While most of these systems still function largely as optional equipment on luxury vehicles, there's a growing push to see some of them go mainstream. The European Commission and Euro NCAP have indicated AEB technology will be a part of European crash evaluations beginning in 2014.

According to The Telegraph, studies suggest the move could save as many as 8,000 lives per year by reducing accidents by up to 27 percent while saving more than $6.12 billion. Given the push for ever more interchangeable global products, it seems unavoidable for U.S. crash evaluation bodies to follow suit. Russ Rader, a spokesperson with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, tells Autoblog his organization has already commenced research on that front.

"The IIHS is looking at a number of crash avoidance technologies to determine how effective they are in real world driving," Rader said.

IIHS has compiled significant insurance data for crashes involving vehicles both with and without ABE systems.

"Based on the evidence of the effectiveness of auto-brake systems, we expect them to be added to our evaluations in the future."

When is that, exactly? Rader isn't certain, though when it happens, the difference between having AEB and not will likely differentiate between which models go home with a Top Safety Pick designation and which do not.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was not immediately available for comment as to whether or not the government agency is considering a similar move for its crash worthiness evaluations.

IIHS has also seen evidence indicating adaptive headlight systems greatly reduce the risk of crashes as well, which means the lighting may also play a part in crash evaluations moving forward.

Despite the substantial human and trickle-down monetary benefits, additional lighting and AEB systems remain expensive and not widely available. The Telegraph found AEB to be available on just 22 percent of vehicles on sale in Europe right now.

IIHS considering autonomous braking, other tech as part of crash evaluations originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptive lightingaebauto brakeauto stopautonomous emergency brakingeuro ncapeuropean commissioniihsinsurance institute for highway safetynational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaThu, 02 Aug 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20289275/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/02/iihs-considering-autonomous-braking-other-tech-as-part-of-crash/20289275/article-detail.xml 20289275 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/city-safety-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/city-safety-628.jpg <![CDATA[America's cell phone laws, state by state]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/americas-cell-phone-laws-state-by-state/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/americas-cell-phone-laws-state-by-state/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/americas-cell-phone-laws-state-by-state/#commentsFiled under:


Memorial Day weekend is one of the premiere road trip holidays. According to the American Automobile Association, more than 30 million people will hit the road this weekend, averaging 642 miles each. That means, for many, crossing state lines. And nowadays, that's more confusing than ever. Speed limits may vary, but at least those are posted. Cell phone laws, however, are much more confusing.

For example, if you were driving from Michigan to Florida, you could legally text while driving in Ohio and Florida, where there are no laws banning it. But in between, it's illegal, as 38 states have laws against texting while driving.

There are 10 states where you couldn't hold my phone to my ear, as these states ban drivers from using hand held devices and require hands-free cell phone use.

Younger drivers, those with learners permits or under 18, may face stricter enforcement in some states, though it's unclear exactly how a cop can figure out someone's age at 70 miles per hour.

Of course, some cities have their own laws, as well, banning everything from texting while driving to dancing with girls. Make sure you know those laws as well. Or, just stay home, no one really wants to go to Bomont anyway. To see exactly what your state's laws are regarding cell phone use while driving, check out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety listing or scroll through the maps in our gallery above.

America's cell phone laws, state by state originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American Automobile AssociationCell PhoneFloridaInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyLocalMemorial DayMichiganOhioSci/TechU.S.Fri, 25 May 2012 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244777/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/americas-cell-phone-laws-state-by-state/20244777/article-detail.xml 20244777 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/distracted-drivers-state-laws-002-1337892959_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/distracted-drivers-state-laws-002-1337892959.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS crowns three new Top Safety Picks [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/iihs-crowns-three-new-top-safety-picks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/iihs-crowns-three-new-top-safety-picks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/iihs-crowns-three-new-top-safety-picks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crowned two sedans and a hatchback as Top Safety Picks: the 2013 Chevrolet Malibe Eco, 2012 Hyundai Azera and 2012 Toyota Prius c. The redesigned 2013 Malibu joins its 2012 model-mate as a Top Pick, and the 2013 earned a good side impact rating even without its optional side airbags.

The Prius c also has siblings that have won the award, the Prius and Prius v. The Azera had been rated in a few earlier tests, but in completing the testing regime with good marks all 'round it earned the accolade. The Top Pick moniker is given to vehicles that score "Good" in the IIHS's front, side, rollover and rear-impact tests.

Have a look below for video of the Malibu and Prius c going through their side-impact exams.

Continue reading IIHS crowns three new Top Safety Picks [w/video]

IIHS crowns three new Top Safety Picks [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 hyundai azera2012 toyota prius c2013 chevrolet malibu2013 chevrolet malibu ecoazerachevrolethyundaiiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetymalibupriusprius cTop Safety PicktoyotaThu, 17 May 2012 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239069/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/iihs-crowns-three-new-top-safety-picks/20239069/article-detail.xml 20239069 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/malibuecoiihs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/malibuecoiihs.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS says most LATCH systems are too difficult to use [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/iihs-says-most-latch-systems-are-too-difficult-to-use-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/iihs-says-most-latch-systems-are-too-difficult-to-use-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/iihs-says-most-latch-systems-are-too-difficult-to-use-w-video/#commentsFiled under:

IIHS says most LATCH systems are too difficult to use

If you've ever tried installing an infant car seat in say, a Jaguar XKR, you understand that just because a car has LATCH anchors doesn't mean your car seat is going to fit. Those anchors are supposed to make child restraint installation a breeze, but according to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, many automakers aren't following the spirit of the law requiring them.

The study looked at the 98 top-selling vehicles from 2010-2011 and found just 21 that met its criteria for having "easy-to-use" LATCH hardware. Making the list were the Audi A4; Cadillac Escalade; Chevrolet Equinox, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe; Chrysler Town & Country; Dodge Caliber, Grand Caravan and Ram; Ford Escape and F-150; GMC Sierra; Honda Pilot; Kia Sedona; Land Rover Range Rover Sport; Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class; Mitsubishi Eclipse and Lancer; and Toyota Tacoma.

The researchers used a test fixture that adhered to guidelines developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers to develop three criteria for evaluation. The first was having anchors that were easy to see and not buried beneath rear seat cushions. The second was having the LATCH attachment points unobstructed by seatbelts, foam or other parts of the seat. The third was that adults could correctly install the seats using less than 40 pounds of force.

While the study found that the majority of models didn't nail all three criteria, the list of vehicles that didn't meet any of them was much shorter: Buick Enclave; Chevrolet Impala; Dodge Avenger; Ford Flex and Taurus; Hyundai Sonata; and Toyota Sienna.

Scroll down to see a video about LATCH and read the full release from IIHS.

Continue reading IIHS says most LATCH systems are too difficult to use [w/video]

IIHS says most LATCH systems are too difficult to use [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car seatcar seatschild restraintsiihsinfant car seatinfant car seatsinsurance institute for highway safetylatchumtriuniversity of michiganuniversity of michigan transportation research instituteThu, 12 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20214204/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/12/iihs-says-most-latch-systems-are-too-difficult-to-use-w-video/20214204/article-detail.xml 20214204 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/iihs-latch-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/iihs-latch-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Lexus GS earns IIHS Top Safety Pick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/2013-lexus-gs-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/2013-lexus-gs-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/2013-lexus-gs-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Lexus GS 350 front three-quarter view, maroon

The 2013 GS is the new face of the Lexus brand, and as it turns out, that spindle-grilled mug can take a serious punch. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the GS a Top Safety Pick after the reshaped Lexus sedan held strong in front, side and rollover crash testing.

To earn a Top Safety Pick designation, a car, truck or utility vehicle must achieve a top score of "Good" in front, side and rear impact crash tests. The IIHS test features taller cement crash barriers to simulate a collision with a larger vehicle and the front impact test is conducted at a speed of 40 miles per hour. The vehicle must also feature stability control and a roof that maintains integrity even at a weight equal to or greater than four times that of the vehicle. The IIHS reports that the GS could withstand 4.88 times its 3,715 pound weight.

The GS joins the RX and the CT 200h as the third Lexus model to net a Top Safety Pick.

2013 Lexus GS earns IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lexus gs350350crash testgsgs 350gs350iihsinsurance institute for highway safetylexuslexus gssafetytop safety pickTue, 10 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20211759/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/2013-lexus-gs-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick/20211759/article-detail.xml 20211759 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-lexus-gs-350-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-lexus-gs-350-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Verano completes Buick sweep of IIHS Top Safety Pick awards [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/verano-completes-buick-sweep-of-iihs-top-safety-pick-awards-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/verano-completes-buick-sweep-of-iihs-top-safety-pick-awards-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/verano-completes-buick-sweep-of-iihs-top-safety-pick-awards-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Congratulations are in order for Buick after its new Verano earned top scores in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. This now means that every new Buick model is on the Institute's Top Safety Pick list.

The Verano's safety credentials weren't really in question though, since the Chevy Cruze with which it shares a platform also made the Top Safety Pick list.

"When we started the vehicle development of Buick Verano, we had a comprehensive safety strategy that enabled us to achieve the highest safety rating and to be among the best safety performers in the segment," said Sigit Santosa, General Motors' Engineering Group Manager of Vehicle Safety Performance Integration.

Scroll down to read GM's official press releas on the Verano's ratings. There's a video of the new Buick compact being smashed up, as well.

Continue reading Verano completes Buick sweep of IIHS Top Safety Pick awards [w/video]

Verano completes Buick sweep of IIHS Top Safety Pick awards [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 buick veranobuickcrash testIIHSInsurance Institute for Highway SafetysafetyTop Safety PickveranoFri, 30 Mar 2012 17:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20205010/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/30/verano-completes-buick-sweep-of-iihs-top-safety-pick-awards-w-v/20205010/article-detail.xml 20205010 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-verano-crash-test-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-verano-crash-test-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mazda CX-5 latest to get IIHS Top Safety Pick laurels [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/2013-mazda-cx-5-latest-to-get-iihs-top-safety-pick-laurels-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/2013-mazda-cx-5-latest-to-get-iihs-top-safety-pick-laurels-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/2013-mazda-cx-5-latest-to-get-iihs-top-safety-pick-laurels-w-vi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

IIHS 2013 Mazda CX-5 crash test

Mazda's new compact crossover is coming out of the gate strong, with the 2013 CX-5 garnering generally good reviews that include praise for its fuel economy and best-in-class handling. Now, Mazda can tout a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, as well. The CX-5 snagged "Good" ratings across the board, including front, side, rollover and rear crash tests.

The CX-5 joins its stablemate, the Mazda3, on the 2012 Top Safety Pick list, which is growing rapidly. Just in the small SUV class that the CX-5 is categorized in, eight models are now listed, including the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Patriot (with optional side torso airbags), Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Subaru Forester and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Click past the jump to read the full press release from Mazda, as well as watch the CX-5's IIHS crash test video.

Continue reading 2013 Mazda CX-5 latest to get IIHS Top Safety Pick laurels [w/video]

2013 Mazda CX-5 latest to get IIHS Top Safety Pick laurels [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mazda cx-5cx-5iihsinsurance institute for highway safetymazdaWed, 21 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20197388/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/21/2013-mazda-cx-5-latest-to-get-iihs-top-safety-pick-laurels-w-vi/20197388/article-detail.xml 20197388 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mazda-cx-5-iihs-crash-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mazda-cx-5-iihs-crash-opt.jpg -1 2