Most midsize SUVs put through a new small overlap front-crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety did not perform well, according to the safety group.
The Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain were the only vehicles to earn a "Good" rating in the test, according to results released this week by the IIHS.
"SUVs have gotten much safer over the past few generations, but some are better than others at providing comprehensive front crash protection," said David Zuby, IIHS executive vice president and chief research officer, in a statement. "When it comes to midsize SUVs, General Motors is showing the way forward. The Equinox and Terrain score well in all components of the small overlap test - structure, restraints and kinematics, and injury measure for four body regions."
Nine other models were put through the test, and only Toyota's Highlander received an "Acceptable" rating, while the rest received "Poor" ratings.
The Mazda CX-9 and Honda Pilot were among the worst performers in the test, according to the IIHS. Both vehicles received "significant structural collapse."
The small overlap test was created after research showed that approximately 25 percent of all serious injuries and deaths in frontal crashes occurred in small impacts.
"Having the only two midsize SUVs that earned the Top Safety Pick Plus designation speaks to GM's continued focus on improving our vehicles and keeping our customers safe." said Gay Kent, general director of General Motors Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness. "We are very pleased that the IIHS has recognized the safety of both the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain with this prestigious rating."
Small impacts include instances when a vehicle clips the front of an oncoming vehicle or striking a pole or tree, according to the IIHS.
According to the institute, the test is more challenging than its long-standing moderate overlap test, which has been conducted since 1995.
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