Watch Mid-Size Cars Struggle to Pass New IIHS Side Crash Test

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is always updating its crash test data based on today’s real-life driving conditions. Recently the institute released its results for side impacts on mid-size cars and the conclusions were less than satisfactory.

The IIHS developed a series of simulations where seven different midsize sedans were struck from the side against a makeshift pickup truck or SUV going at an average speed of 37 mph. This speed, along with the weight of the colliding vehicle (4,200 lbs, up from 3,300) revealed that only one of the seven midsize sedans received a good rating.

The IIHS ranked the 2022 Subaru Outback the highest in the simulation, giving it a “good” rating when struck from the side. Coming behind the Outback were the 2022 Hyundai Sonata and VW Jetta both received a score of “acceptable”, because their cabins displayed intrusion during their crashes, but also had airbags protecting the heads of their driver and passengers.

Below are the final results for the seven midsize sedans used in the side-impact test:

• Subaru Outback: Good
• Hyundai Sonata: Acceptable
• VW Jetta: Acceptable
• Honda Accord: Marginal
• Chevy Malibu: Poor
• Nissan Altima: Poor
• Toyota Camry: Poor

As noted by the IIHS, all seven vehicles received “Good’ ratings in their previous side crash tests. Although none of the vehicles used in this test will be losing their Top Safety Pick ratings, there is a possibility that could happen once this side crash test is added to the IIHS routine. In order to receive a Top Safety Pick a vehicle must receive either a Good or Acceptable rating following a crash test.