The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently ran its updated front crash test on several 2026-2027 crossover models, and only one achieved the top “Good” rating in that segment.
Vehicles evaluated included the Audi Q3, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Kicks, and the Toyota RAV4 in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims. The Kicks earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick award, one level below the highest Top Safety Pick+, despite failing to earn it when its generation debuted for the 2025 model year. All other models failed to earn the institute’s safety award.
The IIHS altered its moderate overlap test in 2022 to better protect rear occupants, having a car strike a barrier at 40 mph with part of the front end. Nissan revised rear-seat belt systems on models built after June 2026, lifting the Kicks from a “Poor” to a “Good” rating when retested.
The redesigned 2026 Audi Q3 received a “Poor” result in the updated front test, which disqualified it from the award despite “Good” scores elsewhere. This rating applies to the 2027 model as well.
Read Also: Corvette to stay affordable with upgrades
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 earned “Good” marks in most categories, but the standard hybrid version was rated “Acceptable” and the plug-in hybrid received a “Marginal” score in the same front test, preventing the award.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer also posted a “Poor” result in the front test and was flagged for weak headlight performance and limited front-crash prevention technology.
IIHS Funding Structure and Recent Crossover Test Outcomes
The IIHS uses insurance money and data for detailed crash tests. Unlike NHTSA’s limited budgets and legislative standards, IIHS can launch tests without Congress. Automakers sometimes face surprise updates, but they can use the results to improve vehicle safety.
All other models received no award because they failed the updated moderate overlap front crash test.
