The IIHS has significantly raised the bar for vehicle safety with its updated moderate overlap front crash test, which now evaluates protection for both front and rear passengers. This test simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles traveling at nearly 40 mph, with these key changes:
- Dual-dummy evaluation: Now includes both an average-size male dummy in the driver's seat and a smaller dummy representing a 12-year-old child or petite woman in the rear seat
- Enhanced rear-seat assessment: Focuses on the previously overlooked safety gap between front and rear passenger protection
- Updated belt technology requirements: Vehicles must demonstrate advanced seat-belt load limiters for rear passengers
Why Rear Seat Safety Matters More Than Ever
Recent IIHS research reveals a concerning trend: while front-seat occupants benefit from advanced airbags and sophisticated restraint systems, rear-seat passengers face 46% higher risk of serious injury in frontal crashes. The 2025 testing protocol specifically addresses this disparity, forcing manufacturers to improve rear-seat safety technologies.
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Top Performers: Tesla Model Y vs. Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid
Both the all-electric Tesla Model Y and plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90 excelled in the rigorous testing, but with some notable differences:
| Feature |
Tesla Model Y |
Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid |
| Moderate Overlap Test |
Good (all positions) |
Good (after Dec 2024 builds) |
| Pedestrian Avoidance |
Good |
Acceptable |
| Rear Seat Protection |
Advanced load-limiting belts standard |
Updated belts in late-2024 models |
Tesla's Standout Safety Features
The 2025 Model Y impressed testers with its:
- Perfect crash test scores across all evaluations
- Industry-leading pedestrian detection with automatic emergency braking
- Structural advantages of its skateboard-style EV platform
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Volvo's Safety Legacy Continues
The XC90 Plug-In Hybrid maintains Volvo's reputation for safety with:
- Reinforced rear-seat protection in models built after December 2024
- Comprehensive airbag system including curtain airbags for all rows
- Proven plug-in hybrid safety with battery protection systems
Vehicles That Missed the Mark: 2025 Safety Shortcomings
The IIHS testing revealed significant safety concerns in several popular models:
Chevrolet Colorado's Safety Deficiencies
The midsize pickup received concerning ratings:
- Marginal score in moderate overlap test
- High risk of chest/neck injuries for rear passengers
- Inconsistent headlight performance (one variant rated Poor)
GMC Canyon and Jeep Wrangler Performance
While sharing platforms with the Colorado, these vehicles showed different results:
- Canyon: Not fully tested, but likely similar crash results with potentially better headlights
- Wrangler: Good moderate overlap score but poor small overlap performance
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How IIHS Safety Ratings Work: The 2025 Criteria Explained
To earn a Top Safety Pick or TSP+ award, vehicles must meet stringent requirements:
Minimum Requirements for Top Safety Pick
- Good ratings in driver-side small overlap front and side impact tests
- Acceptable rating in updated moderate overlap front test
- Acceptable headlights (at least one available option)
- Advanced or Superior front crash prevention system
Additional Requirements for Top Safety Pick+
- Good rating in moderate overlap front test
- Good or Acceptable pedestrian crash prevention
- Good-rated headlights standard on all trims
The Future of Vehicle Safety: What These Results Mean
The 2025 IIHS testing highlights several important industry trends:
- Rear-seat safety is becoming a key differentiator
- EV platforms may offer inherent safety advantages
- Headlight performance remains a common weak point
- Manufacturer responsiveness to testing changes (like Volvo's quick belt updates)
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Safety Considerations for Car Buyers
When evaluating a new vehicle's safety:
- Check for build date-specific safety improvements
- Verify which headlight options meet Good ratings
- Consider rear-seat protection if frequently transporting passengers
- Look beyond government NHTSA ratings to IIHS results
Conclusion: Safety Leaders and Laggards in 2025
The latest IIHS results confirm Tesla and Volvo's positions as safety innovators while revealing areas for improvement in popular trucks and SUVs. As testing standards evolve to address real-world crash scenarios, consumers gain increasingly valuable data to inform their purchasing decisions. The widening gap between top performers and marginal vehicles suggests safety technology is becoming a key differentiator in the automotive market.
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