When shopping for a new half-ton or mid-size pickup truck, safety often takes a backseat to considerations like towing capacity, fuel economy, or interior features. However, crash-test ratings should be a priority for any truck buyer concerned about protecting themselves and their passengers. Two primary organizations conduct these critical safety evaluations: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--
Understanding Truck Safety Ratings: NHTSA vs. IIHS
While both organizations evaluate vehicle safety, their testing methodologies and rating systems differ significantly:
The IIHS has emerged as the gold standard for vehicle safety testing due to its more comprehensive evaluation process and stricter requirements for top safety awards.
--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
IIHS Crash Testing: The Most Rigorous Safety Evaluation
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety subjects vehicles to five critical crashworthiness evaluations, assigning ratings of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor in each category:
1. Front Small Overlap Test
Simulates a collision with the front corner of the vehicle hitting an object like a tree or pole at 40 mph. This challenging test evaluates how well the structure protects occupants when impact occurs outside the main crash-absorbing zones.
2. Front Moderate Overlap Test
Represents a head-on collision where 40% of the vehicle's front end strikes a barrier at 40 mph. This evaluates traditional crash protection systems.
3. Side Impact Test
Simulates a T-bone collision using a barrier weighing 3,300 pounds moving at 31 mph. This test is particularly important for pickup trucks given their higher center of gravity.
4. Roof Strength Test
Measures how well the roof resists deformation in a rollover crash. Vehicles must withstand at least four times their weight to earn a Good rating.
5. Head Restraints & Seats Test
Evaluates protection against whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions through dynamic testing and geometric measurements.
--SECOND CAR LIST HERE--
Beyond Crash Tests: Headlight and Crash Prevention Ratings
IIHS has expanded its evaluation criteria to include two additional critical safety factors:
Headlight Performance
Proper illumination is crucial for nighttime safety. IIHS tests headlights on both straight and curved roads, evaluating:
- Beam distance and pattern
- Glare for oncoming drivers
- Automatic high-beam performance
- Adjustability for different loads
Many pickup trucks struggle with headlight ratings due to their height and the challenge of properly illuminating the road without blinding other drivers.
Front Crash Prevention
IIHS evaluates automatic emergency braking systems at 12 mph and 25 mph, assigning ratings of Basic, Advanced, or Superior based on:
- Collision avoidance capability
- Impact speed reduction
- System responsiveness
--FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Top Safety Pick Awards: The Highest Honor
IIHS recognizes exceptional vehicles with two prestigious awards:
Top Safety Pick
To qualify, a vehicle must:
- Earn Good ratings in all five crashworthiness tests
- Receive Advanced or Superior rating for front crash prevention
Top Safety Pick+
The more demanding Plus designation requires:
- Meeting all Top Safety Pick requirements
- Earning Acceptable or Good headlight rating
- Available on all trim levels with required safety features
These awards have become increasingly difficult to earn as IIHS continues raising its standards to push automakers toward greater safety innovation.
--THIRD CAR LIST HERE--
Pickup Truck Safety: Current Standouts
While IIHS tests vehicles throughout the year, several pickup trucks have distinguished themselves in recent evaluations:
Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline stands alone among mid-size pickups with its Top Safety Pick+ award. Key safety advantages include:
- Good ratings in all crash tests
- Available Honda Sensing suite (Advanced rating)
- Acceptable headlight performance
- Unibody construction for better impact absorption
Its classification as a "large pickup" by IIHS reflects its safety performance rather than its physical dimensions.
Ford F-150 SuperCrew
While earlier models earned Top Safety Pick awards, current F-150s face challenges meeting the stricter requirements:
- Good ratings in most crash tests
- Marginal headlight performance on many trims
- Available crash prevention systems (Advanced rating)
- Aluminum body's performance in small overlap test
Other popular pickup models continue working to meet the evolving safety standards, with manufacturers regularly updating designs to improve crashworthiness.
--SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Why Pickup Truck Safety Matters More Than Ever
Several factors make crash-test ratings particularly important for truck buyers:
1. Increased Urban Use
As pickups become daily drivers rather than work vehicles, they encounter more complex traffic situations where crash avoidance and protection become critical.
2. Higher Speeds
Modern trucks with powerful engines often travel at highway speeds where crash forces multiply exponentially.
3. Passenger Protection
With more families using trucks as primary vehicles, rear-seat safety has become a significant concern in side-impact collisions.
4. Vehicle Compatibility
The size and height disparity between trucks and passenger cars creates unique safety challenges in collisions.
--FORTH CAR LIST HERE--
Future of Pickup Truck Safety
Automakers are responding to stricter testing with innovative safety solutions:
Structural Improvements
- High-strength steel in critical areas
- Advanced crumple zone designs
- Reinforced passenger compartments
Advanced Safety Technology
- Improved automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring with trailer coverage
- Adaptive headlights that adjust to conditions
Crash Prevention Systems
- Pedestrian detection
- Rear automatic braking
- Intersection collision avoidance
--THIRD CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
Making an Informed Truck Purchase Decision
When evaluating pickup truck safety, consider these key factors:
1. Review Complete Test Results
Don't rely solely on award status—examine performance in individual test categories that matter most for your usage.
2. Verify Safety Feature Availability
Many advanced systems are optional or limited to higher trim levels.
3. Consider Real-World Performance
While test results provide valuable comparisons, real-world driving conditions may differ.
4. Evaluate Total Safety Package
The combination of crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and visibility creates comprehensive protection.
By prioritizing safety alongside traditional truck buying criteria, consumers can make choices that offer both capability and peace of mind.
--FIFTH CAR LIST HERE--
