Luxury SUVs Mixed on Back-Seat Safety
IIHS testing gives good ratings to just three of eight evaluated.
The Cadillac XT6 was given a poor rating by IIHS. Just three of eight models tested earned good ratings.
IMAGE: Cadillac
A Cadillac sports-utility vehicle scored poorly in a new crash test, which the safety evaluator said shows many automakers should improve second-row restraints.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing put eight 2024-model luxury SUVs through the paces of its toughened “moderate overlap” front crash test: the Acura MDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac XT6, Lexus RX, Lincoln Aviator, Mercedes GLE-Class and Volvo XC60.
The nonprofit vehicle safety-review organization updated the test last year after finding that risk of fatal injuries was higher for second-row belted passengers in newer vehicles than for front-row occupants because front seats had better airbags and seat belts not usually included in the back. It says that the back seat is still safest for children because they can be injured by inflating airbags.
Its SUV testing ended with good ratings for the Lincoln, Mercedes and Volvo models, acceptable for the Acura and BMW, marginal for the Audi and Lexus, and poor for the Cadillac.
“The three good ratings in this group show that our new, tougher standards are achievable when manufacturers commit to excellence,” said IIHS President David Harkey in a press release on the test results.
A good rating means a test dummy in the second row can’t show excessive risk of injury to the head, neck, chest or thigh.
IIHS said all eight tested vehicles provided “excellent” front-row protection.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry
Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →