Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee get worst ratings in crash test

The Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee fared worst among midsize SUVs in the latest crash test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

In fact, damage to the Ford Explorer caused the structure to collapse, and both the Grand Cherokee and Honda Pilot showed the possibility of head injuries.

The ratings were based on results from the passenger-side small overlap test. A small overlap crash happens when the front corner of a vehicle strikes another vehicle or an object such as a utility pole or tree, according to a news release.

“Although some vehicles in this group offer very good protection, in other models, the airbags, safety belts and structure showed serious deficiencies,” said Insurance Institute Chief Research Officer David Zuby. “In those SUVs, a front-seat passenger would be at risk of injuries to the head, hip or leg in a right-side small overlap front crash.”

Zuby said the institute had noticed that some automakers had improved safety for drivers but had neglected front-seat passengers and wanted to put them on notice that the institute expects the same level of protection for both.

Of eight SUVs tested, the Explorer and Grand Cherokee both received poor overall grades in the tests focused on passenger-impacts, while the Kia Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the group and the others all earned good or acceptable ratings.

In addition to the Sorento, the GMC Acadia and Volkswagen Atlas received good ratings, while the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot received acceptable ratings. All vehicles were 2018 models except for the Sorento, which was a 2019.