DETROIT — Only two of 13 small SUVs performed well in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group, with several popular models faring poorly in the evaluations.
Subaru’s 2014 Forester was the only vehicle to get the top “good” rating in the results released Thursday. The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was rated as “acceptable.” But fast-selling models such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Jeep Wrangler received only “marginal” or “poor” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Small and midsize SUVs, which get decent gas mileage and have the cargo and passenger space of larger SUVs, are among the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. auto market. Sales grew 50 percent from 2005 to last year, when U.S. consumers bought more than 2.5 million of them, according to Ward’s AutoInfoBank.
The IIHS ratings are influential because many auto shoppers find them while researching vehicles on the Internet. The group says its crash tests and ratings are designed to get automakers to improve the crashworthiness of their vehicles.
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The ratings are for the institute’s “small overlap” crash test that covers only 25 percent of a vehicle’s front end. The test was added to the IIHS evaluations last year, with the institute aiming to push automakers into bolstering the crash resistance of their vehicles.
The group’s tests are more stringent than the U.S. government’s full-width front crash test. The institute says that in many vehicles, a crash affecting one-quarter of the front end misses the main structures designed to absorb the impact of a crash. Yet such crashes account for nearly a quarter of the collisions that cause serious or fatal injuries to people in the front seats, IIHS said.
The new Ford Escape, the top-selling small SUV so far this year, got a “poor” overall rating, while Honda’s CR-V, the No. 2 seller, got a “marginal” rating. Toyota’s RAV-4, another big seller, hasn’t done the testing yet because Toyota asked for a delay to improve the vehicle’s structure, the IIHS said.
Other SUVs getting “poor” ratings were the Jeep Patriot, Buick Encore, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscson, the institute said. The BMW X1, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan and Jeep Wrangler two-door all got “marginal” ratings.
Ford said in a statement that the Escape is safe because it is equipped with advanced safety features and a structure designed to manage the impact of a crash. But the company said it takes new developments in crash performance seriously.
The Forester and Outlander Sport each received the IIHS’ coveted “Top Safety Pick Plus” award because they performed well in multiple tests including the small offset crash. Many of the other SUVs, including the Escape and CR-V, won “Top Safety Pick” designations, but didn’t get the “plus” due to their performance in the small offset tests. Only 20 vehicles across all car segments have received the IIHS “Top Safety Pick Plus” award.
“With the redesigned Forester, Subaru’s engineers set out to do well in our new test, and they succeeded,” Joe Nolan, the institute’s vice president of vehicle research, said in a statement. “This is exactly how we hoped manufacturers would respond to improve protection.”
All SUVs tested, except the Forester, were 2012 or 2013 models. The institute said tests of 2012 models were valid because no significant design changes were made between model years.
Honda said in a statement that the CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick award, which was the best when it was introduced in 2011. The company would not comment when asked if it’s reworking the CR-V so it does better in the small offset test.
Chrysler said the Wrangler and Patriot both meet or exceed all government safety requirements and perform well in real-world driving. Like most of the vehicles tested, both were designed before the IIHS added the small offset test.
The IIHS tests have a big impact on car-buying decisions because people are concerned about safety when they shift to smaller vehicles, said Jeff Schuster, senior vice president of auto sales forecasting for LMC Automotive, an industry consulting firm. People buy the small SUVs, which also are called crossovers, or CUVs, because they perceive them to be safer than cars, he said.
The test results “could impact sales of these models, but more so with families and with parents purchasing these for their kids,” he said in an email.
IIHS conducts its small offset test by crashing vehicles into a fixed 5-foot-tall barrier at 40 mph to simulate collisions with a utility pole or tree. The institute gives vehicles demerits when the structure intrudes into the passenger compartment, or if a crash dummy suffers injuries to head, neck, chest or other parts of the body. The group also measures how well seat belts and air bags protect people. “Good” is the top rating, followed by “acceptable,” then “marginal” and “poor.”
IIHS is a nonprofit research group funded by auto insurance companies.
By Michael Zak | AOL Autos
A recent Interest.com study looked at the 25 largest metropolitan areas in the United States to see which median-income households in those respective areas can afford to purchase a new car, the average price of which was $30,550 in 2012, according to TrueCar. The study found that in only one city can residents actually afford a car with this sticker price — Washington, D.C.
Households with an average income in Washington, D.C. can afford a payment of up to $628, which would allow for purchase of a $31,940 vehicle. The next closest city, San Francisco, can only afford $537 per month, equating to a $26,786.
While it’s not news that Americans like to buy things that they can’t afford, the data is a little surprising given how many great cars there are out there for well under $30,000. Solid hybrids, CUVs, sedans and sports cars can all be had for less than this.
We’ve racked our brains and come up with 5 of the best cars that are cheaper than the average car’s purchase price. These are affordable, versatile, fun and fuel efficient. Of course, there are some stinkers in this price range, as well, so we’ve included 5 vehicles we think you should avoid.
The Best And Worst Vehicles For Under $30,000
MSRP: $25,495 – $27,495
Invoice: $24,327 – $26,112
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg City, 30 mpg Highway
The Subaru BRZ proves that driving bliss doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The rear-wheel drive sports coupe is one of the most engaging vehicles on the road today, with utterly superb dynamics and looks. The best part? You can have one for $25,495.
Research the Subaru BRZ
Subaru BRZ Photos & Information
Subaru BRZ Best Deals
Subaru BRZ Local Dealer Price Quote
Best –
MSRP: $18,095 – $25,200
Invoice: $17,371 – $24,192
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg City, 33 mpg Highway
Although the redesigned 2014 version of this handsome hatch will be on sale in the near future, the current generation is still worth buying. It’s fuel efficient, fun and surprisingly versatile. Starting at less than $20,000, the Golf is also quite affordable.
Research the Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf Photos & Information
Volkswagen Golf Best Deals
Volkswagen Golf Local Dealer Price Quote
Best –
MSRP: $26,650 – $30,295
Invoice: $24,809 – $28,202
Fuel Economy: 44 mpg City, 40 mpg Highway
The Toyota Pirus v is essentially a bigger version of the popular Prius hybrid. This hatchback acheives stellar fuel economy while allowing for transport of numerous people and all of their stuff. Starting at $26,650, you can have all the benefits of a versatile hybrid for an agreeable price.
Research the Toyota Prius v
Toyota Prius v Photos & Information
Toyota Prius v Best Deals
Toyota Prius v Local Dealer Price Quote
Best –
MSRP: $20,995 – $28,595
Invoice: $20,396 – $27,771
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg City, 35 mpg Highway
The Mazda CX-5 is one of our favorite crossovers here at AOL Autos even when taking more expensive ones into account. Remarkably fun to drive, fuel efficient and starting at a low price, there’s a lot to love about this agile utility vehicle.
Research the Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5 Photos & Information
Mazda CX-5 Best Deals
Mazda CX-5 Local Dealer Price Quote
Best –
MSRP: $16,695 – $21,115
Invoice: $16,208 – $20,218
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg City, 38 mpg Highway
This small sedan continue to be the darling of both critics and consumers nationwide. Available with tons of standard features, great looks and sweet fuel economy, the Elantra is one of the best cars on the planet right now.
Research the Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra Photos & Information
Hyundai Elantra Best Deals
Hyundai Elantra Local Dealer Price Quote
Best –
MSRP: $18,995 – $32,820
Invoice: $18,770 – $31,334
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg City, 29 mpg Highway
The 200 is a holdover from when Chrysler was owned by Daimler and then private equity-firm Cerberus Capital. It’s not that this car is awful, especially since the new Chrysler, managed by Fiat, made a series of improvements. It’s that the other cars in this category are so good, and much better designed and engineered.
Research the Chrysler 200
Chrysler 200 Photos & Information
Chrysler 200 Best Deals
Chrysler 200 Local Dealer Price Quote
Worst –
MSRP: $18,725 – $21,815
Invoice: $17,789 – $20,725
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg City, 31 mpg Highway
The Scion tC is intended to be a sporty coupe. The problem? It’s not sporty. At all. In fact, the tC finds itself on the Consumer Reports list of the least fun cars to drive and we’re inclined to agree with that assessment.
Research the Scion tC
Scion tC Photos & Information
Scion tC Specs
Scion tC Local Dealer Price Quote
Worst –
MSRP: $18,995 – $30,795
Invoice: $18,800 – $29,276
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg City, 26 mpg Highway
Short on features and with pretty poor driving dynamics, the Dodge Journey is one you should skip if you’re shopping for a sub-$30,000 crossover. We’re looking forward to Dodge’s next attempt.
Research the Dodge Journey
Dodge Journey Photos & Information
Dodge Journey Best Deals
Dodge Journey Local Dealer Price Quote
Worst –
MSRP: $25,900 – $29,200
Invoice: $24,452 – $27,507
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg City, 35 mpg Highway
Don’t be fooled by the badge. This is not really a luxury car. With uninspired driving dynamics and a lackluster interior, you should pass on the ILX even though its low sticker price seems very tempting.
Research the Acura ILX
Acura ILX Photos & Information
Acura ILX Best Deals
Acura ILX Local Dealer Price Quote
Worst –
MSRP: $12,490 – $17,890
Invoice: $11,616 – $16,638
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg City, 38 mpg Highway
The idea of the smart fortwo is great. It’s the execution that’s the problem. The fortwo is loud, terrible to drive and really isn’t all that fuel efficient, considering its size. There are way better options between $10,000 and $20,000.
Research the smart fortwo
smart fortwo Photos & Information
smart fortwo Specs
smart fortwo Local Dealer Price Quote
Worst –
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