On the topic of driving safe SUVs, the size of the vehicle is a key factor in determining safety, as per the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Among three popular large SUVs, only the Jeep Wagoneer qualified for a 2024 Top Safety Pick award, which is just below the highest ranking. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition, while also top-selling models, did not meet the criteria due to subpar performance in the small overlap front crash test. The IIHS stated that over 90% of new models have received good ratings since 2021.
Although the Jeep Wagoneer, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Ford Expedition are designed for passenger transport and towing, they did not provide adequate protection for backseat passengers. This factor prevented the Wagoneer from receiving the higher-tier Top Safety Pick+ award. The large size of these SUVs offers additional protection in collisions with smaller vehicles but presents a greater danger to other road users. IIHS President David Harkey noted that the mass of these vehicles results in more force to manage in crashes, such as with fixed obstacles like trees or bridges.
The Jeep Wagoneer received a good rating for maintaining survival space for the driver and front passenger in the small overlap evaluation, with only slight intrusion in the footwell presenting a minor risk of injury. In both driver-side and passenger-side tests, the airbags prevented crash dummies’ heads from hitting rigid structures. The Chevrolet Tahoe received an acceptable rating, with adequate survival space for the driver but a substantial risk of lower leg injuries, and a high risk of injury to the right foot in the passenger-side test. The Ford Expedition received a marginal rating, with poor performance on both sides and excessive intrusion into the footwell.
In additional tests, including pedestrian crash avoidance and front crash prevention systems, the three vehicles received varied ratings. While the Expedition and Wagoneer scored well in front crash prevention, the Tahoe was given a marginal ranking. A Ford spokesperson highlighted that the Expedition meets or exceeds the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s regulatory requirements and received a five-star overall vehicle score in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. The spokesperson also noted that the Expedition is designed to provide protection for its occupants and others in multi-vehicle accidents, which may not be reflected in specific IIHS tests.
Overall, the safety ratings for these popular large SUVs reflect the varying levels of protection they offer in different crash scenarios. While the Wagoneer stood out with a Top Safety Pick award, the Tahoe and Expedition fell short in certain categories. Design improvements may be necessary to enhance the safety features of these vehicles and ensure better protection for occupants in the event of a crash. Manufacturers are encouraged to consider feedback from safety evaluations like those conducted by the IIHS to continue improving the safety standards of their vehicles.
