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Automakers are making significant strides in automatic emergency braking (AEB) technology, following the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) tougher front crash prevention evaluations. The latest testing shows that 22 out of 30 vehicles earned a “good” or “acceptable” rating, marking a substantial improvement in crash avoidance capabilities. IIHS President David Harkey emphasized the importance of these advancements, stating that vehicles excelling in this test will help prevent serious front-to-rear crashes and save lives.
Key Highlights
- 22 out of 30 vehicles tested received a “good” or “acceptable” rating.
- 15 models earned a “good” rating, including the Acura ZDX, BMW X5 and X6, Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Genesis GV80, Honda Prologue, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia EV9, Kia Sorento, Lexus NX, Subaru Forester, Toyota Camry, Toyota Crown Signia, and Toyota Tacoma.
- The Mercedes-Benz E-Class optional system also achieved a “good” rating, while its standard system rated “acceptable”, alongside the Genesis G80, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Sonata, Jeep Wagoneer, Mazda CX-50, and Acura MDX’s optional system.
- The Ford Expedition received a “marginal” rating, while seven models—including the Audi Q7, Audi Q8, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Nissan Altima—were rated “poor”.
- Updated IIHS tests evaluate vehicles at 31, 37, and 43 mph, incorporating passenger cars, motorcycles, and semitrailers as collision targets.
- Vehicles that performed well stopped completely before impact in most scenarios, particularly with passenger car targets.
- Poor-rated vehicles struggled with motorcycle collisions, with some failing to slow significantly before impact.
Testing Enhancements and Key Findings
IIHS revamped its front crash prevention testing after all previously tested vehicles consistently received top marks in the older evaluation. The new test runs at higher speeds (31, 37, and 43 mph) and includes a semitrailer and motorcycle target, in addition to a passenger car.
- High-performing systems effectively stopped the vehicle before impact and delivered timely forward collision warnings.
- Acceptable-rated systems succeeded in preventing most low-speed collisions but struggled at higher speeds, especially with motorcycles.
- Poor-rated systems failed to prevent even low-speed motorcycle crashes and had difficulty reducing speed in passenger car tests at 37 mph.
Harkey highlighted the importance of continued improvements, particularly in motorcycle detection, stating, “Preventing crashes at higher speeds, especially collisions with motorcycles, remains a challenge for some systems.”
The latest IIHS results demonstrate that automakers are making significant progress in front crash prevention, but challenges remain—especially in mitigating high-speed motorcycle collisions.
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