American cars with some of the lowest safety rankings
While automakers tout advanced safety technology in every commercial, a troubling reality persists: several U.S.-market models from American manufacturers are failing critical crash tests and posting some of the industry’s weakest safety scores. For consumers prioritizing occupant protection, these gaps represent measurable risks that demand attention before signing any purchase agreement.
Understanding what “lowest” actually means
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluates vehicles using a five-star system covering frontal, side, and rollover crash performance. Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety assigns ratings ranging from “Good” to “Poor” across various crashworthiness and collision avoidance tests. Recently, IIHS significantly toughened its testing protocols, introducing updated moderate overlap front crash tests that have exposed structural weaknesses in numerous vehicles. When we discuss the “lowest safety rankings,” we’re examining models that receive Poor ratings, indicating elevated injury risks during real-world collisions.
The worst offenders from American brands
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax exemplifies these failures. Autoevolution reports the Trax earned a Poor rating in IIHS’s updated moderate overlap front crash test, with elevated risk of head and chest injuries to rear-seat occupants. SlashGear notes that it received only an Acceptable rating in updated side impact testing, with concerning risks of torso and pelvis injuries to drivers. Adding insult to injury, the Trax’s pedestrian detection systems and headlight performance both scored Marginal. Unsurprisingly, The Car Connection confirms these deficiencies disqualify the Trax from earning any IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition.
Ford’s record proves equally concerning. CBS News reported the 2018 Escape earned a Poor rating in passenger-side small overlap testing, indicating a very high likelihood of thigh or hip injuries to front passengers. This failure prompted Consumer Reports to revoke the Escape’s Recommended status due to inadequacies in the passenger-side crash test.
The pattern extends beyond individual models. MotorBiscuit reveals that not a single small American SUV earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating for 2024 or 2025, suggesting systemic underperformance in this crucial segment, where foreign competitors dominate safety awards.
Why American brands are falling behind
Platform age plays a significant role. Vehicles built on older architectures struggle to meet evolving test protocols, which are designed to reflect heavier vehicles and contemporary crash scenarios. In high-volume, price-sensitive segments, such as small crossovers, engineering teams face tighter cost constraints that may compromise safety margins. As the IIHS implements stricter standards, models designed under previous requirements suddenly appear to be deficient.
What consumers must verify before buying
Never assume brand reputation guarantees safety. Always check specific model year results through NHTSA’s rating system and IIHS evaluations. Prioritize recent redesigns over older platforms. If regularly transporting rear passengers, scrutinize rear occupant crash protection scores. Balance affordability against measurable risk, as saving money upfront may cost far more in the event of a collision.
Conclusion
Several American-brand vehicles currently lag behind competitors in safety performance, particularly among small SUVs, which face more demanding testing standards. Savvy consumers verify crash test data for their specific target model rather than relying on manufacturer marketing or legacy reputation. Safety rankings exist for a reason: they predict real-world outcomes when physics becomes unavoidable.
Related:
- From Lame to Legendary: 12 Cars That Found Their Cool
- Top 10 Cars Millionaires Drive, According to Dave Ramsay
Like MediaFeed’s content? Be sure to follow us. This article was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
AlertMe
