For many drivers, bigger often means safer, especially when it comes to full size SUVs. But recent crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) challenge that assumption. In a detailed evaluation of three major models, the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Wagoneer, the results revealed unexpected structural weaknesses and underwhelming safety performance. The findings shed light on serious vulnerabilities hiding beneath their massive frames.
Crash Structure Fails to Protect in Key Front Impact Tests
One of the most telling tests in the IIHS evaluation was the small overlap front crash, simulating a collision with a fixed object that impacts only part of the vehicle’s front end. The Jeep Wagoneer stood out with a “good” rating, showing only minor intrusion into the lower cabin and a modest risk of injury to the driver’s foot or ankle.
The Chevrolet Tahoe, however, only earned an “acceptable” rating after tests showed significant deformation in the lower cabin area for both the driver and passenger. The results indicated a serious risk of lower leg injuries, particularly to the passenger’s right foot and the driver’s leg.
The Ford Expedition performed the worst, receiving a “marginal” rating. The test exposed severe intrusion into the cabin, partial detachment of the steering column, and a structural split between the A pillar and rocker panel. These failures led to a high risk of injury to the driver’s right leg and a moderate risk to the left.
Second Row Safety and Driver Assistance Systems Raise Concerns
The IIHS also tested for safety in the second row using updated moderate overlap crash standards. None of the three SUVs earned a “good” rating. Both the Wagoneer and Expedition were rated “marginal” due to excessive seatbelt forces causing a high risk of chest injuries to second row passengers. The Tahoe performed even worse, with its test dummy showing a high likelihood of head and neck injuries, earning it a “poor” rating.
The Chevrolet Tahoe faced additional criticism for its headlights, which were rated “poor” due to high glare and weak side illumination. These flaws contributed to a “marginal” score in pedestrian safety, as the vehicle’s automatic emergency braking system failed to respond in low light conditions. Unlike daytime tests, where the system either stopped or slowed the SUV significantly, it didn’t react at all in the dark.
The IIHS findings make one thing clear: size alone doesn’t guarantee safety. While some full size SUVs like the Wagoneer show that advanced protection is achievable, others still lag behind modern safety expectations.
