The IIHS, or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, is constantly updating their tests and rating systems in order to uphold an ongoing standard for vehicle safety that is always improving. One of their newer tests is designed to measure how safe a vehicle is in high-speed side-impact crashes, which cause many fatalities. The IIHS recently put 18 current model midsize SUVs through this high level side-impact crash test, including the 2022 Subaru Ascent. The Ascent’s performance in this test received the highest possible rating.
Both the original and new versions of the test replicate a crash between two crossing vehicles at an intersection by using a heavy barrier to represent the striking vehicle. The new test uses a barrier that is heavier than the original, 4,200 lbs as opposed to the earlier version’s 3,300 lbs, and the impact speed is now 37 mph as opposed to 31 mpg. The weight of the barrier was estimated based on the weight of most modern midsize SUVs, making the test more accurate to what accidents between today’s vehicles are really like. The updated test now produces 82% more energy in a simulated crash, and holds the test vehicle to a higher standard of safety.
A vehicle that earns the top IIHS rating of “good” for this test, as the 2022 Ascent did, must retain the shape of its occupant compartment well, and the crash dummies inside must not show any indication of a risk for serious injuries, through the overall integrity of the vehicle structure and the functioning of the seatbelts and side airbags.
“We are thrilled the Ascent received performed well in this tougher test,” said Thomas J. Doll, President and Chief Executive Officer, Subaru of America, Inc. “Our top priority with Ascent is to provide customers with a functional and capable SUV with the highest standards in safety.”
To earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating, a vehicle must earn a good rating in the original side impact test, however, in 2023, the updated side impact test will be the new standard. The 2022 Ascent was already awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating for this year, getting the highest possible marks across the board on all impact and avoidance evaluations, not just the side impact test. Since 2013, Subaru has received a grand total of 63 Top Safety Pick+ awards, more than any other automotive brand. Having succeeded at the updated crash impact test, it’s likely that the 2023 Ascent will continue the trend and perform well in the tests for the coming year!
Categories:
News
