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In contrast with the federal government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is restricted by limited budgets and standards determined by the legislative process, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety puts the money and data of insurance companies to work designing more thorough crash tests that can be implemented without an act of Congress. The moving target presented by the IIHS means automakers are often caught out by updated tests. But automakers can also use the results of those tests to make improvements, as the latest round of IIHS safety ratings shows.
The insurance-industry-backed nonprofit recently tested a handful of crossovers, including the Audi Q3, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Kicks, and Toyota RAV4 (in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms). The Kicks earned a 2026 Top Safety Pick award (one run below the highest Top Safety Pick+) despite failing to do so when the current generation debuted for the 2025 model year. The others got nothing. And it was all down to the IIHS’s recently-updated moderate overlap front crash test.
2026 Nissan Kicks updated moderate overlap IIHS crash test
The IIHS changed the parameters of this test, in a which car collides with a barrier at 40 mph with only a portion of the front end making contact, in 2022 to better account for rear-occupant safety. Since then, it’s proven to be a tough test to pass. The Kicks initially received the lowest “Poor” rating, but changes made to the rear seat belts on cars built after June 2026 (including 2026 and 2027 models) earned Nissan’s entry-level crossover a top “Good” score when retested.
In contrast, the redesigned 2026 Audi Q3 received a “Poor” rating in the moderate overlap front test (the rating also applies to 2027 models). That disqualified it from a Top Safety Pick award despite “Good” ratings in every other category. A “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test is a requirement for the award.
2026 Audi Q3 updated moderate overlap IIHS crash test
It was the same story with the (also redesigned) 2026 Toyota RAV4, which earned “Good” ratings for everything except the moderate overlap front test. With the standard hybrid powertrain, the RAV4 was rated “Acceptable;” plug-in hybrid models received a lower “Marginal” rating. The Trailblazer also faltered here, receiving a “Poor” rating. But it also received low ratings on several other areas, including headlights and front-crash prevention tech.
This is a great example of how improving safety is a continuous process. Nissan deserves credit for fixing the issues exposed by the IIHS testing. Hopefully Audi, Chevy, and Toyota will do the same.
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Stephen has always been passionate about cars, and managed to turn that passion into a career as a freelance automotive journalist. When he’s not handling weekend coverage for The Drive, you can find him looking for a new book to read.
