A frontal crash test is only as revealing as the occupants it measures, and the newer version of the moderate-overlap test adds a dummy in the back seat. That addition puts back-seat protection under the same scrutiny as the front. Here are twelve cars, from economy sedans to luxury models, that earned less than a Good rating in it.
1. Honda Civic: Compact Icon, Acceptable Result
The 2026 Honda Civic sedan is rated Acceptable in the updated moderate-overlap frontal test, according to the IIHS small-car ratings. That sits below Good, in a test that now includes a rear passenger dummy.
The Civic’s grade is the mildest shortfall on offer, and the rating is not an overall safety verdict on the car. Compact buyers who often carry rear passengers can treat it as a reason to compare the sedan’s back-seat results against rivals.
2. Subaru Impreza: Marginal in the Back Seat Test
Subaru’s 2026 Impreza lands at Marginal in the updated moderate-overlap test, which places a dummy behind the driver. The small-car crash results put it two steps beneath the Good grade.
This is one crash rating, not an overall safety judgment. Families who choose the Impreza for its all-wheel-drive reputation may want to look at the full set of IIHS results before settling on this compact sedan for a household with rear-seat riders.
3. Subaru WRX: A Sport Sedan Rated Poor
The 2026 WRX, Subaru’s performance sedan, receives a Poor rating in the updated moderate-overlap frontal test, per the IIHS class summary. Poor is the lowest tier, far from the Good that IIHS awards.
The rating covers this one updated test and is not a full verdict on the WRX. Enthusiasts who regularly carry rear passengers should weigh the result seriously alongside the car’s other strengths, such as its performance appeal.
4. Toyota Corolla: Everyday Sedan, Marginal Grade
Toyota’s 2026 Corolla sedan is rated Marginal in the updated moderate-overlap frontal test, below Good, with a rear passenger dummy included in the evaluation. The Corolla is a default choice for many compact-car shoppers.
As the rating reflects one test rather than the whole car, it is not an overall safety verdict. Buyers drawn to the Corolla’s reputation may find it worth reading the details before assuming every result is top-tier.
5. Nissan Altima: Midsize Staple Slips
Nissan’s 2026 Altima gets a Marginal rating in the updated moderate-overlap frontal test, a clear step under Good, according to the midsize-car ratings table. The test now places a dummy behind the driver.
This is a single crash rating and not a final word on the Altima. Midsize shoppers moving children or adults in back could use the result as a nudge to compare the full IIHS record for competing sedans.
6. Kia K5: Poor Result for a Popular Pick
Kia’s 2026 K5 midsize sedan is rated Poor in the updated moderate-overlap frontal test, which is well below Good. The IIHS midsize summary lists the result for a car with a rear passenger dummy in play.
The grade applies to this particular test only and is not an overall vehicle safety verdict. Buyers attracted by the K5’s styling should look closely at how its back-seat occupant fared before making a decision.
7. BMW 3 Series: German Badge, Acceptable Grade
The 2026 BMW 3 Series earns an Acceptable rating in the updated moderate-overlap frontal test, per the midsize luxury listings, which is under the Good grade. The sport sedan has long been a benchmark for driving feel.
The rating describes one crash test and is not an overall safety judgment. Luxury shoppers who value the 3 Series for driving enjoyment can still note that its back-seat protection in this test fell short of Good.
8. Tesla Model 3: Electric Bestseller, Not Yet Good
The 2027 Tesla Model 3 is rated Acceptable in the updated moderate-overlap frontal test, below Good, as the luxury sedan ratings show. The electric sedan is widely seen on American roads.
This rating covers a single test rather than every aspect of the car’s safety. Prospective owners can use it as a prompt to check how the newer test treats rear occupants before assuming a top result, since the back-seat dummy is now part of what is measured.
9. Lexus IS: Japanese Luxury, Marginal Result
Lexus’s 2026 IS receives a Marginal rating in the updated moderate-overlap frontal test, a notch below Acceptable and beneath Good. The compact luxury sedan’s crash test listing includes the rear passenger dummy.
The result reflects one test and is not an overall safety verdict on the IS. Buyers who pick a Lexus for its comfort and reputation should still weigh this finding about the rear seat, especially when adults or children regularly ride behind the driver.
10. Cadillac CT5: American Luxury Rated Poor
Cadillac’s 2026 CT5 sedan is rated Poor in the updated moderate-overlap frontal test, the lowest tier, as the IIHS luxury class results show. A rear passenger dummy is part of the evaluation.
The rating applies only to this test and does not stand in for an overall safety judgment. Shoppers considering the CT5 for its performance and styling should read the details of the back-seat outcome before deciding, since the dummy behind the driver is central to this test.
11. Nissan Leaf: Electric Hatchback Falls Short
The 2026 Nissan Leaf hatchback is rated Acceptable in the updated moderate-overlap frontal test, which is under Good, according to its IIHS vehicle page. The Leaf is one of the better-known battery-electric hatchbacks.
The rating describes a single test rather than the entire car. Electric-car buyers who prize the Leaf’s practicality can note the result and compare it with rival electric models that earned Good, particularly if rear passengers are common.
12. Genesis G80: A Narrow Build Window
Genesis’s G80 is rated Marginal in the updated moderate-overlap test, but only for examples built after October 2024 and before July 2025, as its IIHS rating page explains. The result sits below Good.
The finding is limited to that production window and is not an overall safety verdict. Owners and shoppers of this luxury sedan should check the build date before applying the rating to a specific car, because the rating does not automatically extend to other build dates.
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