Crash-test grades from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety cover several different tests, including the moderate overlap front test and a newer evaluation of rear-seat protection. Some of the best-selling small and midsize models picked up Poor or Marginal marks in one or the other. Here are twelve widely sold vehicles where the testing exposed weaknesses, with the details each IIHS page listed.
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1. Honda HR-V: Rear Seat Trouble
The Honda HR-V was rated poor in the rear-seat test for model years 2021-22, with high head, neck and chest injury risks and submarining, according to an IIHS news release.
Submarining means the lap belt slides up over the pelvis, a concern for passengers who ride in back. Families who regularly carry people in the rear seat can compare results across rivals before choosing. Crash-test results are specific to a model year, so checking the exact year and test on the IIHS site matters before buying.
2. Mazda CX-5: Belt Too High
The Mazda CX-5 was rated poor for 2021-22, with submarining and a shoulder belt positioned very high, as described in the same IIHS release.
A shoulder belt that sits high can ride across the neck rather than the chest. Owners and shoppers can look at how the belts fit different-sized passengers and compare this result with other compact SUVs. Crash-test results are specific to a model year, so checking the exact year and test on the IIHS site matters before buying.
3. Jeep Renegade: C-Pillar Contact
The Jeep Renegade was rated poor for 2021-23 after the dummy’s head hit the C-pillar during rebound, according to IIHS’s rear-seat report.
Rebound, the motion after the initial impact, can matter as much as the first hit. Anyone considering a used Renegade can check the model year in question and confirm that all recall work has been done. Crash-test results are specific to a model year, so checking the exact year and test on the IIHS site matters before buying.
4. Honda CR-V: Poor on the Class Table
The 2027 Honda CR-V is listed as Poor in moderate overlap front on the IIHS small SUV table, and the 2021-22 CR-V was Poor in the 2022 test.
A poor result for a widely sold model is worth a close look. Buyers can read the full IIHS entry, check which model years apply, and compare it with competing compact SUVs. Crash-test results are specific to a model year, so checking the exact year and test on the IIHS site matters before buying.
5. Jeep Compass: Poor in Front Impact
The 2027 Jeep Compass is listed as Poor on moderate overlap front in the IIHS small SUV table.
The moderate overlap front test simulates a crash into another vehicle or object that hits part of the front end. Shoppers can look at the same table to see how rivals fared and review the latest version of the rating before buying. Crash-test results are specific to a model year, so checking the exact year and test on the IIHS site matters before buying.
6. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Poor on Front Overlap
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is listed as Poor on moderate overlap front in the IIHS small SUV class table.
The same table lets shoppers compare small SUVs side by side on this test. Anyone considering an Eclipse Cross can read the detailed IIHS entry for the exact model year and ask the dealer about any safety updates. Crash-test results are specific to a model year, so checking the exact year and test on the IIHS site matters before buying.
7. Audi Q3: Marginal Then Poor
The 2027 Audi Q3 is listed as Poor on moderate overlap front, compared with a Marginal result in the 2022 test, according to the IIHS small SUV table.
That shift shows how a grade can change as models and test criteria evolve over the years. Buyers of a used Q3 can verify the model year and consult the latest IIHS entry for current information. Crash-test results are specific to a model year, so checking the exact year and test on the IIHS site matters before buying.
8. Volkswagen Tiguan: Only Midsize Poor
The Volkswagen Tiguan is the only midsize SUV in the IIHS table rated poor in moderate overlap front, as shown in the IIHS midsize table.
Standing alone in its class makes the result easy to notice among otherwise stronger competitors. Shoppers in this segment can use the table to compare every midsize SUV and confirm the Tiguan year they are considering. Crash-test results are specific to a model year, so checking the exact year and test on the IIHS site matters before buying.
9. Subaru WRX: Lone Small Car
The Subaru WRX is the only small car in the IIHS table rated poor in moderate overlap front, according to the IIHS small car table.
A performance-oriented sedan with a poor front-crash grade is an unusual combination worth knowing about. Enthusiasts can compare the WRX with other small cars on the table and check the model year before buying. Crash-test results are specific to a model year, so checking the exact year and test on the IIHS site matters before buying.
10. Ford F-150 Lightning: Electric Pickup Poor
The Ford F-150 Lightning was rated poor in moderate overlap front in the IIHS September 2025 electric vehicle ratings, reported in an IIHS EV release.
Electric pickups are newer to the market, so published crash data helps buyers judge how they hold up. Shoppers can read the full release, compare other electric trucks, and confirm current results with IIHS. Crash-test results are specific to a model year, so checking the exact year and test on the IIHS site matters before buying.
11. Hyundai Tucson: Rear Passenger Risks
The Hyundai Tucson was rated poor for rear passenger head and neck and poor for chest, with the dummy coming close to the front seatback, according to the IIHS rear-seat release.
Rear-seat protection is often overlooked in favor of front-seat ratings. Families who carry passengers in back can review the full result and compare the Tucson with other compact SUVs. Crash-test results are specific to a model year, so checking the exact year and test on the IIHS site matters before buying.
12. Toyota Highlander: Marginal Midsize Entry
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is listed as Marginal on moderate overlap front in the IIHS midsize table.
Marginal sits one step above Poor, so it signals room for improvement rather than a failing grade. Buyers can look at how other midsize SUVs fared and verify the year-specific rating before signing. Crash-test results are specific to a model year, so checking the exact year and test on the IIHS site matters before buying.
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