Nissan Kicks built after June 2026 was the only crossover to earn a good IIHS rating

Only one crossover earned a good rating in the updated IIHS crash test

The US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested crossovers using its updated frontal crash test, and only one earned a good rating, Drive reports. The test was revised to assess rear-seat passenger safety more accurately.

Nissan Kicks earns award after seat belt upgrades

The Nissan Kicks, fitted with upgraded rear seat belts, earned a good rating in a repeat moderate overlap front crash test, up from poor. The new rating applies to vehicles built after June 2026, including those from the 2026 and 2027 model years.

The successful retest earned the Kicks a 2026 Top Safety Pick award, one tier below the highest award, Top Safety Pick+. When the crossover's current generation debuted for the 2025 model year, it failed to earn the award.

The US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a nonprofit organization supported by the insurance industry. It draws on funding and data from insurance companies to develop its safety tests.

Audi Q3 and Chevrolet Trailblazer receive poor ratings

Following the series of tests, the Audi Q3 and Chevrolet Trailblazer did not earn any of the institute's awards. The Nissan Kicks and two versions of the Toyota RAV4—a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid—were also tested. Neither version of the Toyota earned an award.

The Audi Q3 earned good ratings in every other category, but its moderate overlap front test result prevented it from earning an award. The Chevrolet Trailblazer also received low ratings for its headlights and front crash prevention systems.

Plug-in Toyota RAV4 performs worse than conventional hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 with a conventional hybrid powertrain earned an acceptable rating in the moderate overlap front test. The plug-in hybrid version received a lower rating of marginal. A good rating in this test is required to earn an award from the institute.