For many buyers, the decision to shop for an SUV, especially those popular midsize models, is often justified by concern for their family’s safety. They’re big, tall and heavy, so they must be safer, right? Well, according to recent crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), some of those models actually rate quite poorly. Of nine tested vehicles, the Honda Pilot received the lowest scores, with ‘poor’ ratings in three categories.
The Pilot isn't alone: Mazda’s CX9 did just as badly, while the Kia Sorento, Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee scored average ratings at best. Topping the list with ‘Good’ ratings across the board were the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain, with the Toyota Highlander a close second.
