So, let me get this straight, in basically all types of accidents a SUV (larger truck frame type) are generally safer than most other passenger vehicles, with the exception of rollovers.
Here's my perspective. "Safe" is relative.
I think we can all agree on the following
*Vehicles with higher center of gravity are more likely to tip over when at higher speeds negotiating turns.
*Heavier vehicles in general require more braking distance and are harder to manuever at higher speeds, with equipment all else being equal (brake quality, etc).
*A shittily constructed vehicle is shitty no matter how big or small it is.
*larger vehicles typically have larger s cages that surround the passenger(s) both in terms of length width and height, more area to absorb impacts.
Ok so…
"*A shittily constructed vehicle is shitty no matter how big or small it is."
IIHS rates construction of vehicles. Historically, older Trucks/SUVs FYI in the past have been pretty shity construction, more so than cars Old Silverados comes to mind, which I recall IIHS rated as poor for frontal. A lot of old cars were shittily constructed too, including Toyotas and Hondas)
But frankly, with the latest vehicles, must have been redesigned such that they are rated good for structural integrity by IIHS testings. Tacoma trucks for example have good ratings, as do several sedans.
One thing to note: the ratings of these cars and trucks are when a car collides into a stationary object (wall). As a result, the point of impact for any vehicle is always starting the bumper and than inward to the cabin of the vehicle for front/rear collisions. Similarly side collisions are at some fixed height. I would argue in real world collisions, this isn't exactly how it happens. If you drive a car, have ever stopped between an suv sitting in front of you and one in back? One thing that is alarming is if you notice, most SUVs/Truck's bumper are not crash compatible with your average sedan, they typically sit much higher. Not to mention all the jackasses that decide to raise their truck/suv because "it looks cool". I don't know about you, but when I drive my Audi A4, despite the 5 star crash rating and what not, I wouldn't want to get into a fenderbender with most trucks/suvs. Because if I were to, most likely the point of impact wouldn't be on my bumper, but trunk/hood, possibly even front rear window. Worse so when a higher car broadsides you. Rather than hitting doors/side panels with safety beams, try contact with windows etc. Again, being lower in this case sucks. Let's consider other things
*Vehicles with higher center of gravity are more likely to tip over when at higher speeds negotiating turns.
*Heavier vehicles in general require more braking distance and are harder to manuever at higher speeds, with equipment all else being equal (brake quality, etc).
This is without a question. Truck-based SUVs have higher center of gravities. CUVs are designed more like cars, and are not likelihood to rollover is low. Heavier weight makes the vehicles more difficult to manuever at same speed as lighter vehicles, equipment being equal. An either case, that's why when you drive such higher vehicles/heavier vehicles, you generally shouldn't drive as fast as when you're in a car and tailgate (not that you should ever tailgate). If more people knew that, they wouldn't be rolling them over, or being unable to stop. Unfortunately, most states don't distinguish the licensing details between a car and SUV, so anyone that can drive class C can drive an SUV. Bad mistaken imho, but it is what it is. When I or my wife drive the CUV, we almost always keep it within the speed limit during ideal conditions. When the pavement is wet or whatnot, even much slower. When I'm in my car, it's always +XX, uh never mind another story.
*larger vehicles typically are larger safety cages that surround the passenger(s) both in terms of length width and height.
*larger vehicles typically have larger s cages that surround the passenger(s) both in terms of length width and height, more area to absorb impacts.
We agree on this one, right?
Anyway, the way I look at it is, i see a tradeoff between 3 points. Personally, given my wife's driving habits (she's a slow driver), I'd stick my wife in a CUV that has IIHS good front/rear/side impact protection over a small sedan, just so she has bumpers that align to more vehicles on the road, and offer higher metal body material in a side impacts, knowing that I won't see her driving 100+ in it, or doing 60+ in a freeway offramp. But that's just me.
As for myself, I like my sedan, and being more of a driver with a heavy foot, it fits me better, plus I care less what really happens to me 🙂
One unrelated note: not to pick on hybrids like the Prius, Camry Hybrid, or even the expensive Tesla Roadster…BUT, i really hope most safety/extraction crews around the states are learning about how to cut through to these vehicles if they even need to extract trapped motorists from them. It's a little disconcerting that there are high voltage lines running up and down the car. And I really hope those extraction crews know how to cut through those cars if they ever need too.
