The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is on a tear lately with a focus on rear-seat safety. First we saw minivans on the chopping block, then came SUV safety, and now full-size truck back-seat safety is taking center stage. And it all has to do with the updated moderate overlap front crash test.
The IIHS states it launched this new test after research showed newer vehicles have an increased risk for fatal injury for rear-seat passengers, especially when in a serious crash with a large truck. This isn’t because the rear seat is less safe, it’s because the front seat is more safe. If that makes sense.
The updated test puts a dummy the size of a 12-year-old in the rear seat behind the driver, and to get a good rating, there can’t be excessive risk to the head, neck, chest or thigh recorded on that dummy.
The result for full-size trucks is abysmal. The Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 all get Poor ratings, while the Tundra doesn’t fare much better with a Marginal score.
A screen shot from the IIHS website showing the poor rear-seat results from the full-size trucks tested.
What this means for full-size truck back-seat safety
Essentially, this means the restraint systems in the back seat for all four trucks are failing.
“Submarining was a problem for all four pickups, and belt forces were too high in all but the Tundra,” said IIHS President David Harkey.
Essentially because of poor seat belt positioning, children and small adults are sliding under the belt and causing other severe injuries.
Frankly, this could be a fairly easy fix because it doesn’t require automakers to redesign the truck or add high-strength steal. So, it’ll be interesting to see who steps up to the plate with next year’s test.
The bottom line
Your 2023 full-size truck isn’t less safe today than it was yesterday. This new test is just showcasing a newly discovered weakness it hopes truck makers will resolve. While Chevy, Toyota and Ford have already pushed out their updated trucks, Ram, at least, has time to make changes before it’s 2025 model hits the streets.
2023 Full-Size Back-Seat Safety Crash Test Photo Gallery
Rear passenger dummy injury values indicate a likely risk of injury to the head or neck and chest. (Image courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
iihs ram 1500 full size truck back seat safety 2
The rear passenger dummy's head remained a safe distance from the front seatback. (Image courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
iihs ram 1500 full size truck back seat safety 1
Rear passenger dummy injury values indicate a likely risk of injury to the head or neck and chest. (Image courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
iihs ford f 150 full size truck back seat safety 2
The rear passenger dummy's head remained a safe distance from the front seatback. (Image courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
iihs ford f 150 full size truck back seat safety 1
Rear passenger dummy injury values indicate a moderate risk of injury to the head or neck and chest. (Image courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
iihs chevy silverado full size truck back seat safety 2
The rear passenger dummy's lap belt moved from the ideal position on the pelvis onto the abdomen, increasing the risk of abdominal injuries. (Image courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
iihs chevy silverado full size truck back seat safety 1
The rear passenger dummy's head remained a safe distance from the front seatback. (Image courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
iihs toyota tundra full size truck back seat safety 1
The rear passenger dummy's lap belt moved from the ideal position on the pelvis onto the abdomen, increasing the risk of abdominal injuries. (Image courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
iihs toyota tundra full size truck back seat safety 2
Jill Ciminillo
Jill Ciminillo is a Chicago-based automotive writer, influencer, TikTok Creator, YouTube personality and podcast host, with her articles and videos appearing in outlets throughout the U.S. Additionally, she co-hosts a weekly radio show on car stuff via Talk Zone. Previously, Jill has been the automotive editor for the Chicago Sun-Times News Group as well as Sinclair Broadcast Group. She is also a past president for the Midwest Automotive Media Association and has the distinction of being the first female president for that organization. Jill is also currently a juror for the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) and Women's World Car of the Year (WWCOTY).
