Amit Saraswat 
The Wagoneer’s impressive showing earned it the 2024 TOP SAFETY PICK award, thanks to its “good” ratings in key crashworthiness tests. These tests included the challenging small overlap front crash test, which simulates a partial head-on collision between a vehicle and another car or object. In this evaluation, the Wagoneer protected the driver and front passenger well, maintaining crucial survival space and deploying airbags effectively.
However, none of the three SUVs excelled at protecting rear-seat passengers. This shortcoming prevented the Wagoneer from achieving the even higher-tier TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation.
“The large size of these SUVs offers some protection in crashes with smaller vehicles, but it also means they pose a greater danger to others on the road,” explained David Harkey, president of the IIHS. “This size also translates to more force to manage during a collision with a solid object.”
While the Wagoneer aced the small overlap test, both the Tahoe and Expedition fell short. The Tahoe received an “acceptable” rating, indicating adequate protection for the driver but a substantial risk of lower leg injuries. The Expedition fared even worse, earning a “marginal” rating due to its structure failing to hold up well and significant intrusion into the driver’s footwell during the crash test.
All three SUVs performed well in the side impact test, earning “good” ratings. However, their performance in the updated moderate overlap front test, which considers both front-seat passenger protection and the impact on a second-row passenger dummy, was disappointing. All vehicles showed a fairly high risk of chest injuries for the rear passenger due to excessive seat belt forces.
The Wagoneer emerged as the leader in pedestrian crash avoidance as well. Its standard front crash prevention system earned a “good” rating, effectively avoiding collisions with a pedestrian dummy in most test scenarios. The Expedition’s system also performed well, while the Tahoe’s system only managed a “marginal” rating, struggling to detect pedestrians at night.
Headlight performance also played a role in the safety ratings. The Wagoneer offers a clear advantage with either “acceptable” or “good” rated headlights across all trims. Conversely, the Tahoe’s headlights were deemed “poor,” creating glare for oncoming drivers and inadequately illuminating the road. The Expedition’s headlights received a “marginal” rating.
“These results highlight that some popular vehicles need improvement to meet the most advanced safety standards,” said Raul Arbelaez, vice president of the IIHS Vehicle Research Center. “The Wagoneer’s success demonstrates that automakers can design large SUVs that offer exceptional safety for all passengers.”
While the Wagoneer takes the crown for safety in this group, choosing a large SUV involves a balance of factors. Safety should be a top priority, but potential buyers should also consider factors like towing capacity, cargo space, and fuel efficiency when making their final decision.
