Crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show three mid-size luxury SUVs offer “solid” protection for front and back seat safety.
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According to the IIHS, the Lincoln Aviator, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, and Volvo XC60 all earned good ratings for both front and back seats.
But the Acura MDX, BMW x3, Audi Q5 and Lexus RX earned only acceptable and marginal ratings for backseat passengers.
The only vehicle that rated poorly for backseat riders was the Cadillac XT6.
Tests reveal all eight SUVs provide excellent protection for the front seat.
Last year, the IIHS updated its tests after research found that in new vehicles, there is often a greater risk of deadly injuries in the back row, compared to front seats.
This is not because the backseat has become less safe, but because safety technology in the front seat has become better.
Even with these developments, the back seat remains the safest place for children, who can be injured by front airbags.
The ratings about back seat safety do not apply to children secured properly in child safety seats.
The IIHS said it’s encouraged that more than half of the mid-size SUVs it tested performed well.
The president of the group said the new, tougher standards for car makers are an effort to make all vehicles safer for passengers.