Thinking of a new pickup truck?
Although larger passenger vehicles, such as pickups and SUVs, have bigger structures making them better able to absorb crash energy, SUVs and pickups are proportionally more likely to be involved in fatal single-vehicle crashes–especially in the event of a rollover.
Because of this, it is of the utmost importance for any potential pickup owner to be aware of the ins and outs of safety regarding these particular vehicles, and how the newest models on the market hold up to standards.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released the results of 2019 and 2020 full-size pickup trucks. These tests included: frontal crash small and moderate overlap, side crash, roof strength press, head restraint and seat safety, headlight evaluation, front crash prevention tech, and child seat anchor ability.
Without further ado, here are the most and least safe, full-size, half-ton pickup trucks for 2019 and 2020.
Safety ratings scale ranges from Poor to Marginal to Acceptable to Good.
Not-So-Safe:
Toyota Tundra
Small overlap front: driver side = marginal. Structure = marginal. Lower leg = poor.
Small overlap front: passenger side = poor. Structure = poor. Hip = marginal. Lower leg = poor.
Moderate overlap front: driver side = good.
Side = good.
Roof strength = acceptable. (Curb weight: 5,432 lbs, 3.94 times → 21,384 lbs).
Head restraints & seats = good.
Headlights = marginal. Visibility on left = fair. Visibility on right = inadequate. Visibility on curves = inadequate. High-beam assist is present.
Front Crash Prevention = superior. Forward collision warning meets standards. 12 mph – 25 mph collision avoidance is present.
Child seat anchors = acceptable. Two positions have LATCH hardware. Third position is tether only.
Safer:
Nissan Titan
Small overlap front: driver side = good. Lower leg = acceptable.
Small overlap front: passenger side = good. Structure = acceptable.
Moderate overlap front: driver side = good.
Side = good. Driver torso rating = acceptable.
Roof strength = good. (Curb weight: 5,460 lbs, 4.55 times → 24,857 lbs).
Head restraints & seats = good.
Headlights = marginal. Visibility on straightaways = fair. Visibility on curves = inadequate.
Front Crash Prevention = no crash prevention. 360-degree camera, blind spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alerts are present.
Child seat anchors = acceptable. Two seats have LATCH hardware. Third position is tether only.
Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500
Small overlap front: driver side = good. Structure/safety cage = acceptable. Lower leg = acceptable.
Small overlap front: passenger side = marginal. Structure/safety cage = poor.
Moderate overlap front: driver side = good.
Side = good.
Roof strength = good. (Curb weight: 4,818 lbs, 4.62 times → 22,236 lbs).
Head restraints & seats = good.
Headlights = poor. Visibility on straightaways = good. Visibility on left curves = fair. Visibility on right curves = inadequate.
Front Crash Prevention = superior. Forward collision warning meets standards. 12 mph – 25 mph collision avoidance is present.
Child seat anchors = marginal. Two positions have lower seat anchors. Third position is tether only.
Ford F-150
Small overlap front: driver side = good.
Small overlap front: passenger side = good.
Moderate overlap front: driver side = good.
Side = good.
Roof strength = good. (Curb weight: 4,651 lbs, 5,85 times → 27,215 lbs).
Head restraints & seats = good.
Headlights = poor. Visibility on straightaways = inadequate. Visibility on curves = inadequate. Raptor lights: poor; but work better on straightaways.
Front Crash Prevention = superior. Forward collision warning meets standards. 12 mph – 25 mph collision avoidance is present.
Child seat anchors = marginal. Two positions have lower seat anchors. Third position is tether only.
Safest:
Ram 1500
Currently the only full-size pickup truck with a “Top Safety Pick+” rating.
Small overlap front: driver side = good. Lower leg = acceptable.
Small overlap front: passenger side = good. Structure = acceptable.
Moderate overlap front: driver side = good.
Side = good.
Roof strength = good. (Curb weight: 5,254 lbs, 4.24 times → 22,302 lbs).
Head restraints & seats = good.
Headlights = good (on Longhorn and Limited trims). Curve adapting and high-beam assist are present. Gradual left turn light = inadequate.
Front Crash Prevention = superior. Forward collision warning meets standard. 12 mph – 25 mph collision avoidance is present.
Child seat anchors = marginal. All three rear positions have LATCH seat anchors.
According to IIHS, two tests of the RAM 1500 Crew Cab were conducted and the specifications for each test were identical. As a “Top Safety Pick+” for 2019 and 2020, this truck needed ‘good’ ratings in its driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a ‘superior’ rating in front crash prevention and a ‘good’ headlight rating.
IIHS’ 2019 “Top Safety Pick” was the Honda Ridgeline, awarded for its optional front crash prevention and specific headlights.
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