Hyundai Tucson earn 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards

A redesign for 2016 has taken the Hyundai Tucson (review 2015) from a poor to good rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s small overlap front crash test. With an available front crash prevention system that earns a superior rating, the small SUV qualifies for the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.

In the Tucson’s small overlap test, the driver’s space was maintained well, with maximum intrusion of 6 inches at the parking brake pedal, but no more than 3 inches at other locations. The dummy’s movement was well-controlled, and the front and side curtain airbags worked well together to protect the head. Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

In contrast, when the previous generation of the Tucson was tested, the intrusion was severe, reaching a maximum of 16 inches at the parking brake pedal. The steering column moved in and to the right, causing the dummy’s head to slide off the left side of the front airbag. The head hit the instrumental panel, and the side curtain airbag didn’t deploy.

Like its predecessor, the redesigned Tucson earns good ratings in the Institute’s other crashworthiness tests — moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints.

To qualify for the 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK award, vehicles must earn good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, plus a good or acceptable rating in the small overlap test. For TOP SAFETY PICK+, vehicles also need an available front crash system with an advanced or superior rating.