In line with recently conducted tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Honda Accord/coupe and Suzuki Kizashi came out tops with ‘good ratings’ whilst at the bottom of the 18-sedan list where Toyota Camry and Pruis v. The test results is summarized below:

Midsize 2013 models that received a “Good” rating in the Small Overlap test:

• Honda Accord Sedan
• Suzuki Kizashi

Midsize 2013 models that received an “Acceptable” Small Overlap rating:

• Honda Accord Coupe
• Ford Fusion
• Nissan Altima Sedan
• Chrysler 200 / Dodge Avenger
• Kia Optima
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Outback
• Volkswagen Passat Sedan
• Mazda6
• Nissan Maxima

2013 Models with a “Marginal” Small Overlap rating:

• Chevrolet Malibu
• Hyundai Sonata
• Volkswagen Jetta Sedan

2013 Models with a “Poor” Small Overlap rating:

• Toyota Camry
• Toyota Prius v

IIHS (U.S) based their test on new standards which included the new “small overlap” crash test designed to simulate real-world incidents where only a small portion of the front of the car strikes another object. In addition, the small overlap test evaluates how well the supplementary restraints like the driver’s airbag, seat and curtain side airbags stay in position to effectively protect the driver.

However inspite of the poor results, Toyota Camry and Toyota Prius v did well in the standard front, side, rollover/roof strength and rear impact tests. Results also indicated that the Prius v’s side airbag didn’t deploy in time and the Volkswagen Jetta’s driver airbag module actually detached from the steering column, VW says it is investigating the airbag module.