Why such a so poor crash rating?

I’ve searching for body on frame mid-size SUVs. 4runner is my first pick since I like the look. (And renowned reliability.)


However I’m shocked when I check IIHS crash rating on 4runner especially after hearing stories about how safe the car is.


https://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/toyota/4runner-4-door-suv/2019


The rating is Marginal... more likely poor.

(Mehhh) It seems Toyota forgets about small overlap crash category (which I think showing real life small crash examples.)


Are there any improvements after this initial finding?


I’m surprised I can’t find any complaint about the crash rating when I google user experience.


If so maybe I have to go with lexus gx. (Same frame I know... but always Toyota makes sure somehow Lexus gets the right treatment.)

But I really like the style of 4runner.


Just note, another surprise is Tundra. Hmm.

 

I do think the in lab crash testing is important and I think it has helped our safety but it is still in a lab and hard to recreate real life. Every crash has so many variables to it, it is mind blowing how one little detail can make the difference between life and death in the real world.
No matter what, I would rather take a crash in a body on frame vehicle before any other, even if it didn't fare well in the lab. Here is a crash with a jeep that also didn't fare well in the lab crash testing. As you can see, if this was NOT a body on frame vehicle....death. This kid survived!

 

Yea I’m not sure I would base a purchase on crash test ratings. They are set in a controlled environment the world is not controlled. The testing is useful for making sure car makers are not building sub par vehicles but it’s mostly a marketing tool and not a good representation of what would occur in the real world. Just my opinion you know how that goes....

 

Here is some more interesting reading in the two links below. An although it's good to have this information so you can make an informed decision on a purchase of a vehicle. The biggest safety measure anyone can have while driving is to actually pay attention and drive. Don't get distracted or drive like an idiot or put you and or family in dumb situations, etc...


https://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/general-statistics/fatalityfacts/passenger-vehicles


https://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/driver-death-rates

 

We had a head-on in our first 2018 and all 4 of us and the dog walked away fine. Airbag rash is all anyone got hurt from.

 

^ That's heavy.

 

@jerodsand Wow! So happy you are all safe! The 4 did it's job.

 

glad you all made it out ok

 

I love how this forum responds with actual experiences on topics like this.

Thanks for sharing @jerodsand, and I'm thankful that you and your passengers survived that crash.

 

The dog must of been harnessed in I do not really should.

 

Result of a suburban running a red light going at least 50mph, no broken bones. Side airbags and crash bars did their job so pretty safe in my book...unfortunately I only got enjoy the t4r for 5 months

 

So happy you are safe!

 

Some people put a lot of weight into those tests and forget it's a controlled lab test and not real life. There is nothing controlled about a collision.