Rivian R1T Pickup Among IIHS’ Safest Vehicles
Electric Vehicles were among the vehicles that made IIHS’ top vehicle safety list. The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5, 6, 2024 Subaru Solterra and Rivian R1T pickup truck were among the EVs that topped the safety list in their respective categories. They were joined by a variety of other brands and models including the 2024 Toyota Camry and 2024 Honda Pilot.
The IIHS released its 2024 Top Safety Pick awards recently. Hyundai grabbed the most awards with 16 including its Kia and Genesis brands while Mazda earned the most Top Safety Pick+ awards of all individual brands. Mazda’s other models that earned top safety awards include the 2024 Mazda 3 hatchback and sedan, 2024 Mazda CX-30 and 2024 Mazda CX-50.
IIHS was stricter on the standards for inclusion as a way of demanding better protection for back seat passengers and pedestrians. There are two awards given, the Top Safety Pick+ and the Top Safety Pick. For this year, IIHS has introduced a tougher frontal crash test focusing on rear seat occupants. This is a focus on the safety of all road users, inside the vehicle and outside.
A major component for this year’s ranking, a vehicle must score Acceptable or Good for its combined performance in both daylight and dark conditions. The tests simulate real life crashes for situations involving trees, phone poles and the front corner of an oncoming vehicle. Vehicles also have high-performing headlights across all trims.
For the test, a dummy is seated behind the driver to evaluate rear-seat crash protection. This replicates what would happen if a vehicle crosses a center line and 40 percent of its front end hits a similarly sized oncoming vehicle at 40 MPH. Vehicles also need to receive a good score for the side crash test to earn the Top Safety Pick+.
The IIHS, which is funded by the auto insurance industry, performs these tests to help consumers choose vehicles offering a high level of crash protection and essential safety features. IIHS is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through research and evaluation and through education of consumers, policymakers and safety professionals.
338,000+ Grand Cherokee SUVs Are on Recall
A major recall has been issued for over 338,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees for model years 2021 to 2023 in the United States. A crucial part of the steering wheel system can fail and cause drivers to lose control, potentially leading to a crash.
The issue is called by a defective ball joint separating from the steering knuckle which can cause the wheel to fall outward. This recall covers the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. For vehicles to properly drive, the control arms must connect the wheel hub and steering knuckle to the frame of the vehicle.
According to Chrysler’s documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some of the vehicles may have upper control arm pinch bolts that were damaged during the vehicle assembly process.
Currently, there haven’t been any reports of accidents or injuries associated with this recall. Authorized dealerships will replace the upper control arm pinch bolts at no charge. Notifications will be mailed in mid April.
If you were involved in an accident as a result of this issue, it is recommended you contact FCA US, LLC’s customer service department at 800-853-1403.
A New Subaru Vehicle Coming Soon?
Subaru may be planning a completely new vehicle soon as they filed for trademarks on 12 names that are fitting for a rugged vehicle. Among the 12 new trademarks with the US Patent and Trademark Office include Highroad, Outsider and Trailhead.
According to a recent story published by AutoGuide, Subaru filed 12 patents as an International Class 12 trademark that covers “Automobiles and structural parts and fittings.” This is specifically for vehicles and would expand on Subaru’s brand.
The names filed fit with Subaru’s all-wheel drive offerings. The list includes:
- Accomplice
- Everguide
- Everpass
- Getaway
- Highroad
- Hightrail
- Outsider
- Trailhead
- Trailseeker
- Trailwind
- Viewfinder
Even with the trademarks, they may not reach production. Automakers will file trademarks on many names, which is usually a hint the company is planning a new vehicle. Subaru’s currently lineup includes the rugged Outback, STI, WRX, Forester and its only EV model, the Solterra.
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