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Frontal Crash Test Results

For frontal crash tests, the NHTSA crash-test dummies represent an average-sized adult and are placed in the driver and front passenger seats. They are then secured with the vehicle's seat belts. Test vehicles are crashed into a fixed barrier at 35 miles per hour (mph), which is equivalent to a head-on collision between two similar vehicles each moving at 35 mph.

The tests reflect a crash between two similar vehicles, so make sure you compare vehicles from the same weight class, plus or minus 250 lbs., when looking at frontal crash star ratings.

Computers measure the force of impact to each dummy's head, neck, chest, pelvis, legs and feet by contact patches that feed information directly into the computer’s evaluation software.

Frontal crash test star ratings indicate the chance of a serious head and chest injury to the driver and right front seat passenger. A serious injury is one requiring immediate hospitalization and may be life threatening.

• 5 Stars = 10% or less chance of serious injury


• 4 Stars = 11% to 20% chance of serious injury


• 3 Stars = 21% to 35% chance of serious injury


• 2 Stars = 36% to 45% chance of serious injury


• 1 Star = 46% or greater chance of serious injury