The world of small pickup trucks is incredibly diverse, with many great choices for consumers who value utility, off-road capabilities, and comfort. However, when it comes to safety, not all small pickups are created equal. Recently, only two small pickups won the coveted safety award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Let’s delve into what makes these trucks stand out from the rest in terms of safety features and design.
What is the IIHS and Why is Their Award Significant?
The IIHS is an independent, educational, and scientific organization dedicated to reducing the losses, deaths, injuries, and property damage resulting from vehicle crashes. They conduct rigorous tests to measure a vehicle’s crashworthiness—how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash—and crash avoidance and mitigation—technology that can prevent a crash or lessen its severity.
The Safety Champions: Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline
Out of the multitude of small pickup trucks tested by the IIHS, the Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline emerged as the top performers in safety. These two vehicles distinguished themselves with their exceptional build quality, advanced safety features, and outstanding performance in crash tests.
The Ford Ranger: A Blend of Strength and Technology
The Ford Ranger, known for its robust construction and off-road prowess, proved that it’s not just tough, but also safe. The Ranger scored well in all of the IIHS’s crashworthiness tests, including the demanding driver-side small overlap front test, which replicates what happens when the front left corner of a vehicle strikes another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole.
Equally impressive is the Ranger’s suite of advanced safety features. Ford includes its Co-Pilot360 system as standard, which boasts a pre-collision assist system with automatic emergency braking, a lane-keeping system, and a blind spot warning system with cross-traffic alert that even covers the truck’s trailer.
The Honda Ridgeline: Safety and Comfort in One Package
Meanwhile, the Honda Ridgeline, popular for its refined ride and roomy, high-quality interior, also stood out in safety. Just like the Ford Ranger, the Ridgeline scored well in all IIHS crashworthiness categories. But where the Ridgeline triumphed was in the area of headline and child-seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use.
Honda Sensing, Honda’s comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies come standard on every Ridgeline. This includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).
Stay Safe on the Road with the Right Small Pickup Truck
While many small pickup trucks offer a wonderful blend of power, utility, and comfort, only a select few can claim to be at the top of their class when it comes to safety. So, if you’re shopping for a small pickup truck, consider the Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline for their exceptional safety ratings.
In the end, the greatest vehicle in the world is the one that keeps you and your loved ones safe. Therefore, always consider safety, alongside other factors like cost, utility, and comfort, when choosing your next pickup truck.