The 20 Least Safe Cars of 2015

20. Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot received a “poor” rating in the small overlap front test, earning it a low overall safety score. The driver’s space was seriously compromised by intruding structure. Lower interior intrusion measured as much as 29 cm at the hinge pillar, and the upper hinge pillar and instrument panel intruded 20-25 cm. Measurements from the dummy indicate injury to the left lower leg would be likely in a crash of this severity, and injury to the left thigh and right lower leg would be possible. The dummy’s head barely contacted the frontal airbag before sliding off the left side as the steering column moved 21 cm upward and 15 cm to the right, resulting in little airbag cushioning for the chest and leaving the head vulnerable to contact with forward side structure. Additionally, the seat belt allowed excessive forward excursion of the dummy’s head and torso, and the driver’s seat tipped forward and toward the B-pillar. The side curtain airbag did not deploy, leaving the dummy’s head vulnerable to contacts with side structure and outside objects.