The 20 Least Safe Cars of 2015

5. Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9’s low safety score is due to a “poor” score in the small overlap front, and “marginal” in roof strength and head restraints. In the small overlap front test, the driver’s space was seriously compromised by the intruding structure. Lower intrusion measured 43 cm at the lower hinge pillar, the parking brake pedal was pushed back 25 cm, upper intrusion measured 44 cm, and the steering column was pushed towards the driver 12 cm. The dummy’s head struck the window frame, indicating a high risk of head injury in a crash of this severity. The dummy’s head barely contacted the frontal airbag before sliding off the left side as the steering column moved 33 cm to the right, resulting in little airbag cushioning for the chest. Additionally, the side curtain airbag did not deploy, allowing the head to hit the intruding driver door window frame and window sill.