IIHS results · data updated 2026-09-04

Least Safe New Cars of 2026

Every current vehicle with a Poor or Marginal IIHS result, and the lowest scores among vehicles with a complete record.

94 of the 197 current vehicles we track have at least one Poor or Marginal IIHS result, and 33 have at least one Poor. Among the 137 vehicles with a complete published record, the lowest score belongs to the 2026 Nissan Altima at 39.1/100. A low score reflects published tests only. Missing tests are never counted against a vehicle, which is why some models with a weak result still show as not ranked.

Current vehicles with a Poor or Marginal IIHS result

Sorted by number of Poor results, then total weak results. The score is 55% primary IIHS tests, 25% selected occupant-protection details, 10% pedestrian front crash prevention, and 10% class context; vehicles missing any required test are shown as not ranked.

Vehicle	Class	Poor or Marginal results	Score
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross	Small SUVs	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Poor Side: updated test Poor Seat belt reminders	not ranked
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500	Large pickups	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Poor Headlights Marginal Small overlap front Marginal Latch ease of use Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	40.5
2026 Cadillac CT5	Midsize luxury cars	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Poor Side: updated test Marginal Headlights (varies by trim/option) Marginal Seat belt reminders	not ranked
2026 Ram 1500	Large pickups	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Poor Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics Marginal Seat belt reminders Marginal Latch ease of use	62.5
2026 Ford F 150 Lightning	Large pickups	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Poor Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics Marginal Latch ease of use	not ranked

2026 Nissan Altima	Midsize cars	Poor Side: updated test Poor Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test	39.1
2026 Ford F 150	Large pickups	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Poor Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics Marginal Latch ease of use	57.5
2027 Honda CR V	Small SUVs	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Poor Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	66.6
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan	Midsize SUVs	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Poor Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	70.3
2026 Lexus RX	Midsize luxury SUVs	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Poor Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	72.1
2026 Jeep Compass	Small SUVs	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Side: updated test Marginal Seat belt reminders Marginal Latch ease of use	54.1
2026 Kia K5	Midsize cars	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Side: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	not ranked
2026 Honda Ridgeline	Small pickups	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Headlights Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	51.2
2026 Ford Bronco Sport	Small SUVs	Poor Whiplash prevention Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	69.1
2026 Lexus UX	Small SUVs	Poor Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test	not ranked
2026 Chevrolet Tahoe	Large SUVs	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	not ranked
2026 Volkswagen Taos	Small SUVs	Poor Seat belt reminders Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test	61.2
2026 Ford Ranger	Small pickups	Poor Latch ease of use Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test	not ranked
2026 Buick Envista	Small SUVs	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Headlights	63.7
2026 Chevrolet Trax	Small SUVs	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Headlights	63.7
2026 Subaru WRX	Small cars	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	67.0
2026 Kia EV6	Small SUVs	Poor Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test	69.3
2026 Audi Q4 e-tron	Midsize luxury SUVs	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	70.7
2026 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron	Midsize luxury SUVs	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	70.7
2026 Toyota Tacoma	Small pickups	Poor Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test	72.8
2026 Toyota Sienna	Minivans	Poor Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test	74.4
2026 Audi A3	Midsize luxury cars	Poor Seat belt reminders Marginal Side: updated test	79.7
2026 Chrysler Voyager	Minivans	Poor Headlights	not ranked
2027 Honda Odyssey	Minivans	Poor Moderate overlap front: updated test	73.9
2026 Volkswagen Jetta	Midsize cars	Poor Seat belt reminders	not ranked
2026 Cadillac Lyriq	Midsize luxury SUVs	Poor Headlights	90.0
2026 Mazda CX 50	Small SUVs	Poor Whiplash prevention	90.6
2026 Hyundai Tucson	Small SUVs	Poor Whiplash prevention	93.1
2026 Ford Expedition	Large SUVs	Marginal Small overlap front Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test	not ranked
2026 GMC Sierra 1500	Large pickups	Marginal Small overlap front Marginal Latch ease of use	not ranked
2026 Kia Seltos	Small SUVs	Marginal Side: updated test Marginal Seat belt reminders	61.5
2026 Audi Q8	Large SUVs	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	67.6
2026 Nissan Kicks	Small SUVs	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	68.2
2026 Kia K4	Small cars	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	69.8
2026 Toyota Sequoia	Large SUVs	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	70.1
2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer	Large SUVs	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Seat belt reminders	not ranked
2026 Mercedes-Benz E Class	Large cars	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	72.7
2026 Subaru Crosstrek	Small cars	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	73.6
2026 Subaru Impreza	Small cars	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	73.6
2026 Chrysler Pacifica	Minivans	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Seat belt reminders	73.9
2026 Toyota 4Runner	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	not ranked
2026 Ford Maverick	Small pickups	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	74.2
2026 Toyota Highlander	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	74.4
2026 Nissan Frontier	Small pickups	Marginal Latch ease of use Marginal Rear passenger head protection	74.8
2026 Toyota Corolla	Small cars	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	74.9
2026 Toyota Crown Signia	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	75.1
2026 BMW 3 Series	Midsize luxury cars	Marginal Seat belt reminders Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	76.7
2026 Toyota Land Cruiser	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	76.9
2026 BMW i4	Midsize luxury cars	Marginal Headlights (varies by trim/option) Marginal Seat belt reminders	not ranked
2026 Jeep Wrangler	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Headlights (varies by trim/option) Marginal Seat belt reminders	77.3
2026 Ford Bronco	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test Marginal Headlights	77.8
2026 Jeep Gladiator	Small pickups	Marginal Headlights (varies by trim/option) Marginal Seat belt reminders	78.3
2026 Chevrolet Traverse	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Seat belt reminders Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	83.9
2026 Dodge Durango	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Small overlap front	not ranked
2026 Ford Mustang	Midsize cars	Marginal Latch ease of use	not ranked
2026 Lincoln Corsair	Small SUVs	Marginal Side: updated test	not ranked
2026 Lexus Is	Midsize luxury cars	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test	not ranked
2026 Cadillac XT5	Midsize luxury SUVs	Marginal Headlights	not ranked
2026 Kia Carnival	Minivans	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test	not ranked
2026 Chevrolet Colorado	Small pickups	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test	not ranked
2026 GMC Canyon	Small pickups	Marginal Moderate overlap front: updated test	67.8
2026 Ford Escape	Small SUVs	Marginal Side: updated test	not ranked
2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia	Midsize luxury cars	Marginal Latch ease of use	not ranked
2026 Genesis G90	Large cars	Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	75.8
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Seat belt reminders	not ranked
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Seat belt reminders	not ranked
2026 Acura Integra	Small cars	Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	78.0
2026 Genesis G70	Large cars	Marginal Latch ease of use	not ranked
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross	Small SUVs	Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	78.8
2026 Rivian R1T	Large pickups	Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	79.7
2026 Genesis G80	Large cars	Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	79.9
2026 Honda Civic	Small cars	Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	80.0
2026 Acura ADX	Small SUVs	Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	81.5
2026 GMC Acadia	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	83.9
2026 Acura MDX	Midsize luxury SUVs	Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	84.5
2026 Honda Pilot	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	85.2
2026 Nissan Rogue	Small SUVs	Marginal Whiplash prevention	86.5
2026 Kia Sorento	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	87.9
2026 Honda Civic	Small cars	Marginal Seat belt reminders	89.1
2026 Hyundai Palisade	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics	89.3
2026 BMW X1	Small SUVs	Marginal Seat belt reminders	90.6
2026 Tesla Model 3	Midsize luxury cars	Marginal Seat belt reminders	91.7
2027 Audi A6 Sportback e-tron	Large cars	Marginal Seat belt reminders	92.6
2026 Volkswagen Atlas	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Latch ease of use	94.3
2026 Audi A5	Midsize luxury cars	Marginal Seat belt reminders	94.7
2026 Tesla Cybertruck	Large pickups	Marginal Seat belt reminders	96.5
2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport	Midsize SUVs	Marginal Latch ease of use	96.8
2026 BMW X3	Midsize luxury SUVs	Marginal Seat belt reminders	97.2
2027 Tesla Model Y	Midsize luxury SUVs	Marginal Seat belt reminders	98.6

Results are the IIHS ratings as published for the current model year, including the driver-side small overlap, updated moderate overlap, updated side, headlight, and seat belt reminder evaluations, plus the rear-passenger restraint measure from the updated moderate overlap test. "Not ranked" means IIHS has not published every test we require, not that the vehicle failed.

Lowest scores among vehicles with a complete record

These 25 vehicles have every required IIHS test published, so their scores are directly comparable to the top of the ranking.

Vehicle	Class	IIHS award	Rear restraints	Score
2026 Nissan Altima	Midsize cars	—	Poor	39.1
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500	Large pickups	—	Marginal	40.5
2026 Honda Ridgeline	Small pickups	—	Marginal	51.2
2026 Jeep Compass	Small SUVs	—	Good	54.1
2026 Ford F 150	Large pickups	—	Poor	57.5
2026 Volkswagen Taos	Small SUVs	—	Acceptable	61.2
2026 Kia Seltos	Small SUVs	—	Acceptable	61.5
2026 Ram 1500	Large pickups	—	Poor	62.5
2026 Buick Envista	Small SUVs	—	Good	63.7
2026 Chevrolet Trax	Small SUVs	—	Good	63.7
2027 Honda CR V	Small SUVs	—	Poor	66.6
2026 Subaru WRX	Small cars	—	Marginal	67.0
2026 Audi Q8	Large SUVs	—	Marginal	67.6
2026 GMC Canyon	Small pickups	—	Acceptable	67.8
2026 Nissan Kicks	Small SUVs	—	Marginal	68.2
2026 Ford Bronco Sport	Small SUVs	—	Marginal	69.1
2026 Kia EV6	Small SUVs	—	Poor	69.3
2026 Kia K4	Small cars	—	Marginal	69.8
2026 Toyota Sequoia	Large SUVs	—	Marginal	70.1
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan	Midsize SUVs	—	Poor	70.3
2026 Audi Q4 e-tron	Midsize luxury SUVs	—	Marginal	70.7
2026 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron	Midsize luxury SUVs	—	Marginal	70.7
2026 Lexus RX	Midsize luxury SUVs	—	Poor	72.1
2026 Mercedes-Benz E Class	Large cars	—	Marginal	72.7
2026 Toyota Tacoma	Small pickups	—	Poor	72.8

What Poor means

IIHS rates each test on a four-step scale. The rating combines how well the structure held up, what the crash dummies measured, and how the restraints controlled the dummy's movement.

GoodLow injury measures and the occupant space held.

AcceptableMinor shortfall on one or more measures.

MarginalMeaningful shortfall, such as elevated injury risk or intrusion.

PoorHigh injury measures or significant collapse of the occupant space.

Most of the weak results on this page come from two tests IIHS made harder in recent years: the updated moderate overlap test, which adds a rear-seat dummy behind the driver, and the updated side test, which uses a heavier barrier at a higher speed. Many vehicles that rated Good in the old versions dropped to Marginal or Poor when the new versions were applied. Read how the updated tests changed the results.

Crash tests measure what happens once a crash occurs. For how often drivers of each model actually die on the road, see the most dangerous cars by real-world death rate.

Questions people ask

What is the least safe car in 2026?

Among current vehicles with a complete set of published IIHS tests, the 2026 Nissan Altima has the lowest score in our ranking at 39.1 out of 100. A low score reflects published test results only; a vehicle that IIHS has not finished testing is never counted as failing, so it does not appear in the ranked list. For real-world death rates by model, see our dangerous cars page.

Which cars failed the IIHS rear-seat test?

24 current vehicles in our data have a Poor result in the updated moderate overlap front test or its rear-passenger restraint measure, which is the test that checks how well the back seat protects a passenger. They are listed in the first table on this page with the specific result marked.

Is a Marginal rating dangerous?

Marginal is the second-lowest of the four IIHS ratings (Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor). It means the vehicle showed a meaningful shortfall in that test, such as higher injury measures on the dummy or intrusion into the occupant space, but performed better than a Poor result. One Marginal result in an otherwise Good record is a reason to look closely at that specific test, not a reason to rule the car out on its own.

Should I avoid a car with one Poor result?

It depends on the test. A Poor in a primary crash test (small overlap, moderate overlap, or side) affects the people inside the car directly and counts heavily against the vehicle in our score. A Poor in headlights or seat belt reminders matters less and is often fixed by choosing a different trim. Check the vehicle page to see which test produced the result before deciding.

Keep comparing

Most dangerous cars by death rateReal-world data The updated IIHS testsExplainer Safest cars of 2026Main ranking New car safety ratingsNew cars IIHS Top Safety Pick 2026 winnersAwards