IIHS crash tests: how do these 7 electric vehicles perform?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the American organization that conducts crash tests on all motor vehicles, recently tested seven electric models from 2025 for comparison purposes. The results vary greatly from one model to another.
Four received a good rating in the moderate overlap front crash test, which is conducted at a speed of 40 mph (64 km/h) with 40% of the vehicle making contact with the barrier. These were the BMW i4, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Tesla Cybertruck (manufactured after April 2025), and Volkswagen ID. Buzz. The Tesla Model 3 passed with an acceptable rating.
According to the IIHS, all of these vehicles offer excellent protection for the driver and good protection for rear passengers. However, in the case of the Model 3, measurements taken on the rear dummy revealed a slightly increased risk of chest injuries due to the high forces exerted by the seat belts.
The same crash test did not fare as well for the Ford F-150 Lightning and Nissan Ariya. These models received marginal and poor ratings, respectively. While they protect the driver well, the same cannot be said for rear passengers.
Measurements taken on the rear dummy in the F-150 Lightning indicated a high risk of injury not only to the chest, but also to the head and neck. In addition, the dummy's lap belt shifted from its ideal position on the pelvis to the abdomen, increasing the risk of internal injuries.
The Ariya's restraint systems performed well in controlling the rear dummy's movement during the crash, except that measurements showed a high risk of chest injuries, according to the IIHS.
Each of these seven electric vehicles earned a good or acceptable rating for pedestrian crash prevention. However, none of them impressed with the quality of their headlights. Most earned an acceptable rating at best, while the i4 and Cybertruck failed the test.
Finally, it should be noted that the Ariya and Blazer EV are the only two models that have completed all the tests required by the IIHS to be eligible for its prestigious “Top Safety Pick” and “Top Safety Pick+” awards. However, neither offers sufficient protection to earn one. This will also be the case for the i4, Cybertruck, and F-150 Lightning.
Visit the IIHS website or check out the photo gallery at the top of the page to see the full results. We have also published another article listing the safest vehicles in 2025 according to the IIHS. Check it out!
