Consumer Reports Names 5 Popular Cars to Avoid for Safety, Offers Safer Alternatives
Consumer Reports has highlighted five well-selling vehicles that fall short in crash safety performance. The Chevrolet Tahoe, which sold 114,000 units in 2025, received a Poor rating in the IIHS's moderate overlap crash test due to risks of rear-seat injuries and exhibited below-average braking and handling. A safer option is the Nissan Armada. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, priced between $62,250 and $133,150, failed to stop for a pedestrian dummy, making the BMW X5 a safer choice. The Dodge Durango lacks standard emergency braking and received a Marginal rating, while the Honda Passport is recommended. The Volkswagen Jetta, starting at $23,995, earned an Acceptable rating, with the Mazda 3 being safer. The 2025 Volkswagen Taos, redesigned, received no Good ratings, and the Mazda CX-30 is advised.
Key facts
- Consumer Reports compared five popular models against safer alternatives in the same class.
- Chevrolet Tahoe earned a Poor score in the IIHS's updated moderate overlap crash test.
- Nissan Armada is recommended as a safer large SUV.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE's automatic emergency braking failed to brake for a pedestrian dummy in IIHS testing.
- BMW X5 is cited as a safer alternative to the GLE.
- Dodge Durango lacks standard highway-speed automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
- Honda Passport is a Top Safety Pick+ for 2025 and is recommended over the Durango.
- Volkswagen Jetta earned an Acceptable rating in the IIHS side crash test and its AEB failed to avoid a pedestrian dummy.
- Mazda 3 is recommended as a safer sedan.
- Volkswagen Taos earned no Good ratings in IIHS crash tests and its AEB failed to avoid motorcycles.
- Mazda CX-30 is recommended as a safer subcompact SUV.
Entities
Institutions
- Consumer Reports
- IIHS
- Chevrolet
- Nissan
- Mercedes-Benz
- BMW
- Dodge
- Honda
- Volkswagen
- Mazda
Sources
- Quartz —