Despite the dramatic evaluation, the IIHS still awarded the Jeep a ‘marginal’ score, noting that the adventurous Wrangler “performed well by the normal metrics used to evaluate performance in the test.” Other positives included a strong safety cage and effective occupant restraints.
However, the test also showed a great risk of injury to the driver’s left leg and foot. What’s more, the head/torso side airbag didn’t deploy in the evaluation. Speaking to Automotive News, IIHS spokesperson Joe Young said the ‘marginal’ rating is a result of the rollover. “Obviously, rolling onto the side could present additional risk to a person that would be seated on the far side of that vehicle, so that’s why we ultimately decided to downgrade the vehicle to ‘marginal.'”
