The HLDI compiles and publishes insurance loss statistics due to incidents such as traffic collisions and consequential damages depending on the vehicle type.

The NHTSA standards require vehicles to provide no injuries to occupants after a head-on impact into a fixed barrier at 30 mph (48 km/h), not at an angle.

[8] The IIHS test exposes 40% of the front of the vehicle to an impact with a deformable barrier at approximately 40 mph (64 km/h).

[8] As with the NHTSA's frontal impact test, vehicles across different weight categories may not be directly compared.

Out of 15 small SUVs subjected to the new test, nine received an overall rating of poor due to high rear passenger injury measurements to the head, neck and chest.

[12] A Medical College of Wisconsin study found small-overlap collisions result in increased head, chest, spine, hip, and pelvis injuries.

This sort of collision is common on two-lane roads with two-way traffic where a center median is absent.

In 2019, the IIHS modified the test by using a heavier sled, changing the barrier design, and increasing the impact speed from 31 to 37 mph (60 km/h).

Features such as electronic stability control are proven to significantly reduce rollovers and lane departure warning systems may also help.

[28] In the test, which was introduced in 2009, the vehicle rests on a platform while a hydraulic metal plate diagonally pushes on the roof area above the side windows.

In order to get the highest rating, the vehicle must withstand a force equivalent to at least four times its curb weight before collapsing 5 in (130 mm).

Coupled with the car's lack of modern safety features such as airbags and seat belts, this resulted in the crash test dummy in the Bel Air recording forces that would have probably caused fatal injuries to a real driver.

[39] The Institute evaluated headlights for small SUVs 4 months later, and none of the vehicles tested earn a good rating.

Ratings for roof strength, head restraints and vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention were previously part of the overall TSP evaluation, but were removed in 2023 as nearly all vehicles tested performed well in these categories.