Consumer Reports Cars Blog: NHTSA releases second batch of vehicle ratings under new system

The latest vehicles evaluated by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with the new 5-Star Safety Ratings System fare better than the initial group unveiled last month. In the previous test of 33 models, only two vehicles received the top overall rating—the BMW 5 Series and the later Hyundai Sonata (those built from July 2 onwards). Although, both models received a score of 4 in the more stringent front crash rating. In this latest batch of eight vehicles the Honda Accord earned 5-star ratings across the board. The Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia also earned the top overall score, but earned 4-star ratings for the front crash and rollover rating.

Previously, nearly all models were rated at five stars, making it difficult for consumers to determine the better performers. Under the new, more rigorous ratings system, not all vehicles will earn the highest score even if they had been at that level before. It is important to note that, despite the temptation to do so, 2011 results cannot be compared against those prior to 2010 and before due to the changes in methodology and calculation. For this first year of the new ratings, NHTSA will rate 24 passenger cars, 20 SUVs, two vans, and nine pickups. Below is a list of the latest group tested (see the list of the first group in our previous blog).