NEW SUVS DON’T CRASH WELL

Accord-ing to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, automakers are marketing new midsize SUV models for 2001 and 2002, but most of these vehicles aren’t being equipped with bumpers that resist damage in the kinds of impacts that routinely occur in commuter traffic and parking lots. Based on performance in a recent series of 5 mph crash tests involving seven new midsize SUVs, all but the Acura MDX have marginal or poor bumpers. The Institute recently tested the 2001 Acura MDX, 2001 Toyota Highlander, 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, 2001 Pontiac Aztek, 2002 Isuzu Axiom, 2002 Buick Rendezvous, and 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7. Suzuki’s Grand Vitara XL-7 was the worst performer among the seven vehicles tested, sustaining more than $2,000 damage in the rear-into-pole test alone. According to the Institute’s chief operating officer, Adrian Lund, the Acura MDX was the best performer, and had the best bumper systems of any midsize SUV the Institute has ever tested.