Buying Guides
What a five-star crash rating actually tells you
Crash test scores are widely quoted and widely misunderstood. We break down what the protocols measure.
Independent crash test programmes assess adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection and safety assist systems. A single star rating aggregates these, so two five-star cars can differ meaningfully in individual categories.\n\nProtocols also tighten over time. A rating awarded several years ago was measured against an older, less demanding standard than one awarded today.\n\nWhen safety is a priority, read the underlying category scores and the test year rather than the headline number alone.
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