The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze, part of the model generation introduced in 2011 as a successor to the Chevrolet Cobalt, has been evaluated for its safety performance in moderate overlap frontal crash tests. These ratings, applicable to Chevrolet Cruze models from 2011 to 2015, provide valuable insights for prospective buyers and current owners concerned about vehicle safety.
These safety assessments are based on tests conducted by General Motors and analyzed by independent organizations. Notably, starting with the 2013 models, the Chevrolet Cruze incorporated a redesigned driver frontal airbag, featuring a “smart” design with flexible venting technology. However, tests comparing the older and newer airbag designs showed no significant difference in overall crash test performance, ensuring consistent safety ratings across the specified model years.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) moderate overlap frontal test evaluates how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a common type of frontal crash. For the Chevrolet Cruze, the overall evaluation for this test is rated as Good (G), the highest possible rating. This “Good” rating extends across various critical aspects of the crash test, indicating robust protection for the driver.
Specifically, in terms of structural integrity and occupant safety, the Chevrolet Cruze 2014 also earns a Good (G) rating for both “Structure and safety cage” and “Driver restraints and dummy kinematics.” Furthermore, the driver injury measures are all rated as Good (G) across all categories: Head/neck, Chest, and Leg/foot (both left and right). These comprehensive “Good” ratings demonstrate the Chevrolet Cruze 2014’s ability to provide excellent protection in a moderate overlap frontal crash scenario.
Detailed technical measurements from the crash tests provide further granular insights. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion on the driver side, such as footwell intrusion and steering column movement, are meticulously recorded to assess structural deformation. Similarly, driver injury measures, including head and neck forces, chest compression, and leg and foot impacts, are quantified to evaluate the effectiveness of the safety systems in mitigating injury risks. These detailed metrics support the overall “Good” ratings and offer a comprehensive picture of the Chevrolet Cruze 2014’s crashworthiness.
In conclusion, the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze demonstrates a strong safety performance in moderate overlap frontal crash tests, achieving the highest rating of “Good” across all evaluated categories. This solid safety profile makes the Chevrolet Cruze a reliable choice for drivers prioritizing safety and occupant protection in a compact vehicle. It’s important to note that these ratings apply to models manufactured between 2011 and 2015, offering consistent safety assurance for this range of Chevrolet Cruze vehicles.
