The 2019 Jeep Wrangler, part of the redesigned JL generation (2018-2021 models), underwent rigorous crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This report focuses on the driver-side small overlap frontal test and the overall safety rating for the Jeep Wrangler 2019 Unlimited Sport 4-door 4wd model.
The Jeep Wrangler 2019 represents a significant redesign from its predecessor, known as the Wrangler JK, which was produced concurrently for part of the 2018 model year. To assess the safety performance of this new design, the IIHS conducted two driver-side small overlap frontal tests. Additionally, Fiat Chrysler also performed a similar test. The safety ratings for the redesigned Wrangler are primarily based on the IIHS evaluations.
During both IIHS small overlap frontal tests, an unexpected outcome occurred: the Jeep Wrangler tipped onto its passenger side after impacting the barrier. This partial rollover situation introduces safety concerns beyond the standard measurements of frontal crash tests. A vehicle rolling onto its side in a frontal crash is not considered an acceptable result, leading to a downgrade in the Jeep Wrangler’s overall safety rating to marginal in the small overlap test.
Despite the marginal overall rating due to the rollover, the structural integrity and occupant protection of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler showed good performance in key areas. In the small overlap test, the Wrangler achieved a “Good” rating for structure and safety cage. Furthermore, driver injury measures for the head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot were all rated as “Good,” indicating a low risk of significant injuries in these areas. Driver restraints and dummy kinematics also received a “Good” rating, suggesting the restraint systems effectively controlled occupant movement during the crash.
Action shot from the second IIHS driver-side small overlap frontal crash test of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler, showing the vehicle just before it tipped onto its side.
Post-crash test position of the driver dummy inside the 2019 Jeep Wrangler, indicating good maintenance of survival space relative to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel (second test pictured).
Airbag deployment in the 2019 Jeep Wrangler during the small overlap test. The frontal airbag effectively supported the dummy’s head. The combination side airbag deployed but lacks sufficient forward coverage. Side curtain airbags are not available (second test pictured).
View of the driver’s side occupant space after the 2019 Jeep Wrangler small overlap crash test, demonstrating well-maintained space and low risk of leg and foot injuries for the driver dummy (second test pictured).
Image highlighting the partial rollover of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler during the small overlap crash test, which introduces additional injury risks beyond standard frontal crash assessments (second test pictured).
Detailed technical measurements from the crash tests provide further insight into the vehicle’s performance. Occupant compartment intrusion measurements show the extent of deformation in various areas. Driver injury measures, such as HIC-15 for head injury, neck tension, chest compression, and femur forces, quantify the potential injury risk to the driver. These measurements, while detailed, support the overall “Good” ratings for driver injury measures, despite the rollover event.
In conclusion, while the 2019 Jeep Wrangler demonstrated robust occupant protection in terms of structure and driver injury measures in the small overlap frontal crash test, the partial rollover resulted in a marginal overall rating for this specific test. This outcome is a critical factor for consumers to consider when evaluating the safety of the Jeep Wrangler 2019.
