A new round of testing from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems are making real progress. especially where it matters most. After launching a tougher crash prevention evaluation last year, IIHS reports that 22 of the latest 30 vehicles tested earned a rating of good or acceptable. That’s a big leap forward compared to early results in April, when just three out of 10 small SUVs met that bar.
These improvements aren’t just about ticking boxes. The new testing method targets the most dangerous types of rear-end crashes—those at higher speeds and involving more vulnerable vehicles like motorcycles and semitrailers. According to IIHS President David Harkey, the new test is already pushing automakers to deliver life-saving results. “Vehicles that excel in this new test will save lives,” Harkey states, “as it addresses the most dangerous kinds of front-to-rear crashes.”
What’s New in the Test, and Why It Matters
The updated evaluation puts AEB systems through a much tougher workout. Instead of the old 12 and 25 mph scenarios, test vehicles are now challenged at speeds of 31, 37, and 43 mph. And it’s not just passenger cars anymore. The trials now include motorcycle and semitrailer targets, along with tests where the target vehicle is slightly off-center—more in line with how crashes actually happen in the real world.
That’s important because higher-speed crashes are more likely to cause serious injuries or fatalities. Rear-end collisions with semitrailers alone kill more than 400 people in the U.S. each year, and another 200 motorcyclists die annually in similar scenarios. The test evaluates both how early a system issues a forward collision warning and how well it slows or stops the vehicle before impact. Strong braking performance counts for two-thirds of the score, and timely alerts make up the rest.
Which Vehicles Earned Top Marks?
The list of top performers includes a mix of new EVs, SUVs, and sedans. Vehicles that earned a “good” rating for their standard systems include the Acura ZDX, BMW X5 and X6, Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Genesis GV80, Honda Prologue, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia EV9, Kia Sorento, Lexus NX, Subaru Forester, Toyota Camry, Toyota Crown Signia, and Toyota Tacoma. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class also earned a good score with its optional system, while the standard version was rated acceptable.
Other vehicles with acceptable-rated systems include the Genesis G80, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Sonata, Jeep Wagoneer, and Mazda CX-50. An optional system on the Acura MDX also performed at this level, although the standard system wasn’t tested.
Where Some Systems Still Struggle
Not all vehicles fared well. The Ford Expedition received a marginal score, and several others—including the Audi Q7 and Q8, Buick Envista, Chevrolet Tahoe and Trax, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Altima—were rated poor. These vehicles struggled the most in the motorcycle tests, which continue to be the biggest challenge across the board. Some couldn’t stop in time, even at the slowest test speed of 31 mph, and several delivered collision warnings too late to be effective.
Even among acceptable-rated systems, the 43 mph motorcycle test proved difficult. None of those vehicles managed to avoid a crash in that scenario, and some impacted the motorcycle target at speeds exceeding 25 mph. That’s a sharp reminder that while AEB technology is getting better, there’s still work to be done, especially when it comes to protecting motorcyclists.
A Clear Direction for Safety Innovation
The takeaway is clear: automatic emergency braking is evolving quickly, and tougher standards are pushing automakers to improve. These systems aren’t just making driving more convenient — they’re actively saving lives by preventing high-speed collisions that cause the most harm.
As more vehicles hit the road with these upgraded systems, we’ll likely see fewer severe injuries in rear-end crashes, and better protection for all kinds of road users.