HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS

Rear crash protection: Hyundai


For each seat/head restraint, rear-end crash protection is an assessment of occupant protection against neck injury in rear impacts at low to moderate speeds. Although such injuries usually aren't serious, they occur frequently.

The overall ratings are based on a two-step evaluation. In the first step the geometry (distance behind and below the head of a seated average-size man) is rated good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. Seats with good or acceptable geometry then are subjected to a dynamic test simulating the forces in a stationary vehicle that's rear-ended by another vehicle of the same weight going 20 mph. Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall.

In the dynamic tests measurements are recorded on a dummy (BioRID) representing an average-size man. BioRID is designed specifically for rear-end testing at low to moderate speeds. The dynamic ratings are derived from two seat design parameters (acceleration of the dummy's torso and time from impact initiation to head restraint contact with the dummy's head) plus tension and shear forces recorded on the dummy's neck. Overall ratings are based on both geometric measurements and dynamic results.

More about the procedures for rating seat/head restraints

Good Good Acceptable Acceptable Marginal Marginal Poor Poor

 

Model Seat type Overall rating Dynamic rating Seat/head restraint geometry
Accent
2012-2013
Manual cloth seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Accent
2010-2011
Manual cloth seats Acceptable Acceptable Good
Accent
2006-2009
Manual cloth seats Poor Poor Good
Azera
2012-2013
Power leather seats Good Good Good
Azera
2006-2011
Power leather seats (AHR) Acceptable Acceptable Good
Elantra
2011-2013 (mfg. after March 2011)
Manual cloth seat Good Good Good
Elantra
2011 (mfg. before April 2011)
Manual cloth seat Acceptable Acceptable Good
Elantra
2010
Manual cloth seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Elantra
2007-2009
Manual cloth seats (AHR) Acceptable Acceptable Good
Elantra
2001-2006
All seats Poor Poor Acceptable
Elantra Touring
2009-2012
Manual cloth seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Entourage
2007-2008
All seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Equus
2011-2013
Power leather seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Genesis
2009-2013
Power leather seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Santa Fe
2013
Power leather seats Good Good Good
Santa Fe
2010-2012
Manual cloth seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Santa Fe
2007-2009
Manual cloth seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Santa Fe
2001-2006
All seats Poor Poor Good
Sonata
2011-2013
Power cloth seat (AHR) Good Good Good
Sonata
2010
Manual cloth seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Sonata
2006-2009
Manual cloth seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Sonata
2001-2005
GL models Poor Poor Acceptable
Tucson
2010-2013
Manual seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Tucson
2009
Manual cloth seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Tucson
2006-2008 (mfg. before Jan 2008)
All seats Poor Poor Good
Tucson
2008 (mfg. after Dec 2007)
Manual cloth seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Veracruz
2008-2012 (mfg. after Aug 2007)
Power leather seats (AHR) Good Good Good
Veracruz
2007 (mfg. June 2007 to Aug 2007)
Power leather seats (AHR) Acceptable Acceptable Good
XG350
2002-2005
All seats Poor Poor Acceptable

 

Note: Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are also tested dynamically.

Rear crash protection test details (technical information)


Geometric ratings of other Hyundai models

Ratings of seat/head restraints in newer model cars are based on restraint geometry and a dynamic test. The Institute has been publishing model-by-model ratings of the the geometry of the head restraints in older models since the mid-1990s. Geometry is the necessary first step toward a seat/head restraint that provides effective protection in rear-end crashes at low to moderate speeds.

More than one rating: Ratings are for individual vehicle models. More than one rating may be shown for a model because vehicle seat options can affect head restraint geometry.

No rating shown/no model year listed: The Institute has not evaluated the head restraints in every vehicle model during every model year. If a rating box is blank or if a model year is not listed, no rating is available. If a box is shaded gray, the model was not manufactured that year.

AHR: active head restraint. These are designed to move closer to the backs of occupants' heads in rear-end crashes. These are not rated for geometry at this time.

 

Model 2004 2003 2002 2001 1999 1997 1996 1995
Accent 2-dr Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable   Poor    
4-dr         Poor     Poor
Elantra see table above see table above see table above see table above Acceptable Poor   Marginal
Scoupe               Poor
Sonata see table above see table above see table above see table above Acceptable Poor Poor Poor
Tiburon Good Good Acceptable Acceptable MarginalPoor Poor    
XG300/XG350 see table above see table above see table above Marginal        

 

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