Rear crash protection: Mazda

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 Acceptable Marginal Poor

Model	Seat type	Dynamic rating
2 2011-2013	Manual cloth seat
3 2010-2013	Manual cloth seats (AHR)
3 2004-2009	Base seats
3 2004-2009	Seats with adjustable lumbar
6 2014	Leather power seat
6 2009-2013	Manual cloth seats
6 2006-2008	Power cloth seats with manual adjustable lumbar
6 2003-2005	Seats with adjustable lumbar
6 2003-2005	Seats without adjustable lumbar
B Series 2006-2009	All seats	not tested (see note)
B Series 2004-2005	All seats
CX-5 2013-2014	Manual cloth seats
CX-7 2007-2011	Grand Touring seats
CX-9 2013	Grand Touring seats
CX-9 2010-2012	Power leather seat (AHR)
CX-9 2007-2009	Grand Touring seats
MPV 2004-2006	All seats	not tested (see note)
Tribute 2009-2011	Manual - power cloth seats
Tribute 2008	All seats
Tribute 2005-2006	All seats

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 Mazda 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
3	see table above
6	see table above	see table above
626
929
B Series	see table above
Miata
Millenia
MPV	see table above
MX3
MX6
Protege
Protege 5
RX-8
Tribute

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