Rollover evaluations

Small cars

To measure roof strength, a metal plate is pushed against one corner of a vehicle's roof at a constant speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before 5 inches of crush is compared to the vehicle's weight to find the strength-to-weight ratio. This is a good assessment of vehicle structural protection in rollover crashes.

Each model is rated based on our measured curb weight of a vehicle with typical engine, transmission, and equipment options. However, when the same model is available in a configuration over 10% heavier than the typically equipped vehicle, a separate rating is assigned.

More about how we rate vehicle roof strength

Good   Acceptable   Marginal   Poor   |   Vehicles are listed in order of performance

Model	Overall rating	Curb weight (lb)	Peak force (lb)	Strength-to-weight ratio
Nissan Cube 2009-13 models		2,833	20,569	7.26
Scion xB 2008-13 models		3,078	21,041	6.84
Honda CR-Z 2012-13 models		2,682	15,883	5.92
Honda Civic 4-door 2012-13 models		2,678	15,665	5.85
Scion xD 2008-13 models		2,641	15,171	5.74
Scion tC 2011-13 models		3,123	17,738	5.68
Acura ILX 2013 models		2,879	16,226	5.64
Nissan Leaf 2011-13 models		3,339	18,316	5.49
Volkswagen Beetle 2012-13 models		3,024	16,594	5.49
Ford Focus 4-door 2012-13 models		2,985	16,059	5.38
Rating also applies to the 4-door hatchback (5-door) version.
Chevrolet Sonic 2012-13 models		2,787	14,976	5.37
Rating also applies to the 4-door hatchback (5-door) version.
Mazda 3 sedan 2011-13 models built after December 2010		2,922	15,541	5.32
Volkswagen Golf 2010-13 models Volkswagen Rabbit 2006-09 models Volkswagen GTI 2010-13 models		3,042	15,970	5.25
Honda Civic 2-door 2013 models		2,752	14,325	5.21
Subaru Impreza 2012-13 models Subaru XV Crosstrek 2013 models		2,985	15,525	5.20
Rating applies to both the Impreza 4-door sedan and wagon (5-door) versions and to the structurally identical XV Crosstrek.
Toyota Corolla 2009-13 models		2,749	14,006	5.09
Mazda 3 hatchback 2011-13 models built after December 2010		3,023	15,380	5.09
Chevrolet Cruze 2011-13 models		3,143	15,944	5.07
Rating applies to both the Chevrolet Cruze (tested) and the structurally similar Buick Verano.
Hyundai Elantra 2011-13 models		2,748	13,933	5.07
Lexus CT 200h 2011-13 models		3,229	16,238	5.03
Honda Insight 2012-13 models		2,724	13,715	5.03
Scion FR-S Subaru BRZ 2013 models		2,787	13,941	5.00
Mini Cooper Countryman 2011-13 models		2,984	14,829	4.97
Dodge Dart 2013 models		3,330	16,554	4.97
Subaru Impreza 2008-11 models		3,132	14,485	4.62
Rating applies to both the 4-door sedan and wagon (5-door) versions. Each version was tested; values in table are for wagon. Sedan had curb weight of 3,125 lbs, peak force of 14,069 lbs, and strength-to-weight ratio of 4.50.
Kia Forte 2010-13 models built after October 2009		2,859	13,084	4.58
Honda Civic 4-door 2006-11 models		2,760	12,532	4.48
Nissan Juke 2011-13 models		2,955	13,191	4.46
Kia Soul 2010-13 models		2,886	12,489	4.33
Mitsubishi Lancer 2008-13 models		2,984	12,863	4.31
Rating also applies to the 4-door hatchback (Sportback) version. However, rating does not apply to Ralliart and Evolution models. Rating of these models is Acceptable.
Chevrolet Volt 2011-13 models		3,739	15,816	4.23
Toyota Prius 2011-13 models built after December 2010		3,056	12,846	4.20
Rating applies to both the Prius (tested) and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
Honda CR-Z 2011 models		2,665	10,343	3.88
Nissan Versa sedan 2007-11 models		2,552	9,414	3.69
Nissan Versa hatchback 2007-12 models		2,552	9,414	3.69
Rating applies to both the Nissan Versa sedan (tested) for model years 2007-11 and the structurally similar Nissan Versa hatchback (5-door) for model years 2007-12.
Dodge Caliber 2007-12 models		3,088	10,982	3.56
Nissan Sentra 2007-12 models		2,971	10,207	3.44
Honda Insight 2010-11 models		2,700	8,970	3.32
Suzuki SX4 2007-12 models		2,868	9,145	3.19
Rating applies only to 4-door sedan.