Rollover evaluations

Small SUVs

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
Volkswagen Tiguan 2009-10 models		3,665	21,316	5.82
Subaru Forester 2009-10 models		3,268	15,166	4.64
Honda Element 2003-10 models		3,633	15,642	4.31
Jeep Patriot 2007-10 models		3,393	14,419	4.25
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2009-10 models		3,639	12,727	3.50
Chevrolet Equinox 2005-09 models Pontiac Torrent 2006-09 models		3,821	13,253	3.47
Toyota RAV4 2006-10 models		3,493	12,082	3.46
Nissan Rogue 2008-10 models		3,430	11,460	3.34
Mitsubishi Outlander 2007-10 models		3,512	11,670	3.32
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2008 models		3,719	10,470	2.82
Honda CR-V 2007-10 models		3,469	9,711	2.80
Ford Escape Mazda Tribute Mercury Mariner 2008-10 models		3,476	8,865	2.55
Kia Sportage Hyundai Tucson 2008-09 models		3,638	8,834	2.43
Ford Escape Hybrid Mazda Tribute Hybrid Mercury Mariner Hybrid 2008-10 models		3,902	8,865	2.27