Small overlap front: driver-side
Rating applies to 2021-24 models built after July 2020
Tested vehicle: 2021 Buick Encore GX Select 4-door 4wd
The Buick Encore GX was introduced in the 2020 model year as a replacement for the Buick Encore, while the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer returns after an 11-year absence from the market as a replacement for the Chevrolet Trax. Two small overlap frontal tests of the Encore GX were conducted, one by the Institute and the other by General Motors as part of frontal crash test verification. Ratings are based on both tests, but the vehicle specifications shown below are based on the Institute’s test.
Overall evaluation | |
---|---|
Structure and safety cage | |
Driver injury measures | |
Head/neck | |
Chest | |
Hip/thigh | |
Lower leg/foot | |
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics |
Action shot taken during the small overlap frontal crash test.
The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained very well.
The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury.
The driver's space was maintained well, and risk of injuries to the dummy's legs and feet was low.
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
Test ID | VTN2105 | CEN2104 |
---|---|---|
Lower occupant compartment | ||
Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 6 | 5 |
Footrest (cm) | 5 | 2 |
Left toepan (cm) | 2 | 1 |
Brake pedal (cm) | 3 | 2 |
Parking brake (cm) | ||
Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 1 | 1 |
Upper occupant compartment | ||
Steering column | 0 | 0 |
Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 6 | 4 |
Upper dash (cm) | 6 | 2 |
Lower instrument panel (cm) | 5 | 2 |
Driver injury measures
Test ID | VTN2105 | CEN2104 |
---|---|---|
Head | ||
HIC-15 | 154 | 122 |
Peak gs at hard contact | no contact | no contact |
Neck | ||
Tension (kN) | 1.1 | 1.1 |
Extension bending moment (Nm) | 19 | 12 |
Maximum Nij | 0.21 | 0.20 |
Chest maximum compression (mm) | 20 | 24 |
Femur (kN) | ||
Left | 1.1 | 0.1 |
Right | 1.0 | 0.2 |
Knee displacement (mm) | ||
Left | 1 | 0 |
Right | 1 | 0 |
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | ||
Left | 0 | 0 |
Right | 0 | 0 |
Maximum tibia index | ||
Left | 0.44 | 0.66 |
Right | 0.42 | 0.50 |
Tibia axial force (kN) | ||
Left | 1.8 | 1.6 |
Right | 1.3 | 1.8 |
Foot acceleration (g) | ||
Left | 54 | 50 |
Right | 112 | 40 |
Small overlap front: passenger-side
Rating applies to 2021-24 models built after July 2020
Tested vehicle: 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence 4-door 4wd
The Buick Encore GX was introduced in the 2020 model year as a replacement for the Buick Encore, while the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer returns after an 11-year absence from the market as a replacement for the Chevrolet Trax. Passenger-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2021 Encore GX conducted by General Motors as part of frontal crash test verification.
Overall evaluation | |
---|---|
Structure and safety cage | |
Passenger injury measures | |
Head/neck | |
Chest | |
Hip/thigh | |
Lower leg/foot | |
Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | |
Driver injury measures | |
Head/neck | |
Chest | |
Hip/thigh | |
Lower leg/foot | |
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics |
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side
Test ID | VTP2109 |
---|---|
Lower occupant compartment | |
Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 8 |
Footrest (cm) | 4 |
Right toepan (cm) | 0 |
Center toepan (cm) | 2 |
Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 0 |
Upper occupant compartment | |
Center dash (cm) | 5 |
Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 7 |
Upper dash (cm) | 7 |
Right lower dash (cm) | 6 |
Passenger injury measures
Test ID | VTP2109 |
---|---|
Head | |
HIC-15 | 243 |
Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
Neck | |
Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
Extension bending moment (Nm) | 14 |
Maximum Nij | 0.18 |
Chest maximum compression (mm) | 16 |
Femur (kN) | |
Left | 1.9 |
Right | 3.0 |
Knee displacement (mm) | |
Left | 4 |
Right | 10 |
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
Left | 0 |
Right | 0 |
Maximum tibia index | |
Left | 0.75 |
Right | 0.86 |
Tibia axial force (kN) | |
Left | 2.7 |
Right | 2.8 |
Foot acceleration (g) | |
Left | 50 |
Right | 38 |
Driver injury measures
Test ID | VTP2109 |
---|---|
Head | |
HIC-15 | 168 |
Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
Neck | |
Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
Extension bending moment (Nm) | 11 |
Maximum Nij | 0.20 |
Chest maximum compression (mm) | 22 |
Femur (kN) | |
Left | 0.0 |
Right | 0.1 |
Knee displacement (mm) | |
Left | 0 |
Right | 0 |
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
Left | 0 |
Right | 0 |
Maximum tibia index | |
Left | 0.26 |
Right | 0.25 |
Tibia axial force (kN) | |
Left | 0.5 |
Right | 0.8 |
Foot acceleration (g) | |
Left | 40 |
Right | 55 |
How the passenger-side small overlap front test is conducted
Moderate overlap front: original test
Rating applies to 2021-24 models built after July 2020
Tested vehicle: 2021 Buick Encore GX Select 4-door 4wd
The Buick Encore GX was introduced in the 2020 model year as a replacement for the Buick Encore, while the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer returns after an 11-year absence from the market as a replacement for the Chevrolet Trax. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2021 Encore GX conducted by General Motors as part of frontal crash test verification.
Overall evaluation | |
---|---|
Structure and safety cage | |
Driver injury measures | |
Head/neck | |
Chest | |
Leg/foot, left | |
Leg/foot, right | |
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics |
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
Test ID | VTF2104 |
---|---|
Footwell intrusion | |
Footrest (cm) | 3 |
Left (cm) | 3 |
Center (cm) | 4 |
Right (cm) | 9 |
Brake pedal (cm) | 10 |
Instrument panel rearward movement | |
Left (cm) | 0 |
Right (cm) | 0 |
Steering column movement | |
Upward (cm) | -2 |
Rearward (cm) | 9 |
A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 0 |
Driver injury measures
Test ID | VTF2104 |
---|---|
Head | |
HIC-15 | 180 |
Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
Neck | |
Tension (kN) | 1.2 |
Extension bending moment (Nm) | 9 |
Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
Chest maximum compression (mm) | 23 |
Legs | |
Femur force - left (kN) | 0.2 |
Femur force - right (kN) | 1.9 |
Knee displacement - left (mm) | 0 |
Knee displacement - right (mm) | 0 |
Maximum tibia index - left | 0.36 |
Maximum tibia index - right | 0.46 |
Tibia axial force - left (kN) | 1.7 |
Tibia axial force - right (kN) | 5.6 |
Foot acceleration (g) | |
Left | 64 |
Right | 129 |
Side: original test
Rating applies to 2021-24 models built after July 2020
Tested vehicle: 2020 Buick Encore GX Essence 4-door 4wd
The Buick Encore GX was introduced in the 2020 model year as a replacement for the Buick Encore, while the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer returns after an 11-year absence from the market as a replacement for the Chevrolet Trax. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test of a 2021 Encore GX conducted by General Motors as part of side crash test verification.
Overall evaluation | |
---|---|
Structure and safety cage | |
Driver injury measures | |
Head/neck | |
Torso | |
Pelvis/leg | |
Driver head protection | |
Rear passenger injury measures | |
Head/neck | |
Torso | |
Pelvis/leg | |
Rear passenger head protection |
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
Test ID | VTS2104 |
---|---|
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm) | -18.0 |
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. |
Driver injury measures
Test ID | VTS2104 |
---|---|
Head HIC-15 | 268 |
Neck | |
Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
Shoulder | |
Lateral deflection (mm) | 35 |
Lateral force (kN) | 1.7 |
Torso | |
Maximum deflection (mm) | 36 |
Average deflection (mm) | 32 |
Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.59 |
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.68 |
Pelvis | |
Iliac force (kN) | 1.2 |
Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.7 |
Combined force (kN) | 2.8 |
Left femur | |
L-M force (kN) | 0.9 |
L-M moment (Nm) | 171 |
A-P moment (Nm) | 16 |
Passenger injury measures
Test ID | VTS2104 |
---|---|
Head HIC-15 | 173 |
Neck | |
Tension (kN) | 0.6 |
Compression (kN) | 0.1 |
Shoulder | |
Lateral deflection (mm) | 23 |
Lateral force (kN) | 1.1 |
Torso | |
Maximum deflection (mm) | 28 |
Average deflection (mm) | 26 |
Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.28 |
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.28 |
Pelvis | |
Iliac force (kN) | 0.5 |
Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.6 |
Combined force (kN) | 2.0 |
Left femur | |
L-M force (kN) | 0.8 |
L-M moment (Nm) | 70 |
A-P moment (Nm) | 20 |
Roof strength
Rating applies to 2021-23 models built after July 2020
Tested vehicle: 2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred 4-door 4wd
Ratings apply to the Buick Encore GX (tested) and the structurally similar all new 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Overall evaluation | |
---|---|
Curb weight | 3,243 lbs |
Peak force | 17,002 lbs |
Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.24 |
Head restraints & seats
Seat type: Power leatherette seat
Overall evaluation | |
---|---|
Dynamic rating | |
Seat/head restraint geometry |
Seat type | Power leatherette seat |
---|---|
Geometry | |
Backset (mm) | 26 |
Distance below top of head (mm) | 3 |
Seat design parameters | |
Pass/fail | Pass |
Max T1 acceleration (g) | 10.7 |
Head contact time (ms) | 64 |
Force rating | 1 |
Neck forces | |
Max neck shear force (N) | 9 |
Max neck tension (N) | 386 |
How the head restraint & seat test is conducted
Currently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.
Headlights
Ratings are given for 2 different headlight variations available on this vehicle.
Trim level(s)
- Activ trim equipped with Technology package
- RS trim equipped with Technology package
Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
---|---|
High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
Curve-adaptive? | No |
High-beam assist? | Yes |
Overall rating | |
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination: |
Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was good in all 4 tests.
The low beams never exceeded glare limits.
High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was good in all 4 tests.
Trim level(s) |
|
---|---|
Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
Curve-adaptive? | No |
High-beam assist? | Yes |
Overall rating Applies to 2021-23 models |
LOW BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
Amount glare exceeded threshold |
---|---|---|
Straightaway right edge | 122.6 m | None |
Straightaway left edge | 75.3 m | None |
250m radius right curve, right edge | 84.2 m | None |
250m radius left curve, left edge | 85.2 m | None |
150m radius right curve, right edge | 64.0 m | None |
150m radius left curve, left edge | 62.7 m | None |
HIGH BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
---|---|
Straightaway right edge | 192.6 m |
Straightaway left edge | 162.2 m |
250m radius right curve, right edge | 88.0 m |
250m radius left curve, left edge | 90.2 m |
150m radius right curve, right edge | 65.7 m |
150m radius left curve, left edge | 65.6 m |
Trim level(s)
- L trim
- LS trim
- LT trim
- ACTIV trim
- RS trim
Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
---|---|
High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
Curve-adaptive? | No |
High-beam assist? | Yes |
Overall rating | |
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination: |
Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on the sharp right and sharp left curves and inadequate on the gradual right and gradual left curves.
The low beams never exceeded glare limits.
High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on the gradual left and both right curves and inadequate on the sharp left curve.
High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway and all 4 curves.
Trim level(s) |
|
---|---|
Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
Curve-adaptive? | No |
High-beam assist? | Yes |
Overall rating Applies to 2021-23 models |
LOW BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
Amount glare exceeded threshold |
---|---|---|
Straightaway right edge | 92.2 m | None |
Straightaway left edge | 51.3 m | None |
250m radius right curve, right edge | 54.9 m | None |
250m radius left curve, left edge | 46.9 m | None |
150m radius right curve, right edge | 49.6 m | None |
150m radius left curve, left edge | 45.4 m | None |
HIGH BEAMS | Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux) |
---|---|
Straightaway right edge | 168.3 m |
Straightaway left edge | 153.2 m |
250m radius right curve, right edge | 72.6 m |
250m radius left curve, left edge | 69.6 m |
150m radius right curve, right edge | 56.1 m |
150m radius left curve, left edge | 53.4 m |
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
Front crash prevention: pedestrian (day)
Child seat anchors
Rating applies to 2021-24 models
Overall evaluation | |
Vehicle trim | Preferred |
Seat type | cloth |
This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.
It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.
Overall evaluation | |
Vehicle trim | Preferred |
Seat type | cloth |
G | Good |
A | Acceptable |
M | Marginal |
P | Poor |
Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated. | |
thether anchor symbol | Tether anchor |
lower anchor symbol | Lower anchors |
Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s) | |
No hardware available |
Details by seating position
1 | |
---|---|
Tether anchor | |
easy-to-find location | |
no other hardware could be confused for anchor | |
Lower anchors | |
too deep in seat | |
not too much force needed to attach | |
easy to maneuver around anchors | |
2 | |
Tether anchor | |
easy-to-find location | |
no other hardware could be confused for anchor | |
Lower anchors | |
none available | |
3 | |
Tether anchor | |
easy-to-find location | |
no other hardware could be confused for anchor | |
Lower anchors | |
too deep in seat | |
not too much force needed to attach | |
easy to maneuver around anchors |
Seat position 21
Lower anchor A | |
---|---|
Open access rated | No |
Depth (cm) | 2-4 |
Force (lbs) | 6 |
Clearance angle (degrees) | 77 |
Lower anchor B | |
Open access rated | No |
Depth (cm) | 2-4 |
Force (lbs) | 22 |
Clearance angle (degrees) | 77 |
Tether anchor | |
Location | Middle seatback |
Confusing hardware present | Yes |
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor |
Yes |
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH |
Not measured |
Seat position 22
Lower anchor A | |
---|---|
No lower latch for this seat position | |
Lower anchor B | |
No lower latch for this seat position | |
Tether anchor | |
Location | Middle seatback |
Confusing hardware present | Yes |
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor |
Yes |
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH |
Not measured |
Seat position 23
Lower anchor A | |
---|---|
Open access rated | No |
Depth (cm) | 2-4 |
Force (lbs) | 18 |
Clearance angle (degrees) | 81 |
Lower anchor B | |
Open access rated | No |
Depth (cm) | 2-4 |
Force (lbs) | 15 |
Clearance angle (degrees) | 79 |
Tether anchor | |
Location | Middle seatback |
Confusing hardware present | Yes |
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor |
Yes |
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH |
Not measured |