1996 1.7-ton vs 2026 1.3-ton SUV Head-On Collision… What’s the Result?
The U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted an intriguing vehicle crash test. The test was carried out on the Chevrolet Blazer, a mid-size SUV with high demand in the U.S. auto market. The IIHS prepared the latest model, the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer, and a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer manufactured 30 years ago.
Although they are vehicles of the same Chevrolet brand, their countries of production differ. The 1996 Chevrolet Blazer was produced locally in the United States, while the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer is a model produced domestically and exported to the U.S.
The IIHS conducted a frontal collision between the two models, which are 30 years apart in model year, to gauge the level of safety technology advancement over that period. The test was conducted by stopping the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer and having the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer collide with it at a speed of 64 km/h. Applying an offset method with 40% overlap of the front ends, the extent of damage to the two vehicles showed a clear difference.
At the moment of impact, the interior of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer failed to maintain its structure and completely collapsed. As the engine compartment compressed, the A-pillar could not withstand the impact and buckled toward the roof, severely deforming the driver’s space. The dashboard was pushed into the occupant compartment, delivering a fatal impact strong enough to push the crash test dummy out of the driver’s seat.
In contrast, the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer crossover sustained damage only to the engine compartment and part of the front windshield, while the occupant space remained fully intact. Although dummy sensors detected a risk of injury to the driver’s right foot area, it was within an acceptable range under safety standards.
This comparative test was conducted to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the IIHS’s vehicle safety evaluation test program. Similar collision safety assessments between new and old vehicles have also been conducted in Europe.
Germany’s vehicle testing and inspection organization DEKRA conducted driving stability and crash tests in 2025 on the 1983 second-generation Volkswagen Golf and the latest eighth-generation Golf, informing the public of the progress in automotive safety technology.
