Sometimes the headlines may leave customers with troubling questions. Let's see if we can find some answers.
GM and Stellantis kinda flunked the fuel efficiency test. Along with Hyundai, Mazda, and VW, the brands' fuel economy has decreased while emissions have increased since 2016.
But why tho? Slower adoption of EVs, consumer demand for SUVs and Pickups, and fewer hybrid options are the leading reasons. It isn't that the vehicles are getting MORE smoggy. The balance of vehicles sold has shifted toward larger models while other brands are selling more EVs/Hybrids.
Answer: No, sir, your Jeep is not plotting to "blot out the sun."
Most small SUVs are suddenly unsafe. Of the vehicles evaluated in a frontal crash test, only the Ford Escape and the Volvo XC40 received "good" ratings. The Toyota RAV4 was rated"acceptable," while the Audi Q3, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester received "marginal" ratings.
What the heck happened to all these SUVs? Nothing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety updated its test criteria to emphasize back-seat passenger safety. Currently, severe injury risk is 46% higher for passengers than drivers, which the institute hopes will improve by refining the test in this way.
Answer: This test did not discover evidence suggesting companies sell unsafe SUVs. This test IS evidence that everybody involved in selling safe vehicles is still looking for ways to make them safer.