2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Crash Test: Small Overlap Risks and Design Tradeoffs
The 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was overturned during a crash test that featured a small overlap on the driver’s side. The test focused on how a 2019 SUV would perform in such a scenario, similar to what was done in 2020. The outcome raised questions about the effectiveness of design tweaks in preventing rollovers under challenging crash conditions.
Stellantis has pushed several changes to the Wrangler Unlimited’s front end in an effort to raise crash-test scores and reduce rollover risk. Despite these adjustments, the simulated crash still showed significant concerns about occupant protection. In the IIHS report, sensors indicated a significant risk of injury to the driver’s left leg and foot. The rollover scenario highlighted additional issues for side impact protection, where the vehicle received a minimal rating, a drop from a previously stronger performance three years earlier. The dummy’s head even struck the soft top support and the door frame during the test, underscoring vulnerabilities in the protective structure.
Looking ahead, IIHS has announced that the requirements for test vehicles for the 2023 model year will tighten further. Expect higher-speed side impacts and more demanding vehicle dimensions. There is also a new night test aimed at pedestrians to capture risks during low-visibility conditions. These changes push manufacturers to rethink structural reinforcement, airbag deployment strategies, and roof-sill integrity to avoid dangerous outcomes in real-world crashes.
All tests referenced here are part of the ongoing evaluation framework that safety agencies use to compare vehicles. The findings are intended to guide buyers toward safer choices and encourage automakers to improve engineering. The ongoing dialogue between testing organizations and automakers emphasizes the importance of robust safety systems, even in popular off-road models.
Photo and video references are drawn from YouTube materials used for illustrative purposes. The summarized results come from the IIHS crash test report and updates from the vehicle safety research community. [Source: IIHS crash test data, 2022 update].