Crash incompatibility between cars, SUVs, and pickups in 2017–2022

Crash incompatibility in the fleet has continued to improve in recent years, particularly among the heaviest pickups and SUVs. Although curb weight remains an important factor in driver protection, our data suggest that the benefit plateaus at 4,000 lb, with minimal incremental gains above this point. These findings suggest that vehicle design changes have contributed to safer outcomes and that mass reduction among the heaviest vehicles may further improve crash outcomes in the future without reducing the protectiveness of those vehicles.