The 2026 Jeep Wrangler 4-door has addressed a crash-test tipping problem that had affected previous models. After changes were made to the vehicle’s frame rail, the SUV remained upright during the driver-side small overlap crash test. This issue was first seen in tests of the 2019 model and continued with the 2022 version, even after earlier modifications.
Following these latest adjustments, Wranglers built after October 2025 now receive an acceptable small overlap rating. This rating combines results from both driver-side and passenger-side tests. However, in the passenger-side test, there was still a high risk of injury to the front passenger’s right foot and leg.
Stellantis also applied similar frame rail modifications to the 2026 Jeep Gladiator pickup truck. As a result, Gladiators produced after October 2025 have earned an acceptable rating as well.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) assigns ratings of good, acceptable, marginal or poor in its crash tests. A good small overlap front rating on both sides is required for vehicles to qualify for an IIHS safety award.
The IIHS has contributed to reducing road fatalities in the United States through its research on vehicle safety and driver behavior (official website). The organization operates the Vehicle Research Center in Ruckersville, Virginia, where it conducts crash tests and other safety assessments (official website). Established by three major insurance associations representing most of the U.S. auto insurance market (official website), IIHS works to minimize deaths, injuries, and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through research and education efforts targeting consumers and policymakers (official website). The institute has also influenced key safety policies such as seat belt laws and graduated driver licensing programs across several states (official website).
