IIHS finally crash-avoidance tested some Class B models. Sprinter Good, Transit Poor, ProMaster Poor.
IIHS Releases First Crash-Avoidance Ratings for Cargo Vans: Sprinter Excels While Transit and ProMaster Lag Behind
On October 8, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) unveiled its inaugural crash-avoidance ratings specifically for cargo vans, marking a significant step in evaluating vehicle safety performance in this essential commercial vehicle segment.
The tests focused on the ability of various chassis to avoid collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians, providing valuable insights for fleet operators, contractors, and van enthusiasts alike. The results spotlight notable differences among popular models:
| Vehicle Model | Avoiding a Vehicle | Avoiding a Pedestrian |
|—————-|———————|————————|
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 | Good | Acceptable |
| Ford Transit T250 | Poor | Marginal |
| Ram ProMaster 2500 | Poor | Marginal |
Out of eleven work vehicles tested by IIHS across the cargo van spectrum, seven received a “Poor” rating for the ability to avoid collisions with other vehicles, underscoring the safety challenges inherent to some of these models. Notably, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 emerged as the only vehicle rated “Good” in its class, demonstrating superior crash avoidance capabilities.
Important Considerations for Van Conversions and Use
It’s essential to recognize that these ratings are based solely on the chassis’ factory specifications. Once the van is converted into an RV or customized work vehicle, modifications—such as adding interior fixtures, elevating the center of gravity, or altering weight distribution—can significantly impact braking distances and overall safety performance. Consequently, real-world crash avoidance effectiveness may differ from factory ratings.
European Models and Safety Ratings
While European variants like the Ford Transit or Fiat Ducato often boast impressive Euro NCAP safety scores—generally five stars—their applicability to U.S. models remains limited. Differences in design, features, and safety standards mean that these European ratings may not directly translate to the American market.
Conclusion
The IIHS crash-avoidance ratings offer an important benchmark for evaluating cargo vans’ safety performance, particularly in collision avoidance scenarios. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’s strong showing highlights its potential as a safer choice among work and recreational vehicles, but consumers should remain aware of how modifications and regional differences influence real-world safety.
For further details, read the full report on IIHS’s website: IIHS Crash-Avoidance Ratings for Cargo Vans.
