Ram 1500 is Alone Among Large Pickups with a Top Safety Pick+ Rating
As pick-up trucks get bigger and more equipped than ever, they’ve also become safer for their occupants. Yet, none had managed to earn a Top Safety Pick+ award from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Until now.
FCA has announced that its 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab pickups manufactured after May of this year receive the organization’s highest distinction when equipped with adaptive LED headlights that have high-beam assist, plus Forward Collision Mitigation technology that automatically applies the brakes in an emergency.
“This recognition validates our unrelenting efforts to deliver more value for our customers,” says Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. “The new Ram 1500 has earned many accolades for its capability and design. It is immensely satisfying to have the IIHS recognize our truck for its compelling safety story.”
The new Ram 1500 recorded “good” results—the highest possible rating—in each of the three IIHS tests that simulate frontal impacts as well as in the three other tests that inflict damage consistent with a side impact, rear impact and a rollover.
Part of the credit goes to its patented front frame-rails, which are splayed to better manage crash energy in certain types of frontal collisions.
Also unique to the Ram 1500 is its use of an Integrated Radar Camera Module to accommodate Forward Collision Mitigation. This module consolidates radar and camera components behind the rearview mirror, which not only simplifies their interface, but also keeps important technology out of harm’s way in the event of minor collisions.
And because the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ rating requires good headlight performance, the Ram 1500 aced the test thanks to its adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assist. Engineers refined the technology back in May.
High levels of safety are also one of the reasons why the Ram 1500 is The Car Guide’s Best Buy among full-size pickups for both 2019 and 2020.