Photo: Dodge
Let’s take a moment and think about how old the Dodge Challenger is. Production started in 2007, we’re knocking on 2017’s door, so go figure. But despite its age, the broad-shouldered muscle car is a tough old bird according to the NHTSA.
In the latest round of crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2017 Dodge Challenger was rated 5 stars overall for its crashworthiness. It’s hard to comprehend how the NHTSA came up with that result. Let me explain why. In the side crash test, the Dodge Challenger got the maximum 5-star rating. But in the frontal crash and rollover test, the NHTSA awarded it 4 stars instead of 5. Care to guess why?
What’s more, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently put the Challenger through the small overlap front crash test, giving it a “marginal” rating for safety. The IIHS then found out that the model is merely worthy of the “acceptable” rating for roof strength, head restraints, and seats. Front crash prevention comes only in the form of Forward Collision Warning.
It’s rather clear, then, that the Challenger isn’t as safe as an overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration could lead you to believe. On the upside, it should be noted that the 2017 MY's body structure contains 60% high-strength steel. Vector in the strong side-guard door beams and yes, the Dodge Challenger can be deemed a safe car, but only just.
Compared to the Viper, which had to be killed off due to ever-stringent safety regulations, the 2017 Dodge Challenger integrates front and rear side-curtain airbags. The same can be said about the Charger full-size four-door sedan, which is a 5-star overall vehicle as well in the eyes of the NHTSA.
Both the Challenger and Charger can be equipped with a blind-spot monitoring system, which uses radar to aid the driver when changing lanes. On that note, Rear Cross Path is an optional extra as well, and its sole purpose is to warn the driver of lateral traffic when backing out of parking spaces.
What’s more, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently put the Challenger through the small overlap front crash test, giving it a “marginal” rating for safety. The IIHS then found out that the model is merely worthy of the “acceptable” rating for roof strength, head restraints, and seats. Front crash prevention comes only in the form of Forward Collision Warning.
It’s rather clear, then, that the Challenger isn’t as safe as an overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration could lead you to believe. On the upside, it should be noted that the 2017 MY's body structure contains 60% high-strength steel. Vector in the strong side-guard door beams and yes, the Dodge Challenger can be deemed a safe car, but only just.
Compared to the Viper, which had to be killed off due to ever-stringent safety regulations, the 2017 Dodge Challenger integrates front and rear side-curtain airbags. The same can be said about the Charger full-size four-door sedan, which is a 5-star overall vehicle as well in the eyes of the NHTSA.
Both the Challenger and Charger can be equipped with a blind-spot monitoring system, which uses radar to aid the driver when changing lanes. On that note, Rear Cross Path is an optional extra as well, and its sole purpose is to warn the driver of lateral traffic when backing out of parking spaces.
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