For the first time, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is publishing safety evaluations for heavy-duty trucks and commercial vans, a move that could significantly impact purchasing decisions and road safety. Previously, these large vehicles operated outside the rigorous consumer safety testing applied to cars and SUVs.
Commercial Vehicles Skirted Traditional Safety Tests
Unlike passenger cars, SUVs, and even light-duty pickup trucks, heavy-duty commercial vehicles have not been required to meet the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This meant they lacked official star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and were not subjected to evaluations by independent bodies like the IIHS. This absence of public safety data for vehicles involved in a substantial portion of road fatalities has been a long-standing gap.
IIHS Introduces Key Safety Feature Evaluations
The IIHS’s new initiative assesses critical safety features typically found in consumer vehicles but often not mandated or tested on larger commercial models. Initial evaluations focused on standard front and side airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, seat belt force limiters, and seat belt reminders. Future reports will expand to include automatic emergency braking and headlight performance, providing a more comprehensive safety picture.
Initial Ratings for Trucks and Vans
The IIHS tested three heavy-duty pickup trucks: the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, the 2025 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and the 2025 Ram 3500. Additionally, six cargo vans were evaluated: the 2025 BrightDrop 400, 2025 Ram ProMaster 2500, 2025 Ford Transit T250, 2025 Mercedes Sprinter 2500, 2025 Rivian Delivery 500, and the 2025 Chevrolet Express 2500.
Mixed Results Highlight Need for Standardization
Four vehicles achieved perfect scores, passing all five evaluated categories: the BrightDrop 400, Ram ProMaster 2500, 2026 Chevrolet 3500HD, and 2025 Ford F-350. However, the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Rivian Delivery, and Ram 3500 all failed the seat belt reminder category. The Chevrolet Express also received a failing grade due to the absence of standard seat belt force limiters.
Addressing a Critical Safety Gap
“For decades, IIHS has helped consumers prioritize safety in their car-buying decisions,” stated IIHS President David Harkey. “These initial evaluations mark our first foray into commercial vehicles, which for too long have been an afterthought when it comes to regulations and safety information.” This move is particularly significant given that commercial trucks and vans were involved in 16 percent of all U.S. roadway fatalities in 2023, totaling 6,535 deaths.
Driving Safer Choices in the Commercial Sector
The IIHS’s 30×30 vision aims to reduce road fatalities by 30 percent by 2030, a goal made more challenging by a recent rise in crash deaths. By providing accessible safety data, the IIHS hopes to empower commercial vehicle buyers to make more informed choices, potentially leading to fewer fatalities on the road.
The Evolving Role of Commercial Vehicles
Historically, commercial vehicles were excluded from stringent safety and emissions testing due to their specialized nature and primary use for work. However, as these large trucks and vans increasingly serve dual purposes or are adopted for personal use, the rationale for their exemption from consumer-level safety standards warrants reevaluation, making IIHS ratings a crucial new resource.
