# NHTSA vs IIHS Safety Test Differences

> How NHTSA and IIHS crash tests differ in methods and ratings.
- Title: NHTSA vs IIHS Safety Test Differences · Jalopnik | Shortify
- Summary: How NHTSA and IIHS crash tests differ in methods and ratings. NHTSA uses 35 mph frontal crashes and rollover tests; IIHS uses 40 mph offset crashes and…
- Keywords: nhtsa, iihs, safety tests, crash tests, vehicle ratings, top safety pick, rollover resistance, frontal crash, cars, culture, Safety, Test
- Source: Jalopnik — https://jalopnik.com/2278818/differences-between-nhtsa-iihs-safety-ratings
- Author: Josh West
- Published: 2026-10-10T20:45:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nhtsa, iihs, safety tests, crash tests, vehicle ratings, top safety pick, rollover resistance, frontal crash, cars, culture
## NHTSA and IIHS safety tests
NHTSA and IIHS are two organizations that rate vehicle safety through different crash tests.
## NHTSA frontal crash test
NHTSA crashes cars head-on at 35 miles per hour into a fixed barrier to simulate two vehicles colliding.
## IIHS frontal crash test
IIHS conducts offset crashes at 40 miles per hour to simulate less direct collisions with obstacles.
## NHTSA side impact tests
NHTSA uses two side impact tests: a 3,000-pound barrier at 38.5 mph and a pole at 20 mph.
## IIHS side impact test
IIHS uses a single side impact test with a 4,200-pound rig at 37 miles per hour.
## NHTSA rollover resistance
NHTSA specifically tests rollover resistance using static and dynamic maneuvers to assess risk.
## IIHS safety features
IIHS rates headlights, front crash prevention, pedestrian safety, and seat belt reminders separately.
## NHTSA star ratings
NHTSA assigns star ratings based on injury likelihood, from one star (greater than 40% risk) to five stars (less than 10% risk).
## IIHS ratings system
IIHS uses Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor ratings with a Top Safety Pick designation.
## Five stars vs Top Safety Pick
Five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS reflect different safety standards and criteria.
## Key takeaway

NHTSA uses 35 mph frontal crashes and rollover tests; IIHS uses 40 mph offset crashes and detailed safety features.