IIHS Evaluated Safety of Cargo Vans and Work Trucks
New crash testing reveals major safety gaps in many commercial vehicles you may rely on for your business or family.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Trucks
Live Poll
Should commercial delivery vans and work trucks be subject to stricter safety requirements?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety completed first-of-its-kind safety tests on 11 cargo vans and Class 3 pickup trucks in 2026. These evaluations highlight significant performance gaps in vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian collision prevention systems for several popular models.
Why it matters
Commercial vehicles are subject to fewer federal safety requirements than passenger cars, contributing to 6,215 deaths in 2024. These findings help buyers understand which models prioritize advanced collision mitigation technology for better road safety.
The Institute tested 11 cargo vans and Class 3 pickups, finding that many models failed to detect motorcycles or brake for pedestrians. Ratings varied widely, from a Good score for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 to Poor ratings for the 2025-2027 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana.
The players
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
An independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage from vehicle crashes.
Rivian
An electric vehicle manufacturer known for its specialized delivery vans and focus on sustainable transport logistics.
Mercedes-Benz
A luxury automotive manufacturer that produces the Sprinter line, a staple in the cargo and transport van market.
Chevrolet
A General Motors brand that manufactures the Express line of full-size vans frequently used for commercial work.
GMC
A General Motors division focusing on trucks and commercial vehicles including the Savana model series.
The details
Testing at the Vehicle Research Center involved evaluating front-end crash prevention, airbag systems, and seat belt technology. Many large vehicles feature tall front ends that hide child-sized dummies from driver sight lines, while others lack the automatic emergency braking systems proven to reduce crashes by 50%.
Timeline
2024: 6,215 people died in crashes involving commercial vehicle types.
June 2026: The institute began its work vehicle safety assessments.
October 8, 2026: Official publication of the test findings.
2027: Planned completion of ongoing Class 3 vehicle evaluations.
The Home Front
The tests demonstrate a clear gap between the safety requirements for standard passenger cars and the larger commercial vans used by households and businesses. This development follows a pattern set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's regulatory framework for passenger vehicles.
If you are purchasing a work vehicle, cross-reference these new safety ratings with your model year to ensure your chosen unit includes advanced emergency braking. Ask your dealer to provide specific safety documentation for the vehicle's braking and collision-avoidance capabilities.
The takeaway
Commercial vehicle safety remains a developing field with significant gaps in crash prevention for larger models. Consult the full Institute findings to verify the specific emergency braking and pedestrian detection features before finalizing any commercial vehicle purchase.
What happens next
The Institute will continue its Class 3 vehicle evaluations through 2027. Future test updates will incorporate ratings for headlights, rear automatic emergency braking, and the phased inclusion of larger Class 4 to 6 vehicles.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in vehicle safety and capability by visiting our Trucks section.
Live Poll
Should commercial delivery vans and work trucks be subject to stricter safety requirements?
