Crash Testing... Any Info, thoughts, facts - to discuss!

[CaptStarboard]

Congrats to all that have been able to order the LE! The rest of the world just has to wait!

I do want to start a conversation about crash testing, any known data, rumours, facts. Being the JL suffered a one star (with some true issues being uncovered and some seemingly poor planning by FCA), so this begs the question on how the upgraded frame and total system on the Gladiator will fair!

1.) Autonomous Emergency Braking - the lack of this on JL's entirely eliminated it's getting a fifth star as this was not an option.
a. ) The Gladiator seems to have this covered in the Adaptive Cruise Control/ Forward Collision Warning

2.) Frame issues with the JL from side impact
a.) Does the improved JT truck frame compensate for this JL issue?

Look forward to everyone's thoughts!

Cheers,
the 'Capt

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[Ian cj10]

i think the added weight will negate any improvement in the frame unfortunately

 

[WXman]

I keep hearing that the JL scored "one star" but I have yet to see any evidence.

The only thing I've ever seen is a European test that was done, and the Europeans do totally different tests than the U.S. does and they score very differently.

Can somebody post a link to the U.S. testing that was done on JL?

 

[CaptStarboard]

The only thing I've ever seen is a European test that was done, and the Europeans do totally different tests than the U.S. does and they score very differently.

Here is the Euro test, agree that it is different to US testing, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to learn. Agree that I read it with a grain of salt. Test not cratering for aggressive off-road vehicles.

https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/jeep/wrangler/34192

BUT the adult occupant injuries and child occupant injuries to the chest, head and thighs gives me pause at that low speed! I’m less worried about the vulnerable road users and the safety assist was a clear miss by FCA in not installing the technology before the test. I’d task FCA to deliver a frame and passenger cage that can protect passengers and still hit the off-roading capabilities we demand from Jeeps!

 

[CaptStarboard]

Can somebody post a link to the U.S. testing that was done on JL?

So in looking up the USA crash test it says it hasn’t been done?!?

https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/JEEP/WRANGLER

Any one know why it hasn’t been tested and what timeframe manufacturers are allowed before testing must occur?

Search site for other Wrangler years and couldn’t find any with a full rating, weird.

Da ‘Capt

 

[WXman]

Exactly. It hasn't been tested, so nobody knows if it's 1 star or 5 stars.

Now, if you live in another part of the world you may not care what the U.S. testing says. I understand that. But as of right now, I'm not concerned. I have personally witnessed several serious crashes with rollovers involving Jeeps in which the occupants not only survived but in most cases walked away on their own power. Jeeps are built very rugged.

 

[jeepguy225]

There is a JL crash test video on youtube. A unibody is going to perform better than body on frame for absorbing the impact. Don't watch jeep crash test videos if you are concerned.

 

[CaptStarboard]

There is a JL crash test video on youtube. A unibody is going to perform better than body on frame for absorbing the impact. Don't watch jeep crash test videos if you are concerned.

Ha! Ostrich not my style, better knowing the issues and going in eyes wide shut!

I also agree the Wrangler is a tough truck in real world crashes, just shocked/ surprised that FCA got soooooo blind sided and piss poor planning to let the Euro test have such horrible results!

 

[chrcal14]

Ha! Ostrich not my style, better knowing the issues and going in eyes wide shut!

I also agree the Wrangler is a tough truck in real world crashes, just shocked/ surprised that FCA got soooooo blind sided and piss poor planning to let the Euro test have such horrible results!

Buying into Euro crash tests is akin to believing Consumer Reports Jeep reviews. They are both staffed by people who are the antithesis of what Jeep stands for. Wranglers and I'm sure Gladiators are plenty safe... except for those that would prefer to walk around wearing a respirator cocooned in bubble wrap(and think you should too naturally). It actually improves my opinion of Jeep that they'd thumb their nose at them!

 

[Aljeeper]

So the detail I'm really looking for:

Where are the collision sensors located? Are they located in the bumper? Obviously many people are going to replace the stock bumpers. I'm sure that even the stock steel bumper will be a bit thin for my taste. Wouldn't want to bother purchasing the forward collision system if they require stock bumpers.

Also unrelated. It's a bit strange how little info there is on the trail cam. All of the off road test drives I've seen, they made sure those weren't equipped, presumably because they aren't helpful at all. You'd think that if the camera was even halfway decent, they would for sure have had people talking them up.

 

[Bravo Foxtrot]

The collision sensors are located above the rear view mirror attached to the roll cage. You can not only change your bumper you can fold down your windshield and it still works. I don’t remember what videos talk about the trail cam but I have seen several, they all seemed to like it when it was equipped. If your thinking of a bull bar though the cam would be a waste. Besides not knowing what is over the edge is half the fun!

 

[Aljeeper]

That's a relief, I am really looking forward to that automatic braking.

Good call on the bull bar. I bet it would be better to mount aftermarket cameras on the bumper

 

[smlobx]

About ten years ago my wife was driving her Wrangler with our two sons on the back seat.
She was at a stop light and a jerk driving an F-250 ran right into the back of her driving about 30 - 35 mph which caused her to run into the car in front of her.

Fortunately they were alright and when we had the Jeep towed to the collision center to see if it could be fixed (it was) the owner said that we were lucky to be in the Jeep as it would have totaled any other vehicle and likely hurt the kids...

Ever since that day my wife does not want to drive anything else..

Put that in your NHTSB pipe and smoke it!

 

[TennesseePA]

I have often held the belief that crash tests are unrealistic. Most frontal collisions are.car vs car not car vs concrete wall. There are a few 2 vehicle crash tests out there and, more often than not, big, heavy with a frame wins.

 

[Kjm18]

Anyone find it odd that it still hasn't been tested?

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