When it comes to family vehicles, safety is a paramount concern. The Chevrolet Traverse and Chrysler Pacifica are popular choices for families needing space and versatility. But when safety is your top priority, how do these two vehicles compare? This article breaks down the safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help you make an informed decision between the Traverse and the Pacifica.
Frontal Crash Test Comparison
The NHTSA conducts frontal crash tests at 35 mph to assess how well vehicles protect occupants in a head-on collision. Looking at the driver-side results, both the Chevrolet Traverse and Chrysler Pacifica received a 5-star rating, the highest possible. However, a deeper dive into the data reveals some key differences in injury risk.
| Traverse | Pacifica | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | ||
| STARS | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
| Neck Injury Risk | 15.6% | 29% |
| Neck Stress | 198 lbs | 230 lbs |
| Leg Forces (l/r) | 53/40 lbs | 75/194 lbs |
New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.
As shown in the table, while both vehicles earned 5 stars, the Chevrolet Traverse demonstrates superior performance in key metrics. The driver in the Traverse experienced a significantly lower neck injury risk (15.6% vs 29%) and lower neck stress (198 lbs vs 230 lbs). Furthermore, the leg forces measured in the Traverse were also considerably lower, especially for the right leg (40 lbs vs 194 lbs), indicating a potentially lower risk of lower leg injuries in a frontal impact compared to the Pacifica.
Side Impact Test Comparison
Side impacts are another critical area of safety assessment. The NHTSA conducts side-impact tests, including a 38.5 mph side barrier crash and a 20 mph side pole crash, to evaluate occupant protection in these scenarios. Again, both the Traverse and Pacifica achieved 5-star ratings across the board in these side-impact tests. However, examining the detailed measurements provides a more nuanced comparison.
| Traverse | Pacifica | |
|---|---|---|
| Front Seat | ||
| STARS | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
| HIC | 69 | 72 |
| Chest Movement | .9 inches | 1 inches |
| Hip Force | 204 lbs | 395 lbs |
| Rear Seat | ||
| STARS | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
| Spine Acceleration | 39 G’s | 54 G’s |
| Hip Force | 716 lbs | 764 lbs |
| Into Pole | ||
| STARS | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
| HIC | 251 | 293 |
| Spine Acceleration | 34 G’s | 50 G’s |
| Hip Force | 554 lbs | 616 lbs |
New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.
In the side impact tests, the Chevrolet Traverse consistently shows lower readings across various injury metrics compared to the Chrysler Pacifica. For front seat occupants, the Traverse recorded lower HIC (Head Injury Criterion), less chest movement, and significantly lower hip force (204 lbs vs 395 lbs). Similarly, for rear seat passengers and in the more severe pole impact test, the Traverse exhibited lower spine acceleration and hip force values, suggesting a potentially safer environment in side collision scenarios.
Additional Safety Features
Beyond crash test performance, specific safety features can also contribute to overall vehicle safety. One notable difference between the Traverse and Pacifica is the availability of a front seat center airbag. The Chevrolet Traverse comes standard with this feature, which deploys between the driver and front passenger to mitigate injuries from occupant-to-occupant impact in severe side crashes. The Chrysler Pacifica does not offer this feature.
Both vehicles share a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, including:
- Driver and passenger frontal airbags
- Front side-impact airbags
- Side-impact head airbags
- Front seatbelt pretensioners
- Four-wheel antilock brakes
- Traction control
- Electronic stability systems
- Crash mitigating brakes
- Daytime running lights
- Lane departure warning systems
- Rearview cameras
- Available all-wheel drive
- Blind spot warning systems
- Around view monitors
- Rear cross-path warning
Conclusion
While both the Chevrolet Traverse and Chrysler Pacifica are equipped with numerous safety features and achieve 5-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA, a closer look at the crash test data indicates that the Chevrolet Traverse performs better in frontal and side impact tests. The Traverse consistently demonstrates lower injury risk metrics across various measurements. Furthermore, the standard front seat center airbag in the Traverse provides an additional layer of protection not available in the Pacifica. For families prioritizing safety, the data suggests the Chevrolet Traverse offers a safety advantage over the Chrysler Pacifica. When making your vehicle purchasing decision, considering these safety performance differences alongside other factors can help you choose the best option for your family’s needs.
