Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This video showcases a dramatic head-to-head crash test between a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer and a 2026 model to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the IIHS program. The demonstration highlights how vehicle safety has evolved over three decades. During the impact, the modern 2026 Blazer's occupant compartment remains completely intact. Data reveals that the driver of the new vehicle would likely walk away with only minor bumps and bruises. In stark contrast, the force of the crash completely crushes the cabin of the 1996 Blazer. The older vehicle's dashboard and steering column are violently pushed directly into the dummy’s lap. The extreme forces even cause the dummy's neck joint to break, detaching its head from the body. While the older Blazer historically earned a poor safety rating, the modern re-introduced versions consistently score good ratings. This test perfectly illustrates why vehicle safety improvements have saved nearly 50,000 lives since 1995. Watch the full comparison to see how modern engineering actively protects lives on the road today.
Source: IIHS
Full results: iihs.org/news/detail/iihs-crashworthiness-tests-save-nearly-50-000-lives-since-programs-launch
0:00 Introduction
0:22 Crash test preparation
2:06 Chevrolet Blazer - 1996 vs 2026 crash test
4:56 Results explained
6:14 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, Original crash test
This video showcases a dramatic head-to-head crash test between a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer and a 2026 model to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the IIHS program. The demonstration highlights how vehicle safety has evolved over three decades. During the impact, the modern 2026 Blazer's occupant compartment remains completely intact. Data reveals that the driver of the new vehicle would likely walk away with only minor bumps and bruises. In stark contrast, the force of the crash completely crushes the cabin of the 1996 Blazer. The older vehicle's dashboard and steering column are violently pushed directly into the dummy’s lap. The extreme forces even cause the dummy's neck joint to break, detaching its head from the body. While the older Blazer historically earned a poor safety rating, the modern re-introduced versions consistently score good ratings. This test perfectly illustrates why vehicle safety improvements have saved nearly 50,000 lives since 1995. Watch the full comparison to see how modern engineering actively protects lives on the road today.
Source: IIHS
Full results: iihs.org/news/detail/iihs-crashworthiness-tests-save-nearly-50-000-lives-since-programs-launch
0:00 Introduction
0:22 Crash test preparation
2:06 Chevrolet Blazer - 1996 vs 2026 crash test
4:56 Results explained
6:14 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, Original crash test
