‘I bought my Subaru BECAUSE of the crash test and safety ratings.’
A woman is going viral on TikTok after sharing a driver safety PSA that left her questioning how safe her own car really is.
Taylor (@taylornicole.elizabeth) said in a recent clip that she came across another video urging drivers to look up their vehicle’s crash test ratings—something meant to encourage people to “drive a lot safer.”
Curious, Taylor decided to search her own vehicle. She says she drives a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan.
After seeing the results, she says she was stunned.
“How is that allowed to be put out on the streets? If I got into an accident, I would not survive,” she says, adding in the caption of her clip, “Volkswagen is so wrong for this.” As of this writing, her video has garnered more than 16.5 million views.
Despite Taylor’s concern, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan performed well in major crash testing.
According to CNET, the SUV earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which is one of the more closely watched safety ratings in the U.S. It received top marks in key crashworthiness categories, including front and side impact tests, roof strength, and head restraint protection.
The small overlap front test, which simulates a more severe type of crash, was another area where the Tiguan rated highly. That’s often considered one of the tougher evaluations.
Models equipped with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking also scored well in crash avoidance testing. In controlled scenarios, those systems were shown to either prevent low-speed collisions or significantly reduce impact speed.
There were a few weaker spots. Headlight ratings varied by trim level, and some versions were flagged for glare.
Of course, that kind of issue is more about how well you can see at night than how the vehicle holds up in a crash, and the 2018 Tiguan is generally viewed as an improvement over earlier versions.
Overseas, safety regulators gave it high marks as well. European crash testing awarded the SUV a five-star rating, pointing to strong protection for both adults and children.
Taken together, the available results show the 2018 Tiguan performed solidly in crash testing, even if certain features scored better than others.
Taylor’s video clearly struck a chord online, with many viewers saying it prompted them to look up crash test ratings for their own vehicles—and the reactions were mixed.
Some drivers said the results made them rethink how confidently they drive.
“2015 Dodge Challenger crash test,” one quipped. “I’m not driving anymore.”
Others came away feeling reassured, pointing to brands they felt performed well in safety testing. Subaru owners were especially vocal, alongside drivers of a few other makes.
“Toyota Camry owners finishing their video stress-free,” one viewer wrote.
“Subaru, Toyota, Honda, and Mazdas are our best bets, babes,” another added.
“Me and my Honda gonna be alright,” a third commenter claimed. “Y’all be safe out there.”
Several commenters said crash testing played a role in their purchase decisions from the start and encouraged others to factor it in before buying.
“I bought mine bc of the crash test,” one shared.
“I do not buy a car without looking up crash ratings ever since I had my son,” said another.
“I bought my Subaru BECAUSE of the crash test and safety ratings,” added a third.
Not everyone was eager to do the research themselves, though.
“I ain’t looking up [expletive],” one commenter joked.
“I prefer to remain ignorant,” another added.
“I have an anxiety disorder,” a third user quipped. “I shan’t be doing this.”
Motor1 has contacted Taylor via a direct message on TikTok. We will update this story if she responds.
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