When considering the purchase of a pickup truck, consumers often prioritize metrics such as max towing capacity, payload, horsepower, and torque. However, an equally critical, though sometimes overlooked, factor is vehicle safety, particularly performance in rollover tests. There’s a common misconception that larger vehicles inherently offer superior safety, but the reality is more nuanced; the amount of metal between occupants and an impact doesn’t automatically ensure greater protection.
Modern vehicle design, coupled with active and passive safety technologies, plays a paramount role in safeguarding occupants. This holds true for trucks as much as it does for cars and SUVs. Understanding how to identify truly safe vehicles, especially in a class prone to higher rollover risks, is essential for making informed purchasing decisions.
To provide clarity on which trucks truly excel in safety, especially regarding rollover resistance, independent organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conduct rigorous crash testing. While both agencies evaluate various aspects of vehicle safety, their methodologies differ. NHTSA utilizes a five-star safety rating system that includes frontal crash tests, side crash tests, and crucially, a rollover resistance test, which is a key focus for pickup trucks. The IIHS, known for its comprehensive crashworthiness tests and Top Safety Pick awards, also considers roof strength and head restraints, among other factors, to assess a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants.
1. **2021 Ram 1500**The 2021 Ram 1500 stands out as a top performer in vehicle safety, achieving an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA. Notably, it earned four stars in the rollover test, alongside four stars in the front-impact test and an impressive five stars in the side-impact test. These robust crash test results underscore its capability to protect occupants effectively in various collision scenarios.
Beyond NHTSA’s evaluations, the Ram 1500 also secured a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick award. This designation is a testament to its excellent performance across all IIHS crash tests, where it earned the highest rating of ‘Good.’ It is important to note, however, that the Top Safety Pick status is contingent upon equipping the truck with its more advanced LED headlights, as certain advanced safety features and lighting are not standard.
MotorTrend staff have consistently praised the Ram 1500, recognizing its ability to blend traditional truck capability with contemporary design, technology, and comfort. It has been honored with the prestigious Truck of the Year award four times since 2013, with the new TRX off-road model being its current winner. This consistent acclaim reflects Ram’s ongoing commitment to innovation.
Ram has also demonstrated leadership in integrating advanced safety features into its trucks, often preceding other manufacturers in the segment. Furthermore, the brand has been at the forefront of introducing more fuel-efficient powertrains to the market, although competitors are now making strides to catch up. The combination of strong crash protection and forward-thinking features makes the 2021 Ram 1500 a compelling choice for safety-conscious buyers.
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Car Model Information: 2017 RAM 1500 Express
Name: Dodge Ram / Ram pickup
Caption: 2017 Ram 1500 Express
Manufacturer: Dodge
ModelYears: 1981–present
Production: October 1980 – present
Class: Pickup truck#Full-size pickup truck,Pickup truck#Heavy-duty pickup truck
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,rear-wheel drive
Predecessor: Dodge D series
Categories: 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles
Summary: The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010 when Ram Trucks was spun-off from Dodge) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The Ram name was introduced in October 1980 for model year 1981, when the Dodge D series pickup trucks and B series vans were rebranded, though the company had used a ram’s-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award four times, winning in 2019, 2020, 2021 and most recently, 2025.
Get more information about: Ram pickup
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Brand: Ram Model: 1500
Price: Not Priced Mileage: 101,000 mi.
Read more about: Steer Clear: 14 Vehicles Notorious for Early Breakdowns Before 50,000 Miles
2. **2021 Chevrolet Silverado**The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado is another pickup that demonstrates a respectable level of safety, achieving notable scores in crash tests. From the NHTSA, the Silverado received a four-star rating in the crucial rollover test, along with a four-star front-impact rating and a five-star rating for side impacts. This contributes to its overall four-star NHTSA safety rating, positioning it as a competitive option in the market.
In IIHS evaluations, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado generally scored well, earning mostly ‘Good’ ratings across various crashworthiness tests. However, its performance was somewhat affected by a ‘Marginal’ rating in the small overlap crash test on the front passenger side. This particular test assesses how well a vehicle protects occupants in a specific type of frontal collision, and the ‘Marginal’ result indicates an area where there is room for improvement.
Furthermore, the Silverado’s overall safety assessment is somewhat tempered by the absence of a pedestrian collision warning and emergency braking system, a feature offered by rivals like Ram and Ford. Its base headlights were also rated as ‘poor,’ which can negatively impact nighttime visibility and, consequently, its overall safety score from some agencies. Despite these points for improvement, the 2021 Silverado remains among the safer trucks available.
It is also worth noting that the Regular Cab and Double Cab models of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado received the same NHTSA ratings as the Crew Cab variant. While these configurations have not been independently tested by the IIHS, the consistency in NHTSA ratings across different body styles provides a degree of reassurance regarding their foundational crash protection characteristics. This consistency helps ensure that a range of Silverado buyers can expect a similar level of safety performance in many scenarios.
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Binding: Electronics Product Group: Wireless
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Model Name: RM
Vehicle Service Type: Truck
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Map Type: Worldwide
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Car Model Information: 1998 Chevrolet 1500 Fleetside
Name: Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Caption: 2025 Silverado 2500 HD ZR2
Manufacturer: General Motors
Aka: unbulleted list
Production: 1998–present
Assembly: unbulleted list
Class: unbulleted list
BodyStyle: unbulleted list
Layout: unbulleted list
Predecessor: unbulleted list
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.
The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.
Get more information about: Chevrolet Silverado
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Brand: Chevrolet Model: Silverado
Price: $5,989 Mileage: 271,709 mi.
Read more about: Consumer Alert: The SUVs Where Repair Bills and Hidden Costs Make Them Not Worth Fixing
3. **2021 GMC Sierra**The 2021 GMC Sierra shares a strong mechanical foundation with the Chevrolet Silverado, leading to identical safety ratings between the two models. This means that the Sierra also achieved a four-star rating in the NHTSA’s rollover test, matching its sibling’s performance. It also received four-star ratings for front-impact and overall safety, along with a five-star rating in the side-impact test, demonstrating robust protection across key areas of evaluation.
Given their mechanical identicality, the GMC Sierra’s IIHS crash test performance mirrors that of the Chevrolet Silverado, with mostly ‘Good’ ratings. Like the Silverado, it also carried a ‘Marginal’ rating in the small overlap crash test for the front passenger side. The base headlights were similarly rated as ‘poor,’ and the absence of a pedestrian collision warning and emergency braking system contributed to its overall safety assessment, reflecting a shared platform design for safety features.
While GMC has made significant efforts to distinguish the Sierra from the Chevrolet Silverado, primarily through its marketing as a more upscale offering, the core safety features and crash performance remain the same. This means that consumers often pay a premium for the GMC Sierra, which may include enhanced aesthetics or luxury features, but not necessarily a higher level of crash protection when compared to its Chevrolet counterpart. The context explicitly states that “GMCs are marketed as more upscale than Chevrolets and therefore cost thousands more for the same truck with the same safety features.”
Despite the price difference, the fundamental safety mechanisms ensure that occupants in a GMC Sierra are afforded the same level of protection in the event of an accident as those in a Chevrolet Silverado. The brand is beginning to offer exclusive features to further differentiate the Sierra, but for now, in an accident, the shared engineering means shared safety performance. This provides a clear, factual comparison for consumers considering either of these mechanically similar, yet differently positioned, vehicles in the pickup truck market.
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Binding: Automotive Product Group: Automotive Parts and Accessories
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Rating: 4.7 Total reviews: 3340
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Material: Silicone
Vehicle Service Type: 2019-2023 Chevy Silverado And GMC Sierra
Item Weight: 0.09 Kilograms
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Car Model Information: 2009 GMC Sierra 2500 Work Truck
Name: Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Caption: 2025 Silverado 2500 HD ZR2
Manufacturer: General Motors
Aka: unbulleted list
Production: 1998–present
Assembly: unbulleted list
Class: unbulleted list
BodyStyle: unbulleted list
Layout: unbulleted list
Predecessor: unbulleted list
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.
The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.
Get more information about: Chevrolet Silverado
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Brand: GMC Model: Sierra
Price: $10,990 Mileage: 146,383 mi.
Read more about: Consumer Alert: The SUVs Where Repair Bills and Hidden Costs Make Them Not Worth Fixing
4. **2021 Honda Ridgeline**The 2021 Honda Ridgeline consistently earns high marks from safety organizations, making it one of the safest trucks available. It is particularly noteworthy for being the only truck in its class to achieve an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA. This exceptional overall rating is supported by a solid four-star performance in the rollover test, alongside five stars in both front and side impact tests.
In the rigorous evaluations conducted by the IIHS, the Ridgeline is a star performer, securing the top rating of ‘Good’ in nearly every crash test. It also earned the second-highest rating of ‘Acceptable’ in the small overlap test on the passenger side. These results collectively highlight the Ridgeline’s strong structural integrity and its ability to protect occupants effectively in a wide range of collision scenarios.
Despite its impressive crash test performance, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline just missed out on an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. This was primarily due to its marginal standard headlights, which did not meet the stringent criteria for the award, and the absence of a pedestrian impact warning and emergency braking system. While these are areas for potential improvement, the underlying crash protection remains robust.
Unique to the Ridgeline is its SUV-based platform, which distinguishes it from traditional body-on-frame pickup trucks. This design choice contributes significantly to its top marks for comfort, handling, and drivability, offering an SUV-like driving experience. This platform also enables clever features such as more interior space and a lockable trunk in the bed floor. While these advantages come at the expense of some extreme towing and off-road capability, the Ridgeline provides all the capacity most average truck buyers need in an enormously useful and friendly package, coupled with outstanding safety features.
For many consumers, the balance of safety, comfort, and practical utility makes the 2021 Honda Ridgeline an excellent choice. Its performance in critical safety tests, particularly its NHTSA five-star overall rating and strong rollover protection, underscores its commitment to passenger well-being, even if it doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional heavy-duty work truck. This distinct approach has earned it consistent recognition and makes it a favorite among those who prioritize a refined and secure driving experience.
Continuing our analysis of pickup trucks that demonstrate exceptional safety, particularly in rollover resistance, we now turn to additional high-performing models from 2021 and revisit two top-rated trucks from 2015. This comprehensive overview aims to provide consumers with a broader perspective on consistent safety across different model years and market segments, reinforcing that robust protection is achievable in the pickup truck class. Understanding the nuances of crash test results and vehicle design is crucial for making informed decisions, as safety standards continuously evolve. Our objective remains to offer data-driven insights into which trucks provide superior occupant protection, especially when navigating the inherent risks associated with higher centers of gravity.
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Vehicle Service Type: car
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Car Model Information: 2025 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport+
Name: Honda Ridgeline
Manufacturer: Honda
Caption: 2022 Honda Ridgeline
Production: 2005–early 2015,2016–present
ModelYears: 2006–2014,2017–present
Assembly: Alliston, Ontario
Class: Pickup truck#Mid-size pickup truck
BodyStyle: 4-door pickup truck
Layout: ubl
Categories: 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with short description, CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list
Summary: The Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured and marketed by Honda since the 2006 model year, over two generations in a unibody, crew–cab, short-box configuration with a transverse-mounted engine.
Get more information about: Honda Ridgeline
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Brand: Honda Model: Ridgeline
Price: $40,988 Mileage: 3,137 mi.
Read more about: The Unyielding Workhorses: 13 Legendary Pickup Trucks and Engines Engineered to Conquer Half a Million Miles (and Beyond) with Proper Care
5. **2021 Toyota Tacoma**The 2021 Toyota Tacoma, a perennial sales leader in the midsize pickup segment, distinguishes itself with commendable safety performance. It secures a position among the safest trucks, particularly for its class, demonstrating that popularity can indeed coincide with strong protective capabilities. While its core platform has seen incremental improvements over the years, the Tacoma has consistently fared well in rigorous safety evaluations, offering peace of mind to its extensive customer base. Its performance in various crash scenarios positions it as a reliable choice for buyers prioritizing safety.
From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2021 Toyota Tacoma received a solid four-star overall rating. Delving into the specifics, it earned four stars in both the front-impact and rollover tests, indicating a respectable level of protection in these critical areas. Furthermore, the Tacoma achieved an impressive five-star rating in the side-impact test, showcasing its strong performance in lateral collisions. These ratings collectively position the Tacoma as the second-highest scorer in the midsize pickup class according to NHTSA’s evaluations.
In evaluations conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Tacoma received top ratings of ‘Good’ in almost every crash test. It secured an ‘Acceptable’ rating in the passenger-side small overlap test, which assesses protection in a specific, challenging frontal crash scenario. It is notable for achieving the only ‘Good’ headlight rating in its class, though this requires upgrading to the optional lighting system. However, the Tacoma does not offer a pedestrian impact warning and emergency braking technology as standard, an area where some rivals have advanced. It is also important to note that the smaller Access Cab models received the same NHTSA ratings as the four-door Double Cab but were not independently tested by the IIHS.
MotorTrend staff have observed that the Toyota Tacoma embodies the adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” While the truck has dominated its segment for years, maintaining its foundational design, this also means its cabin can feel somewhat cramped compared to newer competitors, and its driving dynamics may not be as refined. Yet, the Tacoma’s reputation for durability and unmatched reliability holds significant weight, particularly for those who frequently venture into challenging environments. This long-standing dependability is a crucial factor for many truck owners.
Adding to its impressive credentials, an iSeeCars.com study highlighted the Toyota Tacoma’s exceptional longevity. It was identified as one of only two non-heavy-duty trucks to rank in the top 10 for reaching 250,000 miles, with a 26.7 percent chance—1.4 times more likely than the average truck. This remarkable finding also crowns the Tacoma as the longest-lasting midsize pickup truck, period. This data reinforces that the Tacoma not only performs well in crash tests but is also built to endure, offering prolonged utility and value.
Car Model Information: 2019 Toyota Tacoma
Name: Toyota Tacoma
Caption: 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Manufacturer: Toyota
Production: January 1995 – present
ModelYears: 1995–present
Class: unbulleted list
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Toyota Hilux (N80)
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995. The first-generation Tacoma (model years 1995 through 2004) was classified as a compact pickup; subsequent models are classified as mid-sized pickups. The Tacoma was Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year for 2005.
As of 2015, the Tacoma was sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Bermuda, and the French overseas collectivity of New Caledonia. Most markets across the world receive the Toyota Hilux in lieu of the Tacoma.
The name “Tacoma” was derived from the Coast Salish peoples’ name for Mount Rainier in the U.S. state of Washington.
Get more information about: Toyota Tacoma
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Brand: Toyota Model: Tacoma
Price: $31,747 Mileage: 93,347 mi.
Read more about: The Unyielding Workhorses: 13 Legendary Pickup Trucks and Engines Engineered to Conquer Half a Million Miles (and Beyond) with Proper Care
6. **2021 Ford F-150 (based on its 2020 performance)**The 2020 Ford F-150 demonstrated an impressive commitment to safety, narrowly missing out on an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation despite earning excellent crash test ratings. The designation criteria, which require not only strong crash performance but also good headlight ratings, were the primary hurdle. Although the F-150 offers a wealth of advanced safety equipment, its standard headlights did not meet the stringent ‘Good’ rating required by the IIHS. Nonetheless, its overall crash protection capabilities were among the best in its class.
In terms of specific evaluations, the 2020 F-150 achieved the highest rating of ‘Good’ in every IIHS crash test. Complementing this, NHTSA awarded the truck five-star ratings in frontal, side, and overall tests, alongside a four-star rating in the crucial rollover test. These results solidify its position as one of the safest trucks available on the market, even without the explicit Top Safety Pick award. It is worth noting that Regular Cab and SuperCab models received slightly lower NHTSA front-impact and overall ratings compared to the popular four-door Crew Cab configuration.
As of the time of the original reporting, the 2021-model-year Ford F-150 had not yet undergone IIHS testing. However, with its recent release, the 2021 F-150 is equipped with even more advanced safety technology, prompting an editor’s note that it is highly anticipated to achieve top marks from both IIHS and NHTSA. For the time being, it holds an honorable mention on this list, reflecting the expectation of continued excellence in safety performance as testing becomes available.
MotorTrend staff have consistently regarded the Ford F-150 as a favorite, honoring it with the Truck of the Year award twice in the past decade, with the most recent win in 2018 for this generation’s debut. Ford’s strategy with the F-150 has traditionally involved balancing outright capability with modern convenience, often leaning towards reinforcing traditional truck strengths like towing and hauling. While the truck is recognized for its style and numerous features, this emphasis on core utility means it may yield a slight edge in comfort and aesthetic flair compared to some competitors, though without compromising its fundamental safety or performance.
Therefore, even without the full suite of IIHS awards due to specific headlight criteria, the 2020 Ford F-150’s performance in both IIHS and NHTSA crash tests firmly establishes it as a highly protective vehicle. Its combination of strong structural integrity, robust crash ratings, and comprehensive advanced safety equipment (even if some are optional) underscores its commitment to occupant safety. The anticipation for the 2021 model’s full safety ratings further highlights Ford’s ongoing dedication to enhancing vehicle protection within its best-selling truck line.
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Car Model Information: 2018 Ford F-150 XLT
Name: Ford F-Series
Caption: 2022 Ford F-150 Lariat Luxury
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Aka: Ford Lobo (Mexico, 1992–present)
Production: 1948–present
Class: Pickup truck#Full-size pickup truck
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,rear-wheel drive
Predecessor: 1941 Ford
Categories: All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles that may contain original research, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles that may contain original research from September 2020
Summary: The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since model year 1948 as a range of full-sized pickup trucks — positioned between Ford’s Ranger and Super Duty pickup trucks. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.
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Brand: Ford Model: F-150
Price: $26,999 Mileage: 83,329 mi.
7. **2015 Chevrolet Silverado**To provide a comprehensive view of pickup truck safety evolution, we now look back at high-performing models from 2015. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado stands out as one of the safest full-size pickup trucks of its era, particularly according to crash rating data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This model demonstrated a significant level of occupant protection for its time, achieving top marks in several key evaluation areas, reinforcing Chevrolet’s commitment to safety within its popular truck lineup.
In NHTSA’s rigorous crash tests, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab, equipped with 4×4, achieved an overall five-star safety rating. This impressive rating was bolstered by its performance in individual tests. Specifically, the Silverado scored five stars in the side-impact test and a strong four stars in the frontal crash test, where the vehicle is run into a wall at 35 mph without overlap or offset. Critically for pickup trucks, it received the best rollover rating among its competitors for the 2015 model year, at 17.4 percent, indicating a lower likelihood of rollover compared to its rivals. This combination of ratings highlighted its robust safety profile in a comprehensive manner.
It is important to note that many of the 2015 pickups, including the Chevrolet Silverado, had not received their full IIHS ratings at the time of the available data. The IIHS conducts different tests, with one particularly insightful evaluation being the roof strength test, which assesses the structural rigidity of the cabin. While comprehensive IIHS data for this specific model year is less available compared to more recent trucks, the strong NHTSA results provided a reliable indicator of its foundational crashworthiness. This underscores the value of cross-referencing data from multiple testing agencies when evaluating vehicle safety.
For consumers considering trucks from this vintage, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado presented a compelling safety proposition. Its strong performance in NHTSA’s frontal, side, and particularly rollover tests, placed it at the forefront of full-size pickups for that model year. This level of protection, combined with the practicality and capability expected from a Silverado, made it a highly regarded option for those prioritizing robust safety features in their truck purchase during that period. The vehicle’s consistent performance across various impact types solidified its reputation as a safe and dependable choice.
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Special Feature: PROGRAMMER
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Car Model Information: 1998 Chevrolet 1500 Fleetside
Name: Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Caption: 2025 Silverado 2500 HD ZR2
Manufacturer: General Motors
Aka: unbulleted list
Production: 1998–present
Assembly: unbulleted list
Class: unbulleted list
BodyStyle: unbulleted list
Layout: unbulleted list
Predecessor: unbulleted list
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.
The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.
Get more information about: Chevrolet Silverado
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Chevrolet Model: Silverado
Price: Not Priced Mileage: 330,001 mi.
Read more about: Consumer Alert: The SUVs Where Repair Bills and Hidden Costs Make Them Not Worth Fixing
8. **2015 Ford F-150**Another standout in the 2015 full-size pickup truck segment for safety was the Ford F-150. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash rating data, the 2015 F-150, particularly the Crew Cab 4×4 configuration, delivered an exceptional safety performance, earning an overall five-star rating. This placed it alongside the Chevrolet Silverado as one of the top-rated trucks for safety in its model year, showcasing Ford’s continuous dedication to enhancing occupant protection in its best-selling vehicle.
In the specific NHTSA crash tests, the 2015 Ford F-150 mirrored its primary competitor by achieving a five-star overall rating. It scored five stars in the side-impact test and four stars in the frontal crash test, demonstrating reliable protection in common collision scenarios. Furthermore, its rollover evaluation results were highly competitive, with a rollover risk rating of 19.1 percent. This placed it as the second-best performer in rollover resistance among the 2015 full-size pickups evaluated by NHTSA, just behind the Chevrolet Silverado. Such robust performance in critical tests underscores the F-150’s engineering for safety.
Similar to its counterparts from the same year, comprehensive IIHS ratings for the 2015 Ford F-150 were not widely available at the time of the data. However, the consistent high marks from NHTSA, particularly in a class where rollover risk is a significant concern, provided consumers with strong assurance regarding its structural integrity and occupant protection capabilities. The F-150’s reputation for innovation, including its move to an aluminum body for this generation, aimed to improve both efficiency and safety through advanced material engineering, which contributes to its commendable crash test results.
The 2015 Ford F-150’s ability to achieve top safety ratings from NHTSA, including strong performance in rollover tests, confirmed its position as a leading choice for safety-conscious truck buyers of that era. Its combination of advanced design, robust construction, and effective occupant protection systems made it a benchmark for safety in the full-size pickup category. This enduring commitment to safety across generations highlights why the F-150 continues to be a highly regarded vehicle in the market, consistently aiming to provide secure transport for its occupants.
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Car Model Information: 2018 Ford F-150 XLT
Name: Ford F-Series
Caption: 2022 Ford F-150 Lariat Luxury
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Aka: Ford Lobo (Mexico, 1992–present)
Production: 1948–present
Class: Pickup truck#Full-size pickup truck
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,rear-wheel drive
Predecessor: 1941 Ford
Categories: All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles that may contain original research, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles that may contain original research from September 2020
Summary: The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since model year 1948 as a range of full-sized pickup trucks — positioned between Ford’s Ranger and Super Duty pickup trucks. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.
Get more information about: Ford F-Series
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Brand: Ford Model: F-150
Price: $26,999 Mileage: 83,329 mi.
Read more about: Consumer Alert: The SUVs Where Repair Bills and Hidden Costs Make Them Not Worth Fixing
As we’ve explored these eight pickup trucks, from the cutting-edge 2021 models to the high-achieving 2015 examples, a clear trend emerges: safety in this vehicle class has seen remarkable advancements. The diligent work of organizations like NHTSA and IIHS provides invaluable, data-driven insights, allowing consumers to look beyond common assumptions and truly understand which trucks offer superior protection. From the Ram 1500’s comprehensive safety package to the Toyota Tacoma’s renowned durability and the consistent performance of the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150 across multiple years, these vehicles prove that high capability does not have to come at the expense of occupant well-being. Ultimately, making an informed purchasing decision means prioritizing robust crash protection, advanced safety features, and a proven track record, ensuring that your chosen truck is not just powerful, but also genuinely safe on the road.
