The 2018 BMW X2, a new small SUV, earns the highest rating in all IIHS crashworthiness tests except one that evaluates how well the seat and head restraint protect against whiplash in a rear crash. The X2’s acceptable head restraint rating means it falls short of qualifying for an IIHS award.
To earn the TOP SAFETY PICK award, a vehicle must have good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, plus available front crash prevention that earns an advanced or superior rating and available acceptable- or good-rated headlights.
For TOP SAFETY PICK+, vehicles also need an acceptable or good rating in the passenger-side small overlap test and must have good-rated headlights.
The X2 earns good ratings in the driver- and passenger-side small overlap front test, moderate overlap front, side and roof strength tests. It also has available front crash prevention systems that earn an advanced rating. Both of its available headlight systems earn an acceptable rating.
The lack of a good head restraint rating is unusual. The X2 is one of only four 2018 vehicles with an acceptable rating; the other 181 tested models earn a good rating. BMW has notified IIHS of planned improvements, and a new test will be conducted in September.
