2013 Acura RDX, 2012 BMW 3 Series Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick

The compact sedan and compact crossover received the group’s highest rating, Good, across all areas of testing: front, side, rear and rollover crash tests. The rollover test includes a roof-strength test. To pass it, a vehicle’s roof must be able to withstand the force of four times its weight.

According to IIHS, 2006-11 3 Series models received Good ratings in front and side crash tests and Acceptable in roof-strength tests, but rear crash-test scores vary by model because of different types of seats and head restraints. Model-year 2009-11 sedans with power leather seats received a Good rating in the rear crash test, but 2006-08 sedans with power leather seats were rated Acceptable, and 2006 sedans with manual leather seats received a Poor rating, the lowest on the scale.

The 2007-12 RDX received a Good score in every category except roof strength, where it earned a rating of Marginal.

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