Safety

Here's what's new this week in the pickup truck world as reported by sister 
 site PickupTrucks.com.

Chevrolet redesigned its plug-in Volt for 2016, and the big news was its 
 backseat. Little has changed with the 2017 model.

Approximately 134,000 model-year 2012-14 Kia Forte and Forte Koup cars 
 are being recalled for noncompliant brake pedal stopper pads.

We found the redesigned five-seat Chevrolet Cruze Premier trim quite 
 accommodating for car seats in 2016; little has changed for 2017.

Approximately 1,100 model-year 2017 Mazda CX-5 SUVs equipped with an 
 accessory trailer-hitch wiring harness are being recalled.

Approximately 646,000 model-year 2011-14 Dodge Durango and Jeep 
 Grand Cherokee SUVs are being recalled for brake booster shields.

Kia gave its 2017 Forte compact sedan and hatchback a slight styling 
 revision, but families will be most impressed with its backseat.

Only 15 vehicles qualified for the IIHS' Top Safety Pick Plus award for 2018 
 — and four of them are Subarus.

Approximately 3,200 model-year 2018 BMW 230i, M2 and M240i sedans, 
 and X3 SUVs are being recalled for their instrument panels.

For model-year 2018, IIHS strengthened its Top Safety Pick Plus award 
 requirements - and just 15 vehicles qualify.