2011 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick
Both saloons secure the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2011 after major improvements in crash protection and standard stability control.
The 2011 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 have earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award, marking the first time either saloon has received this recognition. The IIHS awards its Top Safety Pick designation to vehicles that demonstrate the highest levels of occupant protection in a series of rigorous crash tests and offer electronic stability control (ESC) as standard equipment. For 2011, both the Charger and 300 met these demanding criteria, reflecting significant improvements over their predecessors.
2011 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 Achieve IIHS Top Safety Pick
Crash Test Performance and Safety Features
To qualify for the Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the top rating of 'good' in four key IIHS crashworthiness tests: front, side, rear, and rollover. Both the 2011 Charger and 300 achieved 'good' ratings across all these tests. A major factor in their improved performance was the inclusion of electronic stability control as standard equipment for the first time. ESC is a technology designed to help drivers maintain control of their vehicles in slippery conditions or during sudden manoeuvres, reducing the risk of serious crashes.
The 2011 Charger’s roof demonstrated substantial strength in the IIHS rollover test, withstanding a force equal to 5.37 times the car’s weight. This result is well above the current federal standard, which requires a roof to support only 1.5 times the vehicle’s weight. Such performance in the rollover test indicates a strong occupant compartment, helping to protect passengers in the event of a rollover crash.
Improvements Over Previous Generations
Chrysler made several key structural and equipment upgrades to the Charger and 300 for the 2011 model year. The outgoing versions of these cars had been rated only 'marginal' for side impact protection, even when fitted with head-protecting curtain airbags. Rear impact protection was also rated as 'marginal'. These lower scores limited the appeal of the previous models for buyers prioritising safety, including families and fleet operators.
For 2011, Chrysler addressed these shortcomings by strengthening the body structure and making ESC standard across both models. The 2011 Charger and 300 were also evaluated in the IIHS’s roof strength test for the first time, and both passed with results well above the required minimum. These improvements brought the cars in line with other leading large saloons in terms of crash protection and occupant safety.
Award Criteria and Significance
The IIHS Top Safety Pick is a coveted recognition in the automotive industry. To earn it, a vehicle must achieve 'good' ratings in all four major crash tests and include ESC as standard. For manufacturers, this award signals to consumers and fleet buyers that a vehicle offers a high level of safety. For the Charger and 300, receiving this designation for 2011 demonstrates Chrysler’s commitment to improving vehicle safety and addressing the weaknesses of previous models.
Federal Safety Ratings Pending
At the time of the IIHS announcement, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not yet published crash test results for the 2011 Charger or 300 under its revised, more stringent ratings system. The NHTSA’s updated tests are designed to provide a more comprehensive assessment of vehicle safety. Buyers interested in a complete safety profile for these models would need to consult both IIHS and NHTSA results once available to make direct comparisons between the two sets of findings.
Where the Charger and 300 Now Stand
With the 2011 updates, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 have joined a select group of large saloons recognised for strong crash protection. The IIHS Top Safety Pick designation indicates that these models now offer significantly improved safety compared to their predecessors. This recognition may influence purchasing decisions among families, individual buyers, and fleet operators who place a premium on vehicle safety. As more data from federal tests becomes available, buyers will have an even clearer picture of how these cars compare to others in their class.
Summary of Key Safety Changes for 2011
- Standard electronic stability control (ESC) on both models
- Improved side and rear impact protection
- Substantially increased roof strength for rollover protection
- First time both models achieved 'good' ratings in all IIHS crash tests
- Recognition as IIHS Top Safety Pick for the first time
