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Getting a five-star safety crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is something to be proud of. After all, you don’t hear car manufacturers bragging about two or three-star test ratings in their commercials. With tougher standards implemented in 2011, it is more difficult for vehicles to achieve that coveted test score, however. But that didn’t stop the Cadillac SRX and CTS from passing with flying colors. According to General Motors, these two vehicles join seven other GM models that scored the highest possible ratings in crash safety.
For 2011, the NHTSA revised its crash test safety standards. Now cars go through more rigorous tests and must pass tougher standards in order to be awarded a five-star rating. In addition to higher safety standards, new tests are also being administered, such as the new side pole test which simulates a 20 MPH side-impact crash with a pole or tree right behind the driver’s side A-pillar. Four scores from frontal and side crash tests, as well as roll-over resistance tests are given to each car according to the new system. 
These scores are then combined to determine an overall vehicle score. Both the SRX and CTS got an overall vehicle score of five stars. Due to its similar body structure and safety features to the CTS coupe, the five-star rating was also applied to the CTS wagon.
GM executive director of Vehicle Safety, Gay Kent, told reporters, “Receiving five stars under the new rating system is an impressive feat – one that clearly demonstrates the strength of the SRX and CTS advanced structure, overall crashworthiness and effectiveness of the models’ state-of-the-art safety technologies. ”
Both the SRX and CTS have frontal and side pelvic air bags for the front seats, as well as head curtain side air bags with rollover protection along both sides of the vehicle to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The vehicles also feature safety equipment like four-channel disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control, roll-over sensors and blind spot sensors to help avoid crashes in the first place.
The SRX and CTS join the Camaro coupe, along with the Buick Enclave and LaCrosse without rear side-impact air bags, the Chevy Cruz, Volt, and Traverse, and the GMC Acadia that all received a five-star safety rating. Check out some footage from the crash testing below.
