The brand-new Jeep Wrangler scored just a single star our of five in the Euro NCAP crash tests. The SUV was tested alongside eight other vehicles and scored the lowest rating save for the Fiat Panta, also built by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
The surprising and disappointing rating is the result of the Euro-spec Wrangler lacking active and passive safety systems. While the U.S. version comes with some modern safety features, the European model is equipped only with front driver and passenger airbags, side head airbags, and side chest airbags. There's no autonomous brake or lane changing assist systems.
Seven other vehicles tested in the same session achieved five-star ratings. The list includes the Audi Q3, BMW X5, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jaguar I-Pace, Peugeot 508, Volvo V60, and Volvo S60. The Fiat Panda, on the other hand, scored zero stars to become only the second vehicle ever with this rating, following the 2017 Fiat Punto.
Commenting on the Wrangler's results, the secretary general of Euro NCAP said: "it is truly disappointing to see a brand-new car being put on sale in 2018 with no autonomous braking system and no lane assistance."
The situation is that much more disappointing given that the Wrangler starts from a whopping £44,495 in the United Kingdom and from €46,500 in Germany.
Further reading
Driving the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL
Read our full review on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.