When looking at the vehicle's ratings in the side crash tests from IIHS, you are going to get an idea on how well you can expect a vehicle to do. The side-crash tests of vehicles are a little different from the crash tests of vehicles from the front of the vehicle.
One of the differences between the crash test ratings of the front of the vehicle and the tests of the side of the vehicle is that the tests can be looked at on all weight levels of the vehicle. A lighter vehicle with a good rating in the side test department is going to be every bit as good as a heavier vehicle when it comes to crashes.
The moving barrier that crashes into the vehicle is the factor that is determined when dealing with the safety of the vehicle from the side crash tests performed.