The Audi A6, redesigned in 2019, continues to impress with its safety features and crash test performance, extending to the 2022 Audi A6 model. This detailed analysis, based on evaluations by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), provides a comprehensive look at the safety ratings of the 2022 Audi A6 sedan and structurally similar models like the 2020 A6 allroad and the Audi A7 hatchback.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The 2022 Audi A6 earned a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front crash test. This test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end (driver-side) impacts a barrier.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The structure of the 2022 Audi A6 held up well in this demanding test, earning a “Good” rating for structure and safety cage. Measures taken from the crash test dummy indicated a low risk of injury in most areas.
Alt text: 2022 Audi A6 driver-side small overlap crash test, demonstrating robust structure and airbag effectiveness.
Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap Front
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Lower Hinge Pillar Max | cm | 4 |
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Footrest | cm | 7 |
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Left Toepan | cm | 3 |
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Brake Pedal | cm | 2 |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average Intrusion | cm | 0 |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Steering Column | cm | 0 |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Upper Hinge Pillar Max | cm | 4 |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Upper Dash | cm | 5 |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Lower Instrument Panel | cm | 3 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 491 | |
| Neck Tension | kN | 1.7 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment | Nm | 8 |
| Maximum Neck Injury Criterion (Nij) | 0.30 | |
| Chest Maximum Compression | mm | 32 |
| Left Femur Force | kN | 1.2 |
| Right Femur Force | kN | 1.3 |
| Left Knee Displacement | mm | 1 |
| Right Knee Displacement | mm | 1 |
| Left Maximum Tibia Index | 0.38 | |
| Right Maximum Tibia Index | 0.47 | |
| Left Tibia Axial Force | kN | 3.7 |
| Right Tibia Axial Force | kN | 4.1 |
| Left Foot Acceleration | g | 122 |
| Right Foot Acceleration | g | 95 |
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The 2022 Audi A6 also achieved a “Good” rating in the passenger-side small overlap front crash test. This test evaluates the vehicle’s ability to protect the passenger in a similar frontal collision, but on the passenger side.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Lower leg/foot | Acceptable (A) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
While the 2022 Audi A6 performed admirably overall, the passenger restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” rating. The dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag but then moved, potentially increasing vulnerability. However, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively.
Alt text: 2022 Audi A6 passenger-side small overlap crash, highlighting strong structural integrity and minor airbag deployment concerns.
Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Lower Hinge Pillar Max | cm | 2 |
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Footrest | cm | 5 |
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Right Toepan | cm | 2 |
| Lower Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Center Toepan | cm | 1 |
| Rocker Panel Lateral Average Intrusion | cm | 0 |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Center Dash | cm | 2 |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Upper Hinge Pillar Max | cm | 1 |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Upper Dash | cm | 3 |
| Upper Occupant Compartment Intrusion – Right Lower Dash | cm | 3 |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 312 | |
| Neck Tension | kN | 1.4 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment | Nm | 13 |
| Maximum Neck Injury Criterion (Nij) | 0.28 | |
| Chest Maximum Compression | mm | 22 |
| Left Femur Force | kN | 2.0 |
| Right Femur Force | kN | 1.8 |
| Left Knee Displacement | mm | 1 |
| Right Knee Displacement | mm | 1 |
| Left Maximum Tibia Index | 0.56 | |
| Right Maximum Tibia Index | 0.53 | |
| Left Tibia Axial Force | kN | 4.5 |
| Right Tibia Axial Force | kN | 3.1 |
| Left Foot Acceleration | g | 98 |
| Right Foot Acceleration | g | 105 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 176 | |
| Neck Tension | kN | 1.0 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment | Nm | 12 |
| Maximum Neck Injury Criterion (Nij) | 0.25 | |
| Chest Maximum Compression | mm | 33 |
| Left Femur Force | kN | 0.9 |
| Right Femur Force | kN | 0.2 |
| Left Knee Displacement | mm | 2 |
| Right Knee Displacement | mm | 0 |
| Left Maximum Tibia Index | 0.32 | |
| Right Maximum Tibia Index | 0.27 | |
| Left Tibia Axial Force | kN | 2.7 |
| Right Tibia Axial Force | kN | 2.3 |
| Left Foot Acceleration | g | 63 |
| Right Foot Acceleration | g | 90 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
In the moderate overlap front crash test, which simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles of similar weight, the 2022 Audi A6 again earned a “Good” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, left | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2022 Audi A6 demonstrated excellent protection in this frontal impact scenario.
Alt text: 2022 Audi A6 moderate overlap front impact, indicating effective energy absorption and passenger safety.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Footwell Intrusion – Footrest | cm | 0 |
| Footwell Intrusion – Left | cm | 0 |
| Footwell Intrusion – Center | cm | 0 |
| Footwell Intrusion – Right | cm | 0 |
| Footwell Intrusion – Brake Pedal | cm | 1 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement – Left | cm | -1 |
| Instrument Panel Rearward Movement – Right | cm | 0 |
| Steering Column Movement – Upward | cm | -1 |
| Steering Column Movement – Rearward | cm | -3 |
| A-Pillar Rearward Movement | cm | 0 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 165 | |
| Neck Tension | kN | 0.9 |
| Neck Extension Bending Moment | Nm | 11 |
| Maximum Neck Injury Criterion (Nij) | 0.22 | |
| Chest Maximum Compression | mm | 28 |
| Left Femur Force | kN | 0.5 |
| Right Femur Force | kN | 0.5 |
| Left Knee Displacement | mm | 1 |
| Right Knee Displacement | mm | 0 |
| Left Maximum Tibia Index | 0.26 | |
| Right Maximum Tibia Index | 0.35 | |
| Left Tibia Axial Force | kN | 1.5 |
| Right Tibia Axial Force | kN | 1.8 |
| Left Foot Acceleration | g | 47 |
| Right Foot Acceleration | g | 44 |
Side Crash Test: Original Test
The 2022 Audi A6 also excelled in the side crash test, earning a “Good” rating. This test simulates a vehicle being struck in the side by another vehicle.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
Both driver and rear passenger injury measures were rated “Good,” indicating comprehensive side impact protection in the 2022 Audi A6.
Alt text: 2022 Audi A6 side crash test, showcasing strong side structure and effective side airbag system.
Technical Measurements – Side Crash
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar Intrusion | cm | -17.0 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 291 | |
| Neck Tension | kN | 0.9 |
| Neck Compression | kN | 0.1 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection | mm | 40 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force | kN | 1.3 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection | mm | 30 |
| Torso Average Deflection | mm | 27 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate | m/s | 2.83 |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion | m/s | 0.41 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force | kN | 1.6 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force | kN | 1.1 |
| Pelvis Combined Force | kN | 2.6 |
| Left Femur L-M Force | kN | 0.3 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment | Nm | 96 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment | Nm | 60 |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) | 126 | |
| Neck Tension | kN | 0.4 |
| Neck Compression | kN | 0.5 |
| Shoulder Lateral Deflection | mm | 22 |
| Shoulder Lateral Force | kN | 1.1 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection | mm | 29 |
| Torso Average Deflection | mm | 22 |
| Torso Maximum Deflection Rate | m/s | 3.05 |
| Torso Maximum Viscous Criterion | m/s | 0.29 |
| Pelvis Iliac Force | kN | 0.9 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum Force | kN | 0.7 |
| Pelvis Combined Force | kN | 1.6 |
| Left Femur L-M Force | kN | 0.3 |
| Left Femur L-M Moment | Nm | 64 |
| Left Femur A-P Moment | Nm | 38 |
Roof Strength Test
The 2022 Audi A6 also demonstrated robust roof strength, achieving a “Good” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Curb weight | 4,209 lbs |
| Peak force | 22,702 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.39 |
This strong roof structure contributes to occupant protection in rollover accidents.
Head Restraints & Seats
The head restraints and seats in the 2022 Audi A6 (tested with power leather seats) were rated “Good” for dynamic performance and geometry.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
This indicates effective protection against whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
Headlights
The 2022 Audi A6 offers different headlight variations, with ratings ranging from “Good” to “Acceptable” depending on the trim level.
- Prestige trim: LED projector headlights – “Good” overall rating.
- Premium Plus trim: LED projector low beams, LED reflector high beams – “Good” overall rating.
- Premium trim: LED projector headlights – “Acceptable” overall rating.
All headlight systems feature high-beam assist, which compensates for some limitations in visibility, especially on curves.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle & Pedestrian
The 2022 Audi A6 comes standard with Audi Pre Sense Front, a superior front crash prevention system.
- Vehicle-to-Vehicle: “Superior” rating. The system avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
- Pedestrian (Day): “Superior” rating. The system demonstrated excellent performance in preventing collisions with pedestrians, including children and adults, in various scenarios.
This advanced system significantly enhances the 2022 Audi A6‘s safety profile by actively working to prevent accidents.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
The LATCH system in the 2022 Audi A6 received a “Good” rating for ease of use. It has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
This makes installing child safety seats more straightforward and secure in the 2022 Audi A6.
Conclusion
The 2022 Audi A6 stands out as a safe vehicle, earning top “Good” ratings in most IIHS crash tests and for its crash prevention technology. While there were minor “Acceptable” ratings in specific areas, the overall safety performance of the 2022 Audi A6 is commendable, making it a strong choice for safety-conscious buyers. These ratings highlight Audi’s commitment to passenger safety in the 2022 Audi A6 and related models.
Disclaimer: Safety ratings are based on tests conducted by the IIHS. Ratings apply to 2019-2025 Audi A6 models and structurally similar variants as of the date of the original publication.
