Why Do Many Cars Only Have Two Airbags?
2 Answers
Many cars only have two airbags for the following reasons: High cost of airbags: Generally, there is one each in the driver and front passenger positions of the vehicle to protect the front-seat occupants. In the event of a severe collision, they provide protection for the front-seat passengers. This distribution is the most economical but can only protect front-seat passengers in frontal collisions. In cases of side impacts or rollovers, it cannot provide effective protection. Presence of seat belts: Among all the safety configurations in a car, the seat belt is the most effective in protecting occupants. Therefore, most vehicles are equipped with only two airbags, but they still provide a certain level of safety protection.
I think it's mainly due to cost control. As someone who frequently follows automotive industry trends, I've noticed many entry-level models only come with two airbags for the driver and front passenger, all driven by pricing factors. The airbag units themselves are expensive, and they require additional sensors and control modules, with each extra one adding hundreds of dollars in material costs. To reduce prices and ensure sales volume, manufacturers often opt for basic configurations in economy cars. In budget-conscious markets, consumers prioritize fuel efficiency or exterior styling over the number of airbags, so dual airbags meet basic needs while keeping costs lower. Although they provide insufficient protection in side collisions, statistics show frontal accidents are most common, and dual airbags effectively reduce fatal injuries. In the long run, as safety regulations tighten and consumer awareness increases, premium cars have already added more airbags, but entry-level models still rely on this streamlined strategy to remain competitive.