In this paper the influence of active chassis systems, in particular Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Active Rear Steer (ARS), on vehicle limit handling and rollover stability is examined through vehicle testing. Effectiveness of ESC systems in influencing rollover stability in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) dynamic rollover test is first evaluated. Since there is no generally accepted objective and repeatable procedure for evaluating and quantifying vehicle handling as it relates to safety, a process of developing such a test procedure is described. Vehicle handling tests used in the automotive industry are briefly reviewed. The criteria used for selection of maneuvers that show the best potential and can characterize these aspects of handling, which affect safety, are described. A subset of the most promising maneuvers is selected. A step steer maneuver and an open loop maneuver with steering reversal are further developed through simulations and vehicle testing. A preliminary handling metric is described, which balances the aspects of handling influencing safety. Test results for both handling tests are presented, which compare performance of vehicle with ESC and ARS systems enabled to a passive vehicle.