Abstract: Bumper assemblies for vehicles include multiple spaced apart layers formed of a polymeric material. In one embodiment, the polymeric layers are arranged such that a thickness gradation of the layers exists, wherein the thinnest layers are positioned to provide (and absorb a portion of the kinetic energy associated therewith) the initial impact surface. In another embodiment, the polymeric layers are arranged such that a modulus property gradation of the layers exists, wherein the layers having the lowest modulus property are positioned to provide the initial impact surface. Since the bumper assembly is formed of polymeric materials, the resulting mass is approximately one half that of a conventional bumper assembly. Moreover, the polymeric bumper assembly can be easily extruded and is recyclable.