An energy-absorbing hood assembly for a vehicle includes upper, lower, and middle panels. The upper and lower panels respectively include first and second interface surfaces. The upper panel is preferably secured to an inner surface of an outer panel. The middle panel has opposing first and second surfaces defining an asymmetric waveform profile, preferably having a polygonal geometry. The middle panel member is secured to the first and second interface surfaces at preselected locations along the upper and lower surfaces, thereby defining a plurality of laterally oriented asymmetric channels. The asymmetric waveform profile is configured with distinct amplitudes and wavelengths along different regions of the hood assembly, each configured to provide different predetermined levels of absorption and attenuation of kinetic energy imparted to the hood assembly by objects upon impact therebetween. Ideally, the lower and middle panels are respectively configured to controllably fail at first and second predetermined crush loads.