A vehicle hood energy absorbing assembly includes outer and inner hood members and a support member. The outer hood member includes outer and inner surfaces facing an exterior and interior, respectively, of a vehicle. The support member is disposed within a space defined between the outer and inner hood members and includes an elongated base member and respective pluralities of front and rear leg members. The elongated base member is disposed adjacent the inner surface and extends laterally along a majority of the outer and inner hood members. The front and rear leg members extend from forward and rear portions, respectively, of the elongated base member to respective free ends that are coupled to the inner hood member. At least one leg member includes a deformation structure at which the leg member at least partially collapses upon application of a prescribed amount of force to the outer surface.