This research focuses on comparing the two progressive damage models available in the explicit nonlinear finite element software LS-Dyna. To explore the prediction capabilities in terms of mechanical response and dominating failure modes in S2 glass woven composites, low velocity impact response at four different energies ranging from 27.9 J to 109.7 J were considered in this study. A macro-homogeneous solid element formulated finite element model was simulated to understand the response and failure mechanics in the laminate under low-velocity impact. The material modeling was carried out utilizing the MAT 55 and MAT 162 material models. An effort has been made for robust calibration of the various physical and non-physical parameters in both material cards for accurate predictions. The prediction capabilities of the models were then examined by comparing them against the experimental results, which fall within the deviation of ∼11%. The results show that MAT 162 yields a better resemblance with the damage morphology patterns and the delamination for the accounted impact zone, due to inclusion of strain-rate effect. Overall, this paper provides insight into the limitations and advantages of both material models, which establishes the route for the selection of the appropriate material model for simulating impact behavior in woven composites. •Investigation on low-velocity impact behavior of S2 glass woven composites.•Calibration of the physical and non-physical parameters from two progressive damage models.•MAT 55 models estimated well for the performance of the laminate under lower impact energies.•MAT 162 showed better correlation at higher impact energies due to consideration of strain-rate effect.