Midsize SUV Crash Test Results

Nissan Murano

CNN Money reports, "Midsize SUVs are becoming safer, but side and rear impact crashes remain a weakness, according to recent testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)."  The Institute has released the results of front, side and rear crash tests on 2008 Midsize SUVs.  The 2009 Nissan Murano was awarded the Top Safety Pick designation, as the only midsize SUV to receive the top rating in all three crash tests. 

The Hummer H3, on the other hand, was the only vehicle tested to receive a rating below "good" in the frontal crash test.  Side test results were less positive.  "The Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro and Kia Sorento, all 2008 models, were the worst performers" in side crashes. The Liberty, Wrangler and Nitro all received the second-lowest rating ‘marginal,' while the Sorento had the lowest rating of ‘poor.'"  Kicking Tires adds, "The good news, IIHS says, is that in those same tests in 2001, half of the models failed to get a Good rating in front crash tests," while all but one achieved the top rating this year.  "The other good news is that all the models offer standard electronic stability control. IIHS won't award any vehicle a Top Safety Pick rating without having that system."  Full test results are available in a press release on the IIHS web site.