Mar 12, 2008

Checking Mid-Size SUV Safety

How do popular mid-size SUVs stack up in crash protection? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an insurance-industry-funded research group,  studied the question and found that the best overall performer in front, side and rear tests of nine midsize SUV models was the redesigned 2009 Nissan Murano.  The vehicle’s performance earned it the Top Safety Pick award.

While the new Murano impressed the testers, other mid-size SUVs didn’t fare so well.  The Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, and Kia Sorento -- all 2008 models -- were the worst performers in the side test. The Liberty, the very similar Dodge Nitro and Wrangler got the IIHS’s second-lowest rating of “marginal” for protection in side crashes. The Sorento took the lowest rating of “poor.”

On a more positive note, crash safety of SUVs is improving. In 2001 only half of the mid-size models that were tested earned good ratings in the frontal offset test. In the latest evaluations, all but the Hummer H3 did and it earned an “acceptable” rating. As manufacturers introduce improved designs, more SUVs are qualifying for the Top Safety Pick designation by earning good ratings in all three tests and having electronic stability control (ESC). Next Driving Today News>>