Topic: 7 SUVs get top safety score

[Snowman]

7 SUVs get top safety score
NHTSA releases study that gives the vehicles five stars for performance in front and side crashes.
Ken Thomas / Associated Press

-- Seven sport utility vehicles earned the government's highest ratings in providing protection in front-end and side crashes, according to test results released Thursday.

The 2006 models of the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Tucson, Mercedes Benz ML-class, Nissan Murano and Subaru B9 Tribeca received five stars in frontal- and side-impact crash tests for both the driver's and passenger's sides.

The 2007 model of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, which is already in showrooms and has a similar structure to the Explorer, also received five stars in the two crash categories. One pickup truck, the four-door 2006 Toyota Tacoma, received top scores in the two crash tests.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released new crash test and rollover ratings for 44 sedans, SUVs and pickups and vans. Most of the vehicles received either four or five stars on frontal and side crashes on a scale of one to five stars.

Other vehicles from the 2006 model year earning five stars in both seating positions for frontal crashes include: Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Civic, Hyundai Accent, Lexus ES330, Chevrolet HHR, Ford Expedition, Jeep Commander, Chevrolet Express, Chevrolet Uplander, Dodge Caravan, Kia Sedona and Chevrolet Colorado.

The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, which has been on sale since January, received five stars on frontal crashes. In front-end tests, five stars equals a 10 percent or less chance of serious injury and four stars estimates an 11 percent to 20 percent chance of serious injury. The government's frontal tests are conducted at 35 mph.

In side-impact tests, conducted at 38.5 mph, the Kia Sorento, Nissan Xterra, Toyota 4Runner and Toyota RAV4 received five stars in both seating positions.

Only three 2006 vehicles -- Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Pontiac G6 and Hyundai Accent -- received three stars in side testing. Monte Carlo and G6 versions were tested without optional side air bags. The Accent has side-curtain air bags standard.

NHTSA estimates an 11 percent to 20 percent chance of injury for vehicles scoring three stars in side testing.

None of the SUVs or pickups tested received five stars in rollover testing. Those receiving four stars include: Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT, Ford Expedition, Hyundai Tucson, Mercedes Benz ML-Class, Nissan Murano, Subaru B9 Tribeca, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier 2-door.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I don't pay attention to NHTSA's testing at all - seems even poor tests get a green light and the testing isn't stringient enough.

I only look at IIHS's.

[random006]

I don't pay attention to NHTSA's testing at all - seems even poor tests get a green light and the testing isn't stringient enough.

I only look at IIHS's.

Fair enough.  Here are three PDF's from the IIHS website, showing small, midsize and luxury SUVs.  They don't seem to have a breakdown for large, non-luxury SUVs.   

[UmroAyyar]

Subaru Forester excels. 

[sparky]

Hyundai Excel forests.

[y2chuck]

wonder why IIHS didn't test a VUE and Element with optional side airbags.  They tested the escape/tribute etc with and without them.  With side airbags on the VUE, that'd likely give it G G M rating instead of G P M which woulda put it right under the Forester.

[Shnak]

usually, they test the vehicles with their standard equipment... it's up to the carmaker to supply vehicles better equipped to have them tested also.

[y2chuck]

usually, they test the vehicles with their standard equipment... it's up to the carmaker to supply vehicles better equipped to have them tested also.

ah, makes sence......checked out their site:

"Note: When side airbags are optional, the Institute tests without the option and will conduct a second test with the optional airbags if a manufacturer requests it and reimburses the Institute for the cost of the vehicle."

[X-Traction]

Do they factor in whether a vehicle has stability control?  After all, stability control reduces the chances of losing control by about 50%, and so reduces the chances of being injured, possibly as significantly as air bags.  If they don't, I fail to see why one would be considered but not the other.  Except that their test is too simple to include stability control.  But they should admit up front that this is a severe limitation of the relevance of their scores. 

[UmroAyyar]

I don't think driveability is a factor in these ratings. This is simply impact crash testing.
Case in point. 2006 models of Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4.

RAV4 doesn't have side airbags(except the V6 Limited) but it has stability,traction control. Rear crash rating is worse than Forester.
Forester has side airbags standard in all trims and no stability,traction control. Top rating all around.

Does any of these need the missing options?