8 OF 9 MIDSIZE SUVs EARN TOP RATING OF GOOD
NEW 40 MPH CRASH TEST RESULTS FROM IIHS

2004 Infiniti FX.

In frontal offset crash tests conducted recently by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, eight new or redesigned midsize SUVs earned ratings of good, and one is acceptable. Three luxury models (Lexus RX 330, Infiniti FX, and Cadillac SRX) earned good ratings overall and the added designation of "best pick." Five other SUVs (Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Murano, Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Pilot, and Mitsubishi Endeavor) also earned good ratings, and all but the Endeavor are best picks. The Kia Sorento is rated acceptable.

Vehicle ratings reflect performance in 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into a deformable barrier. Based on the results, the Institute evaluates the crashworthiness of passenger vehicles, assigning each vehicle a rating from good to poor overall. If a vehicle earns a good rating, it means that in a real-world crash of similar severity a belted driver would be likely to walk away without serious injuries.

"These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the Institute's frontal crash test program in bringing about improvements in vehicle designs," said Adrian Lund, the Institute's chief operating officer. "When the Institute first tested midsize SUVs in 1996, none was rated good. Now there are 16 current midsize SUV designs rated good." But Lund notes that "7 still are rated marginal or poor."

Toyota 4Runner is best performer: The redesigned 4Runner improved compared with the previous-generation model that was rated acceptable when the Institute tested it in 1996.

"The previous model had some intrusion into the footwell area, and the steering wheel moved upward too much during the crash, compromising the performance of the restraint system," Lund said. "In contrast, the new 4Runner is a good performer across the board with minimal intrusion into the passenger compartment, a steering column that doesn't move much, and low injury measures on the dummy. It's a good performer and a best pick."

Kia Sorento is only acceptable: While the structure of the Sorento held up well, the restraint system didn't do a good job of controlling the dummy's movement during the crash.

(CONTINUE...)