cars news 10: 2017 Nissan Titan Disappoints in IIHS Small Overlap Crash Test

The 2017 Nissan Titan recently underwent testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the results were less than stellar. Even though the Titan earned the highest possible score in four out of five crash tests, it all fell apart in the difficult small overlap category.

The Titan Crew Cab was rated “Marginal” in the small overlap crash test, which replicates what happens when the driver-side corner of a vehicle hits another car or object at 40 mph. Based on the measurements taken from the dummy, IIHS said that it’s likely a Titan driver would suffer injuries to the left lower leg, and possibly the left foot and right lower leg, in such a crash. The impact resulted in plenty of intrusion into the driver’s space, reaching 11 inches at the lower door hinge pillar.

Outside the crash test categories, the Titan was rated “Marginal” for its headlights. The truck doesn’t offer a front crash prevention system, another category IIHS considers when granting its Top Safety Pick awards.

The Titan’s results contrast sharply with the 2017 Ford F-150 Crew Cab and Extended Cab, which earned top scores in all crash tests. However, it’s important to note that pickups often lag behind other segments in small overlap crash test performance. The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, 2017 Toyota Tundra Crew Cab, and 2017 Ram 1500 also received “Marginal” scores in the small overlap examination.

So far, the only pickup to qualify for the Top Safety Pick+ award is the Honda Ridgeline. To earn the agency’s highest accolade, vehicles must achieve “Good” ratings in all five IIHS crash tests, including the small overlap, moderate front overlap, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. They must also earn an “Advanced” or higher rating in front crash prevention as well as an “Acceptable” or “Good” headlight rating.

Source: IIHS