Small pickup truck crash tests - Some results are dismal

For the first time, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested side-impact protection on small pickup trucks and the results are not favorable. (Learn about how the IIHS crash tests cars.) The Toyota Tacoma was the only pickup to earn the highest rating of good in the side test for occupant protection. The Dodge Dakota, Mitsubishi Raider, Ford Ranger, Mazda B Series, and Nissan Frontier all rated marginal; the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon rated poor in the side test, which simulates a side impact from an SUV or pickup.

The side-impact tests are important as it’s the second most common type of crash fatality. Side air bags are standard on more than 65 percent of new models and manufacturers are working to make them standard by the 2010 model year. A federal mandate on side air bags goes into effect for the 2015 model year.

Small pickups have the highest driver death rates of all vehicles and most occur in single-vehicle crashes and rollovers. Electronic stability control (ESC) is a key proven safety feature that can help prevent crashes and save lives, but the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier are the only pickups in this group that offer optional ESC. The 2009 version of the Tacoma, Colorado, and Canyon will come with standard ESC.

Small pickups
The July crash-test group is listed below in rank order, with the specific air bag configuration tested and applicable model years listed.

Toyota Tacoma, crew cab models
Front - Good; Side - Good; Rear – Marginal
With front and rear head-curtain air bags and front torso air bags (optional in 2005-2008 models, standard in 2009 models).
Front, side, and rear: 2005-2008 models

Dodge Dakota/Mitsubishi Raider, crew cab models
Front – Good; Side – Marginal; Rear – Acceptable
Without optional side air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2005-2008 models

Nissan Frontier, crew cab models
Front – Good; Side – Marginal; Rear - Poor
Without optional side air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2005-2008 models

Ford Ranger/Mazda B Series, extended cab models
Front – Acceptable; Side – Marginal; Rear – Poor
No side air bags available.
Front and side: 1999-2008 models, rear: 2006-2008 models

Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, crew cab models
Front – Acceptable; Side – Poor; Rear – Marginal
Without optional side air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2004-2008 models

Check out our crash test videos on more than 250 vehicles. This latest pickup truck test will be available soon in our video player.

—Liza Barth

When considering a new vehicle, make sure to review the available safety features and safety Ratings.

Comments

[david]

Why is the government waiting until 2015 to make side airbags a requirement?

[Cale]

A better question is, "Why would anyone buy a car without side airbags?"

Add the side airbags and scores would probably improve dramatically (except for the Ford Ranger/ Mazda B Series, of course). I could live (literally) with those poor and marginal rear scores, they may indicate injury that could otherwise be avoided but rear impact accidents are rarely fatal.

[Jeff Bartlett - Consumer Reports]

Cale - You are correct, sir. Having watched (and voiced) more than 250 crash test videos this year, it is very clear that side and side-curtain air bags make a true difference. I highly recommend them on any and every vehicle. The IIHS tests vehicles as they are equipped, hence some in this group without the optional air bags. Often the automaker will fund a second test with the air bags, but not this time apparently.

We agree that the rear score is less important. Front and side impacts are more likely to result in serious injury or fatality. Rear impacts most commonly lead to a non-fatal whiplash injury. Truth be told, I'd prefer to avoid whiplash, as well.

[david]

" A better question is, "Why would anyone buy a car without side airbags?" "

A lot of times, the side airbag is part of an expensive option package even on luxury cars. For example, while rear side airbag is listed part of a relatively cheap package on the LS460, no dealer carries it (at least where I live). For practical purposes, rear side airbag is available only on the LS460L (the long wheel base car) as part of an expensive option package.

[Cale]

David, I agree with your observation but I think that if manufacturers are going to make side airbags optional, including when packaged with other expensive options, the consumer should be buying the vehicle that includes this equipment regardless.

It's not about knowing what sort of scores that the IIHS produces; it's about knowing that side airbags are important, period. IMHO, most consumers know the importance but underestimate the risk of serious injury. When weighing the additional $1,400 (total combined cost on the Frontier XE) on the purchase price, they might not consider the far greater cost from loss of income and medical bills when that "marginal" rating comes back to haunt them?

Cale

[Francois L]

This is the most biased test I ever witnessed.

Tacoma with side air-bags
Canyon without them

What customers want: safety, economy, styling, reliability, etc etc etc

What they do: if they can reduce the montly payments they will. Try to locate a Yaris with Antilock brakes.

Pretty soon, we will need a helmet to go take a walk. Let's watch what is going to happen when the India and China start to sell plain Janes and stripped down vehicles.

[Cale]

Francoise, the IIHS tests models without side/head curtain airbags if the car or truck is sold with side/HC airbags as optional equipment. If the manufacturers supplies a side/HC airbag equipped model, they'll test that vehicle too. Otherwise, the IIHS crash tests the cars they buy.

In the case of the Tacoma, they tested the side airbag equipped model because the 09 Tacoma, on sale by the time the results were published, includes standard side/HC airbags.

I see no bias.

Chinese and Indian made cars will have to meet Federal motor vehicle safety standards (enforced by the NHTSA). Beyond that, it's anyone's guess how safe the cars will be.

[Michael_LaBorde]

Rear airbags are often optional because they are not always a good idea, in cars particularly. If the rear seats are to be used for child seats, then you do not want to have rear airbags, though you would still want to have side curtains in the rear. Rear airbags (that come out of the seats or the door panels could dislodge child seats or even injure a small child and create safety problems. This is why rear airbags tend to be rarer in cars. Side curtain airbags are a different matter.