Small Pickup Truck Crash Tests

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. 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. (Learn about how the IIHS crash tests cars.)
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

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