Murano does best of 9 SUVs in crashes
— -- The 2009 Nissan Murano was the best performer in new crash tests of midsize sport-utility vehicles, while the Hummer H3 posted one of the poorest showings, results released Tuesday by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicated.
The institute, which is funded by the insurance industry, said the redesigned Murano was the only vehicle among the nine tested to receive the highest rating in front, side and rear crash tests. It praised Nissan for making electronic stability control standard on the 2009 Murano. The system helps prevent swerving.
A message seeking comment was left Monday with GM.
The institute said it downgraded side crash results for the H3, Kia's Sorento and Chrysler's Jeep Liberty/Dodge Nitro — which are built on the same platform — because they lacked air bags that protected the torso. All three had curtain air bags that protected the head. But the tests indicated a likelihood of injuries to the driver's rib cage.
The Jeep Wrangler also received a low rating for side protection because its side air bags are optional. It was the only vehicle in the group without standard side air bags.
Besides the H3, worst performers in the rear crash test were the Mitsubishi Endeavor and Jeep Liberty/Dodge Nitro. The Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki XL7, Mazda CX-7 and Mazda CX-9 got the second-lowest rating of "marginal" on that test.
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