Recently released results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on the side-impact crash tests of certain half-ton pickups revealed poor performances described as "worse than many cars we have evaluated." While all half-ton trucks maintain a weight, size, and seating advantage over smaller vehicles, the 2009 Dodge Ram, 2009 Nissan Titan, and 2009 Chevy Silverado, were unable to muster a "Good" rating on their side-impact tests.
The side-impact tests are performed at a crash speed of 31 mph with a crash sled modeled after the front end of a typical SUV or pickup truck. The crash test measures the deformation of the body's side along with the performance of the airbag systems. Earning "Good" marks on the front, side, and rear crash tests were the 2009 Honda Ridgeline, 2009 Ford F-150, and 2009 Toyota Tundra, all equipped with standard side curtain airbags with head and torso protection.
Image courtesy of the IIH...
Image courtesy of the IIHS.
The 2009 Dodge Ram, equipped with standard side curtain airbags, received a "Marginal" rating, and does not come with torso airbags. The 2009 Nissan Titan received a "Poor" rating when not equipped with optional side curtain airbags, but improved to "Marginal" when equipped with the airbags. Side torso airbags are optional on the Titan. The 2009 Chevy Silverado, along with its sister truck the 2009 GMC Sierra, received "Poor" ratings, both with and without optional side curtain airbags. Torso airbags are unavailable on the Silverado and Sierra.
These side-impact crash test ratings apply for the 2009 Dodge Ram, 2007-09 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, and 2004-09 Nissan Titan.