February 4, 2010
First time Institute rates small pickups for rollover protection; only one model rates good in test that assures strength of roof
Rollover test:
Crushing device
In the Institute's roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 corner of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush.
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Vehicle Research Center roof crush machine: 2010 Dodge Dakota pre-test 12/3/09 |
2010 Nissan Frontier demonstration test
The Frontier has the strongest roof of the 5 small pickups the Institute rated. Its roof crushed less than 4 inches while withstanding a force of 15,000 pounds.
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1/22/10 |
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2010 Chevrolet Colorado demonstration test
The Colorado had the weakest of the 5 rated small pickups. In contrast to the Frontier, the Colorado’s roof crushed about 12.5 inches at 15,000 pounds of force.
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1/22/10 |
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31 mph side impact test representing a strike from a pickup or SUV: 2010 Nissan Frontier — rated GOOD
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Pre-crash photo 10/29/09 |
Action shot taken during the side impact crash test 11/10/09 |
View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment 11/10/09 |
Smeared greasepaint shows where the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side curtain airbag. 11/10/09 |
Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy’s head was protected by the side airbag. 11/10/09 |
31 mph side impact test representing a strike from a pickup or SUV: 2010 Ford Ranger extended cab — rated GOOD
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Pre-crash studio shot 10/26/09 |
Action shot taken during the side impact crash test 11/3/09 |
View of the vehicle after the crash with the driver door removed, showing the side airbag and damage to the occupant compartment 11/4/09 |
The dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side airbag that deployed from the seat. 11/4/09 |
The side airbag provides protection for both the head and chest, as seen in this postcrash photo after the dummy was removed from the truck. 11/4/09 |
31 mph side impact test representing a strike from a pickup or SUV: 2010 Dodge Dakota crew cab with optional side airbags
*Not rated — side test of Dakota with optional side airbags was conducted, but side airbags failed to deploy.
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Pre-crash studio shot 10/28/09 |
Action shot taken during the side impact crash test 11/5/09 |
View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing damage to the occupant compartment 11/9/09 |
Action shot taken during the side impact crash test showing the driver dummy's head leaning well outward and being struck by the window sill. 11/5/09
LOW RESOLUTION STILL FROM DIGITAL VIDEO |
Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy's head was hit by the rear window frame and the pillar behind the door. 11/5/09 |
31 mph side impact test representing a strike from a pickup or SUV: 2010 Chevrolet Colorado — rated POOR
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Pre-crash studio shot 10/28/09 |
Action shot taken during the side impact crash test 11/19/09 |
View of the vehicle after the crash with door removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment 11/20/09 |
Smeared greasepaint shows where the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side airbags. 11/19/09
LOW RESOLUTION STILL FROM DIGITAL VIDEO |
Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy’s head was protected by the side airbag. 11/19/09 |
