The Chevy and Nissan were rated "poor" in testing conducted on models without the optional side airbags, while the Dodge got a "marginal" rating for the model with standard side airbags. IIHS said the Nissan Titan gets a "marginal" rating when the side airbags are included, although the Chevrolet Silverado's rating did not improve on the airbag-carrying version. The IIHS noted that the Silverado's results also apply to its sibling in the GM lineup, the GMC Sierra 1500.
The tests covers occupant protection for a vehicle struck in the side by an SUV or pickup. Testing is done by striking the side of the vehicle with a barrier moving at 31 mph. The IIHS said the Silverado did poorly because of "a combination of a poor side structure plus the lack of side torso airbags." The agency said Chevrolet should "add padding or torso airbags" and beef up the side structure. The Ram and Titan's side structures did not come in for the same criticism, and the IIHS called the Titan's "acceptable."
The agency gave three other large trucks — the Ford F-150, Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tundra — its Top Safety Pick designation after the same testing. All have standard side airbags, torso and head protection and structures rated "good." The IIHS said the Ram could get the Top Safety Pick award as well if it improved its side crash rating to "good." The 2009 model already achieved a "good" rating for rear crashes after improving its seat and head restraints.
Inside Line says: The IIHS zeroes in on specific ways these trucks could be made safer. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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