Nissan Titan Improves Score in Small Overlap Crash Test

The Nissan Titan has improved its score in the driver’s side small overlap crash test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Titans built after August 2017 earn a “Good” rating in the test, while the previous model received a “Marginal” score.

The improved score is the result of changes Nissan made to the truck’s front-end structure. In the test, the driver’s space was well maintained after the crash, with a maximum intrusion of 7 inches at the lower door-hinge pillar. IIHS says a real life crash of this severity may result in injuries to the left lower leg. When the old model was tested, the driver’s space was not well maintained with an intrusion of 11 inches, IIHS says, and the crash would likely result in injuries to the left lower leg and possibly the left foot and right lower leg.

Introduced in 2012, the driver’s side small overlap test replicates what happens when the front left corner of the vehicle hits another car or an object at 40 mph. Only three other large pickups—the Honda Ridgeline and Ford F-150 crew cab and extended cab—received a “Good” score in the test.

The re-worked 2017 and 2018 Titans boast “Good” scores in other categories including the moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength tests, and head restraints and seats. However, the models aren’t eligible for the Top Safety Pick award because they fail to offer a front crash prevention system.

IIHS recently introduced a small overlap crash test for the passenger’s side after finding automakers were spending more time working to improve protection for the driver’s side. The Titan has not yet been rated in this test, nor has any other pickup.

Source: IIHS

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