Rear crash protection: Infiniti

For each seat/head restraint, rear-end crash protection is an assessment of occupant protection against neck injury in rear impacts at low to moderate speeds. Although such injuries usually aren't serious, they occur frequently.

The overall ratings are based on a two-step evaluation. In the first step the geometry (distance behind and below the head of a seated average-size man) is rated good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. Seats with good or acceptable geometry then are subjected to a dynamic test simulating the forces in a stationary vehicle that's rear-ended by another vehicle of the same weight going 20 mph. Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall.

In the dynamic tests measurements are recorded on a dummy (BioRID) representing an average-size man. BioRID is designed specifically for rear-end testing at low to moderate speeds. The dynamic ratings are derived from two seat design parameters (acceleration of the dummy's torso and time from impact initiation to head restraint contact with the dummy's head) plus tension and shear forces recorded on the dummy's neck. Overall ratings are based on both geometric measurements and dynamic results.

More about the procedures for rating seat/head restraints

Good Acceptable Marginal Poor

Model	Seat type	Overall rating	Dynamic rating	Seat/head restraint geometry
EX 2008-2013	Power leather seats with manual adjustable lumbar (AHR)
FX 2009-2013	Power leather seats (AHR)
FX 2003-2008	All seats (AHR)
G 2007-2013	Power leather seats (AHR)
G35 2005-2006 (mfg. after Aug 2004)	All seats (AHR)
I35 2002-2004	All seats (AHR)
M35/M45 2006-2010	Manual-power leather seats (AHR)
M37/M56 2011-2013	Power leather seat
Q45 2005-2006 (mfg. after Oct 2004)	All seats (AHR)

Note: Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are also tested dynamically.

Rear crash protection test details (technical information)

Geometric ratings of other Infiniti models

Ratings of seat/head restraints in newer model cars are based on restraint geometry and a dynamic test. The Institute has been publishing model-by-model ratings of the the geometry of the head restraints in older models since the mid-1990s. Geometry is the necessary first step toward a seat/head restraint that provides effective protection in rear-end crashes at low to moderate speeds.

More than one rating: Ratings are for individual vehicle models. More than one rating may be shown for a model because vehicle seat options can affect head restraint geometry.

No rating shown/no model year listed: The Institute has not evaluated the head restraints in every vehicle model during every model year. If a rating box is blank or if a model year is not listed, no rating is available. If a box is shaded gray, the model was not manufactured that year.

AHR: active head restraint. These are designed to move closer to the backs of occupants' heads in rear-end crashes. These are not rated for geometry at this time.

Model		2004	2003	2002	2001	2000
G20
G35	2-dr	AHR	AHR
G35	4-dr	AHR	AHR
I30/I35		see table above	see table above	see table above	AHR	AHR
M45		AHR	AHR
J30
Q45		AHR	AHR	AHR	AHR	AHR for models built after 11/99
QX4			AHR	AHR	AHR
QX56

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