HIGHWAY SAFETY RESEARCH & COMMUNICATIONS
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Nissan Frontier

2012-13 models

results also apply to: 2012-13 Suzuki Equator

SIDE IMPACT TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Good

  Injury measures Head protection Structure/safety cage
Head/neck Torso Pelvis/leg
Driver Good Acceptable Good Good Good
Rear passenger Good Good Good Good

Important: Side impact crash test ratings can be compared across vehicle type and weight categories.

Good Good Acceptable Acceptable Marginal Marginal Poor Poor

Test details:

The Nissan Frontier was redesigned for the 2005 model year. The Suzuki Equator was introduced in the 2009 model year. Beginning with 2012 models, design changes were made to the side curtain airbags in both the Frontier and Equator to improve occupant protection in side impact crashes. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Nissan as part of side crash test verification. However, because there were no significant side structural changes, the structure rating of the most recent model is based on both Nissan's test and two earlier Institute tests of 2008 and 2010 Frontier models.

Injury measures:

Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that rib fractures would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.

Rear passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Head protection:

Driver — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof and a side airbag that deployed from the seat.

Rear passenger — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.

Additional features:

  • Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
  • Rollover sensor: designed to deploy the side curtain airbags in the event of an impending rollover
  • Electronic stability control
  • Antilock brakes

Tested vehicle specifications:

  • 2012 Nissan Frontier SV (2wd Crew Cab)
  • Class: Small pickup
  • Weight: 4,255 lbs.
  • Side airbags: standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags
  • Wheelbase: 126 in.
  • Length: 206 in.
  • Width: 73 in.
  • Engine: 4.0 L V6
  • EPA ratings: 15 mpg city | 20 mpg highway

See all test results for Nissan Frontier | Suzuki Equator

Last updated: April 9, 2013

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