Nissan Frontier
2005-12 modelsresults also apply to: 2009-12 Suzuki Equator
MODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Structure/safety cage | Injury measures | Restraints/dummy kinematics | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head/neck | Chest | Leg/foot, left | Leg/foot, right | ||
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Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The Nissan Frontier was redesigned for the 2005 model year and is significantly larger and heavier than previous models. The Suzuki Equator was introduced in the 2009 model year. Two tests of the Frontier were conducted, one by the Institute of a 2wd King Cab and the other by Nissan of a 2wd Crew Cab as part of frontal crash test verification. The overall rating of Good is based on review of both tests, which independently result in overall ratings of Good. The ratings and vehicle specifications based on Nissan's test are shown below because the 2wd Crew Cab is similar to the configuration of other pickups tested more recently.
Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled in both tests. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury.
Injury measures — In each test, measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. In the test conducted by Nissan, forces on the left knee, right tibia, and right foot indicate that left knee and right lower leg and foot injuries would be possible. (In the Institute's test, forces on the left knee and both tibias indicate that knee and lower leg injuries would be possible.)
Left to right:
- Action shot taken during the Institute's frontal offset crash test.
- The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well (Institute test vehicle shown).
- Dummy movement was well controlled in both tests. During rebound, the dummy's head hit only the head restraint.
- In both tests, forces on the left knee and the right lower leg were high enough to indicate the possibility of injuries (Institute test shown).
Additional features:
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags (standard in Equator and beginning with 2010 Frontier models, optional in 2005-09 Frontier models)
- Rollover sensor: designed to deploy the side curtain airbags, if equipped, in the event of an impending rollover
- Electronic stability control (standard beginning with all 2012 models, standard on all 2010-11 models except those with 4-cylinder engines, optional on 2005-09 4-wheel-drive models only)
- Antilock brakes
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 2008 Nissan Frontier SE (2wd Crew Cab)
- Class: Small pickup
- Weight: 4,222 lbs.
- Side airbags: none
- Wheelbase: 126 in.
- Length: 206 in.
- Width: 73 in.
- Engine: 4.0 L V6
- EPA ratings: 15 mpg city | 20 mpg highway
