Results dismal in small pick-up crash test

This is the first time the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested the side impact protection of small pickups. Unfortunately many of the results were dismal. Watch in horror as not only do the trucks get smashed, but so does your resale value.

The only truck to receive the IIHS highest rating of good in side test for occupant protection was the Toyota Tacoma. The Dodge Dakota, Mitsubishi Raider, Ford Ranger, Mazda B Series, and Nissan Frontier all rated marginal. The Chevrolet Colorado and it’s twin, the GMC Canyon, which do not have optional side impact air bags, received the lowest rating of poor in the side test.

The side impact test simulates a crash with a truck or SUV type vehicle moving at 31mph. These tests are important due to the fact that side impact crashes are the the second most common type of crash fatality. Federal mandated side impact air bags goes into effect on the 2015 model year. As of right now, side air bags are standard on 65 percent of new models.