The new Nissan Titan half-ton did not fair well in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s small-overlap front crash test. The pickup only scored a “Marginal,” one level up from the lowest ranking of “Poor.” Testing revealed the Titan’s driver space was not maintained, with 11 inches of intrusion into the lower footwell. Such results would have likely resulted in injuries to the left foot and right leg, the IIHS says.

In the video above, it’s clear to see the barrier push the front left tire into the base of the A-pillar, deforming it rearward into the driver’s foot well area. Intrusion into the upper section of the cabin, around the dashboard, measured 7.4 inches and the steering column was pushed 3.5 inches rearward toward the crash test dummy. Still, the IIHS only noted possible injuries to its legs.

The IIHS breaks down its scores, noting possible injury to each area of the body, along with rating the structure and safety cage of the vehicle. The structure ranked “Marginal,” while the head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and restrains earned a score of “Good.” The lower leg and foot area scored the lowest rating of “Poor,” which combined with the “Marginal” rating of the structure and safety cage, led to an overall score of “Marginal.”

The 2017 Nissan Titan did well in all other crash testing. It scored a “Good” in the moderate overlap, side impact, roof strength test, and head restraints and seats. The rear seat LATCH system was rated an “Acceptable” in terms of ease-of-use. The Titan’s headlights didn’t fare so well, however, scoring a “Marginal.” It’s easier to give the Titan a pass on that rating though, as headlight evaluations are new to the IIHS’ testing regimen for 2017. The small-overlap crash test as been around since 2012.

So this begs the question – does this crash test result deter you from buying a Titan pickup? Let us know in the comments below.

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