For the first time, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has tested side-impact protection on small pickup trucks and the results are not favorable. (Learn about how the IIHS crash tests cars.) The Toyota Tacoma was the only pickup to earn the highest rating of good in the side test for occupant protection. The Dodge Dakota, Mitsubishi Raider, Ford Ranger, Mazda B Series, and Nissan Frontier all rated marginal; the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon rated poor in the side test, which simulates a side impact from an SUV or pickup.

The side-impact tests are important as it’s the second most common type of crash fatality. Side air bags are standard on more than 65 percent of new models and manufacturers are working to make them standard by the 2010 model year. A federal mandate on side air bags goes into effect for the 2015 model year.

Small pickups have the highest driver death rates of all vehicles and most occur in single-vehicle crashes and rollovers. Electronic stability control (ESC) is a key proven safety feature that can help prevent crashes and save lives, but the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier are the only pickups in this group that offer optional ESC. The 2009 version of the Tacoma, Colorado, and Canyon will come with standard ESC.

Small pickups
The July crash-test group is listed below in rank order, with the specific air bag configuration tested and applicable model years listed.

Toyota Tacoma, crew cab models
Front - Good; Side - Good; Rear – Marginal
With front and rear head-curtain air bags and front torso air bags (optional in 2005-2008 models, standard in 2009 models).
Front, side, and rear: 2005-2008 models

Dodge Dakota/Mitsubishi Raider, crew cab models
Front – Good; Side – Marginal; Rear – Acceptable
Without optional side air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2005-2008 models

Nissan Frontier, crew cab models
Front – Good; Side – Marginal; Rear - Poor
Without optional side air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2005-2008 models

Ford Ranger/Mazda B Series, extended cab models
Front – Acceptable; Side – Marginal; Rear – Poor
No side air bags available.
Front and side: 1999-2008 models, rear: 2006-2008 models

Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, crew cab models
Front – Acceptable; Side – Poor; Rear – Marginal
Without optional side air bags.
Front, side, and rear: 2004-2008 models

Check out our crash test videos on more than 250 vehicles. This latest pickup truck test will be available soon in our video player.

—Liza Barth

When considering a new vehicle, make sure to review the available safety features and safety Ratings.