VIDEO: Nissan Murano Shines in Latest IIHS Crash Tests

The 2015 Nissan Murano earned an overall “good” rating – the highest score possible – in the latest round of small overlap front crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Seven mid-size SUV models were tested. The Nissan Murano’s top crash score, combined with the vehicle’s “superior”-rated optional front crash prevention system, qualified the vehicle for the highest IIHS honor: Top Safety Pick+.

The Ford Flex drew an “acceptable” rating and qualified as a Top Safety Pick. For detailed scoring results of the other mid-size SUVs tested – the Jeep Wrangler, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Durango and Dodge Journey – click here. To watch an IIHS video summarizing the test results, click on the photo or link below the headline.

The small overlap test replicates what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole.

“This test presented a major challenge for manufacturers when it was introduced three years ago, and many have adapted quickly,” said David Zuby, IIHS chief research officer. “Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep have had some successes with redesigned models, but they haven’t done much in the way of interim improvements. As a result, they still have many models that rate poor or marginal.”