7 SUVs Receive 5 Stars in Crash Tests

Seven sport utility vehicles earned the government’s highest ratings in providing protection in front-end and side crashes, according to test results released Thursday.

The 2006 models of the Ford Explorer, the Honda Pilot, the Hyundai Tucson, the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, the Nissan Murano and the Subaru B9 Tribeca received five stars in frontal and side impact crash tests for the driver and passenger sides.

The 2007 model of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, which is already in showrooms and has a similar structure to the Explorer’s, also received five stars in the two crash categories.

One pickup truck, the four-door 2006 Toyota Tacoma, received top scores in the tests.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released crash test and rollover ratings for 44 sedans, SUVs, pickups and vans. Most of the vehicles received four or five stars on frontal and side crashes on a scale of one to five stars.

Other vehicles from the 2006 model year earning five stars in both seating positions for frontal crashes include the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the Honda Civic, the Buick Lucerne, the Chevrolet Aveo, the Honda Civic, the Hyundai Accent, the Lexus ES330, the Chevrolet HHR, the Ford Expedition, the Jeep Commander, the Chevrolet Express, the Chevrolet Uplander, the Dodge Caravan, the Kia Sedona and the Chevrolet Colorado.

The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, which has been on sale since January, received five stars on frontal crashes.

In front-end tests, five stars indicate a 10% or less chance of serious injury, and four stars suggest an 11% to 20% chance of serious injury.

Only three 2006 vehicles -- the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the Pontiac G6 and the Hyundai Accent -- received three stars in side testing.

Versions of the Monte Carlo and the G6 were tested without optional side air bags. The Accent has side-curtain air bags as standard features.