NHTSA Tests First Pickups Under New Rating System

The four trucks tested were the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, 2011 Ram 1500 and 2011 Toyota Tacoma.

Of that group, the Silverado and Sierra scored the best, receiving four stars for the regular cab, extended cab and crew-cab configurations. The results also include a tested Silverado Hybrid model. The Silverado and Sierra received five stars in the new “pole test,” which simulates a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.

The Tacoma received a four-star rating overall but performed worse in front and side-impact crash tests. In the front crash test, the Tacoma was awarded four stars for the driver but only two stars for the passenger.

The Ram 1500 earned the lowest score of the group, receiving three stars. In the pole test, the Ram received only one star for the Quad cab and crew-cab configurations. The rating indicates the chance of serious injury is greater than 40%.

We’re still awaiting results for the 2011 Ford F-150, 2011 Ford Ranger and the 2011 Toyota Tundra.

In the same testing batch, NHTSA also released results on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, Kia Soul, Mazda3 and Honda CR-Z. The Sonata was awarded five stars in side crashes and rollovers; an overall score or front crash rating has yet to be released. The Soul received a four-star overall rating. The Mazda3 earned a four-star rating, too, but it received a two-star rating in side crash tests because of a poor side-barrier rating. The CR-Z earned a three-star rating overall.

For more info, visit safecar.gov.

First Pickup Trucks Crash-Tested by NHTSA Under New 5-Star Safety Rating System (PickupTrucks.com)