Nissan Murano

2004-07 models mfg. after Sep. 2003

FRONTAL OFFSET TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Good

Structure/safety cage Injury measures Restraints/dummy kinematics
Head/neck Chest Leg/foot, left Leg/foot, right
Good Acceptable Good Good Good Good

Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Test details:

The Nissan Murano was introduced in the 2003 model year.

All 2003 and later Murano models manufactured after June 2003 include structural changes to improve occupant protection in frontal offset crashes. In addition, Nissan modified a portion of the padding underneath the carpeting at the driver's right heel on 2004 and later models produced after September 2003 (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door).

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of a 2003 Murano with the structural modifications and retrofitted with the improved padding in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier.

Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the inflated side curtain airbag. The dummy continued to rebound into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury.

Injury measures — Measures taken from the chest and both legs indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. A high head acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag, indicating that head injuries would be possible. Forces on the neck indicate that injuries to the neck would be possible.

Left to right:

  • Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test; the side curtain airbag and side chest airbag on the driver side inflated during the crash. Larger photo
  • The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well. Larger photo
  • Both side airbags deployed for the driver dummy. The large curtain airbag kept the dummy's head away from the B-pillar and roof rail. Larger photo
  • Extensive paint smears show where the dummy's head hit the side curtain airbag. Larger photo

Additional features:

  • Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
  • Electronic stability control (optional)
  • Antilock brakes

Tested vehicle specifications:

  • 2003 Nissan Murano SL 4wd
  • Class: Midsize SUV
  • Weight: 3,999 lbs.
  • Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
  • Wheelbase: 111 in.
  • Length: 188 in.
  • Width: 74 in.
  • Engine: 3.5 L V6
  • EPA ratings: 20 mpg city | 24 mpg highway

See all test results for Nissan Murano

Last updated: October 6, 2006

©1996-2008, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute
1005 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22201 USA | tel 703/247-1500 | fax 703/247-1588