Head restraints in several sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks poorly protected test dummies from neck injuries in a simulated rear crash at 20 mph, the insurance industry reported Sunday.
Only six of the 44 SUVs but not one of the 15 pickups tested earned top scores for their seat and head restraints.
Automakers said their vehicles are safe and meet federal standards. Some took issue with the test, contending that variations in the crash could produce different ratings for the same vehicle.
"Manufacturer advertising often emphasizes the rugged image of SUVs and pickups," said Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an industry-funded group.
"However, the institute's evaluations show seats and head restraints in many models wouldn't do a good job of protecting most people in typical rear impact in everyday commuter traffic," Lund said.
SUVs from the 2006 model year rating poorly were the Acura MDX; BMW X3 and X5; Buick Rainier; Chevrolet TrailBlazer; GMC Envoy; Isuzu Ascender; Chrysler Pacifica; Ford Explorer; Mercury Mountaineer; Honda CR-V; Honda Element; Hyundai Santa Fe; Hyundai Tucson; Jeep Liberty; Kia Sorento; Kia Sportage; Lexus GX 470; Lexus RX 330; Nissan Xterra; Cadillac SRX; Jeep Wrangler; Mitsubishi Endeavor; Mitsubishi Montero; Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7; Toyota 4Runner; and certain models of the Toyota Highlander.
The six 2006 SUVs receiving the top score were the Ford Freestyle, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover LR3, Subaru Forester and the Volvo XC90.
Scoring the second-highest rating of acceptable was the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner. .... SUV's rate poorly in rear crashes
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