The 2009 Nissan Murano snagged the best safety rating out of 10 midsize SUVs in industry-run crash tests, the Detroit Free Press reports. The Murano was the only one to receive the top "good" rating in front, side, and rear crashes. The Mazda CX-7 and CX-9, and the Mitsubishi Endeavour also fared well overall but missed out on the top ranking for not offering enough protection against whiplash.
The Hummer H3 is the only vehicle that did not get a "good" rating for front crashes in the tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It rated "acceptable" for those and side crashes, and "poor" for rear crashes. The IIHS said better protection in general is needed for side-impact crashes. The Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Liberty, and Dodge Nitro rated "marginal" on those, and the Kia Sorento "poor." (More car safety stories.)