The new 2009 Nissan Murano, while we think it looks very awkward, was the best performer in new crash tests for midsize SUVs according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The HUMMER H3 performed the worst.

IIHS said that the new Murano was the only SUV among nine tested to get the highest front, side and rear crash test ratings. The 2009 Nissan Murano also received praise for its new electronic stability control which now comes as standard.

GM’s HUMMER H3 was the only SUV in the group that didn’t get the top rating for frontal crash protection. The H3 also received ‘acceptable’ rating for the side crash test and ‘poor’ for the rear crash test.

Other SUVs included were Kia’s Sorento, Chrysler’s Jeep Liberty, Wrangler, Nitro, Suzuki’s XL7, Mitsubishi’s Endeavor and Mazda’s CX-7 and CX-9.

IIHS said that the Mitsubishi Endeavor, Mazda, CX-7 and CX-9 would have been top safety picks as well if they hadn’t performed poorly in the rear crash test.

Source: MSNBC

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