Crossovers improve crash ratings

According to Ken Thomas's Associated Press story, "The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave top crash test scores in front-end, side and rear tests to the 2009 Ford Escape, 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2008 Nissan Rogue." The 2008 Jeep Wrangler got a rating of "poor" on the side crash test, without the benefit of side airbags.

This is good news for those of you who are considering downsizing your ride, going to a crossover vehicle from your traditional SUV. As crossovers get more popular, they're going to get more safety attention, better engineering and better equipment.

You can read extensive crash test results at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's website.

Photo © Jason Fogelson