The 2021 Nissan Murano is recognized for its safety features, and its performance in crash tests is a key factor for potential buyers. This analysis focuses on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings for the Nissan Murano, specifically looking at the driver-side small overlap frontal test. The ratings discussed here are applicable to Nissan Murano models from 2019 to 2024, as these models share the same structural and safety design improvements implemented starting in 2019.
IIHS Small Overlap Frontal Test: 2021 Nissan Murano
The IIHS driver-side small overlap frontal test simulates a crash where the front corner of the vehicle collides with a narrow object like a pole or tree. This is a challenging test that assesses how well a vehicle protects the driver in a severe frontal impact.
The Nissan Murano earned a “Good” rating in this demanding test. This “Good” rating is the highest possible and indicates that the vehicle provides a high level of protection in this type of crash. The structural design and updated safety features of the 2021 Murano played a crucial role in achieving this rating. It’s important to note that improvements were made to the Murano starting with the 2019 model year, including the addition of a front passenger knee airbag and redesigned airbags for enhanced protection in both moderate and small overlap frontal crashes. These redesigned airbags include the driver knee airbag, passenger frontal airbag, and side curtain airbags.
Key Safety Performance Indicators
The IIHS evaluation considers several factors to determine the overall rating. For the Nissan Murano, key areas of assessment and their “Good” ratings include:
-
Structure and Safety Cage: The structural integrity of the vehicle is critical in a crash. The Murano’s safety cage was rated “Good,” signifying that it effectively maintained its structure during the small overlap test, providing crucial space for occupant survival.
-
Driver Injury Measures: Sensors on a crash test dummy in the driver’s seat measure potential injuries. The Murano achieved “Good” ratings across all driver injury measures:
- Head/Neck: Indicates a low risk of head and neck injuries.
- Chest: Shows good protection for the chest area.
- Hip/Thigh: Represents effective protection for the hips and thighs.
- Lower Leg/Foot: Demonstrates minimal risk of injury to the lower legs and feet.
-
Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics: This assesses how well the seat belts and airbags work together to control the dummy’s movement during the crash. The Murano’s restraint system and kinematics were also rated “Good,” indicating effective occupant control during the impact.
Technical Measurements and Improvements
Technical measurements from the crash test provide objective data on vehicle performance. Comparing measurements from a 2019 Murano test (VTN1911) to an earlier 2015 model test (CEN1515) highlights the improvements in occupant compartment intrusion. For example, in the lower hinge pillar maximum intrusion, the 2019 model measured 8 cm compared to 13 cm in the 2015 model, showing a significant reduction in intrusion into the driver’s space. Similarly, footrest intrusion decreased from 10 cm to 5 cm, and parking brake intrusion improved from 11 cm to 6 cm. These reductions in intrusion demonstrate the enhanced structural integrity of the post-2019 Nissan Murano models in small overlap frontal crashes.
Driver injury measures also show positive results. The Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) for the 2019 test was a low 89, and chest compression was measured at 24 mm, both indicating low risk of significant injuries. Femur and tibia injury risks were also minimal, further confirming the “Good” ratings in driver injury measures.
Conclusion: Nissan Murano 2021 Safety Commitment
The “Good” rating in the IIHS driver-side small overlap frontal test for the 2021 Nissan Murano reflects Nissan’s commitment to safety. The structural enhancements and redesigned airbags implemented in the 2019 models have demonstrably improved occupant protection in challenging frontal crash scenarios. For consumers prioritizing safety, the Nissan Murano 2021 and similar models in the 2019-2024 range offer strong safety performance as validated by IIHS testing.
