2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL: Driven
The last-generation (2007-2012) Nissan Altima, in V-6 form, was surprisingly sporty and satisfying... Read More
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'Good,' frontal offset; 'good,' side impact; 'good,' rear impact; 'good,' roof strength; Top Safety Pick
Four stars overall; four stars frontal; five stars side; five stars side pole
SAFETY | 9 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
'Good,' frontal offset; 'good,' side impact; 'good,' rear impact; 'good,' roof strength; Top Safety Pick
IIHS
Four stars overall; four stars frontal; five stars side; five stars side pole
NHTSA
Crash test scores for the Equinox have been stellar. In the federal government's all-new crash-test and ratings system, the 2011 Equinox earned four stars overall, with a four-star score in frontal impact and five stars in the side test. The Equinox also achieved top five-star results in NHTSA's tough new side-pole test. And in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, the Equinox achieved top 'good' test scores in all categories—culminating in a Top Safety Pick Award carried over for the 2011 model.
For us, the biggest flaw in the Equinox is its truly appalling rear three-quarter vision—somehow worse even than many vehicles in this class that appear to have higher beltlines. The large side mirrors are an absolute necessity, because looking over your shoulder when merging shows little more than interior trim surrounding a tiny window opening. Rear-seat headrests don't remove or fold down to open up vision in the rear-view mirror. Thankfully, the LT has a reversing camera fitted as standard.
Conclusion
The Equinox’s crash-test assessment is in a word, awesome, and just short of perfect, while its safety equipment list isn’t missing anything—except rearward visibility.
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