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Crash Safety Excellence: Why the Nissan Rogue Stands Out for Reliability
2019-2020 Nissan Rogue Safety Review: IIHS Top Safety Pick
Introduction
The 2019 and 2020 Nissan Rogue earned the prestigious Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a testament to its robust safety features and crashworthiness. While it fell just short of the higher Top Safety Pick Plus designation, the Rogue remains a strong contender in the competitive compact SUV segment. This article delves into the Rogue's safety performance, its strengths, and areas for improvement, while comparing it to rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, and Toyota RAV4.
IIHS Crash Test Ratings
The IIHS evaluates vehicles across multiple crash tests, including the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. The 2019-2020 Nissan Rogue received good ratings in all these categories, showcasing its ability to protect occupants in various collision scenarios.
- Driver-Side Small Overlap Front: Good
- Moderate Overlap Front: Good
- Side Impact: Good
- Roof Strength: Good
- Head Restraints: Good
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However, the Rogue received an acceptable rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test, which prevented it from achieving the Top Safety Pick Plus designation. This test evaluates how well a vehicle protects the front passenger in a collision where the front corner of the car strikes another vehicle or object.
Headlight Performance
Headlight performance is a critical factor in IIHS safety ratings. The Rogue's optional LED headlights earned an acceptable rating, while other available headlights were rated poor. This highlights the importance of opting for higher-tier lighting packages to enhance nighttime visibility and safety.
Front Crash Prevention
The Rogue's optional suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, was rated superior by the IIHS. These systems help prevent or mitigate frontal collisions, making the Rogue a safer choice for families and daily commuters.
How the Rogue Compares to Competitors
The compact SUV segment is highly competitive, with several models earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award. Here’s how the Rogue stacks up against its rivals:
- 2019 Hyundai Tucson: Top Safety Pick Plus
- 2019 Mazda CX-5: Top Safety Pick Plus
- 2019 Subaru Forester: Top Safety Pick Plus
- 2019 Toyota RAV4: Top Safety Pick Plus
- 2019 Honda CR-V: Top Safety Pick
While the Rogue holds its own in many areas, its competitors' superior performance in the passenger-side small overlap front test and headlight ratings give them an edge in overall safety.
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Nissan's Improvements Over the Years
When the IIHS first introduced the passenger-side small overlap front test, the Rogue did not perform well. In response, Nissan reinforced the vehicle's structure to improve crash protection. This upgrade, implemented in models built after April 2018, contributed to the Rogue's improved safety ratings.
Why Safety Ratings Matter
Safety ratings are a crucial consideration for car buyers, especially those prioritizing family-friendly vehicles. The IIHS ratings provide an objective measure of a vehicle's ability to protect occupants in real-world crash scenarios. By choosing a vehicle with high safety ratings, buyers can enjoy greater peace of mind on the road.
Conclusion
The 2019-2020 Nissan Rogue is a solid choice for buyers seeking a safe and reliable compact SUV. Its Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS underscores its strong performance in key crash tests and advanced safety features. While it may not have achieved the highest safety accolade, the Rogue remains a competitive option in its class. For those prioritizing safety, it’s worth considering alternatives like the Hyundai Tucson or Subaru Forester, which earned the Top Safety Pick Plus award.
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motorverorachael
Last Updated On Mar, 29-2025