Updated Nissan Titan Yields Dismal Scores in IIHS Tests

When automakers announce an update on current models, it’s usually to improve their overall ratings aside from the visual enhancements. So when Nissan shared that the Titan is getting a refresh, industry experts and interested customers expected better performance and safety scores.

That is until the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed its ratings on the truck.

According to data shared by the IIHS, the new Titan got lower scores in its crash tests after undergoing an update. Compared to the previous model, the 2021 Titan performed worse in the passenger-side small-overlap test. Where it previously earned a Good rating, the Nissan truck was only rated Acceptable this time around. The rating applies to both its extended-crab and crew-cab variants.

The reason behind the lower rating is believed to be a higher intrusion into the passenger space. Last year, the manufacturer made changes to portions of the Titan’s frame, leading to alterations to the hinge pillar, roof rail, and lower sills. These changes could have affected its crash performance even despite the addition of a driver-side knee airbag.

The vehicle also earned lower marks for its headlights, which were rated Poor. Prior to the update, the Titan’s headlights were rated Marginal.

The dismal ratings, however, do not mean the Titan is no longer safe and competitive.

The pickup truck is very much capable of preventing a crash, earning a Superior rating for its technology. It’s also found to have excellent vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian crash prevention, and it can avoid other cars at 12 mph and 25 mph. Moreover, the truck can stop at 37 mph upon detection of a pedestrian.

Nonetheless, customers may be more at ease to know that Nissan did something to improve the Titan’s ratings further. It won’t be surprising if the automaker announces another update on the full-size truck’s safety technology soon.