February 2008 (Medialink) - The best overall performer in front, side, and rear tests of nine midsize SUV models is the redesigned 2009 Nissan Murano, which earns the TOP SAFETY PICK award. The tests were recently conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, and Kia Sorento, all 2008 models, are the worst performers in the side test. The Liberty, also sold as the Dodge Nitro, and Wrangler earn the second lowest rating of marginal for protection in side crashes. The Sorento earns the lowest rating of poor.

Safety of SUVs is improving: In 2001 only half of the midsize models that were tested earned good ratings in the frontal offset test. In the latest evaluations, all but the Hummer H3 do, and it earns an acceptable rating. As manufacturers introduce improved designs, more SUVs are qualifying for TOP SAFETY PICK by earning good ratings in all three tests and having electronic stability control (ESC).

Check out the SUV crash test video here.