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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released the results from its latest round of rollover and side-impact testing — and Toyota’s Tacoma, BMW’s 3-Series and the new Mazda6 are on the losing end of the tests. The agency reports on its Web site www.nhtsa.dot.gov that in side-impact ratings of ten new sedans and SUVs, the Kia Sorento, Mercedes-Benz C240, and Volvo XC90 scored five-star ratings at all positions, while the Honda Element scored all fives save for the left rear seat position, where occupants could be at slightly higher risk for head injuries. The BMW 3-Series and Mazda6 were given three starts, which reflects an 11- to 20-percent chance of serious injury in a crash, according to the agency. In the mathematical tests used to predict rollover potential, the NHTSA found that only 17 of the 52 vehicles it rated were worthy of a five-star rating; they include the Audi TT, Buick LeSabre, Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid, Ford Mustang, and Mercedes-Benz E320. The ’03 Toyota Tacoma extended-cab pickup got just two stars in the rollover ratings.

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