Four SUVs Get Poor Safety Ratings

If you're looking into buying an SUV and safety is a main priority, this is a must read: Four midsize SUVs failed to earn the Top Safety Pick designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the latest rollover crash ratings.

Labeled "acceptable" were the 2010 Nissan Xterra, Toyota FJ Cruiser and Toyota 4Runner. The Nissan Pathfinder was rated as "marginal."

None received a "good" rating, which means a roof can withstand a force equal to at least 4 times the vehicle's weight.

For an "acceptable" rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. A "marginal" rating value is 2.5. Anything lower is "poor."

Meanwhile, the 2011 Kia Sportage was recently named a Top Safety Pick by the institute, as was its twin the Hyundai Tucson.

Other Kia vehicles to be named top picks are: the 2010 Forte, 2010 Soul, and 2011 Sorento. In order to earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation a vehicle must earn a "good" rating in the front, side, rear and rollover crash-safety tests.