Washington, D.C ? Seven sport utility vehicles earned the government’s highest ratings in providing protection in front-end and side crashes, according to test results released Thursday.

The 2006 models of the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Tucson, Mercedes Benz ML-class, Nissan Murano and Subaru B9 Tribeca received five stars in frontal and side impact crash tests for both the driver’s and passenger’s side.

The 2007 model of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, which already is in showrooms and has a similar structure to the Explorer, also received five stars in the two crash categories.

One pickup truck, the four-door 2006 Toyota Tacoma, received top scores in the two crash tests.

In front-end tests, five stars equals a 10 percent or less chance of serious injury and four stars estimates an 11 percent to 20 percent chance of serious injury. The government’s frontal tests are conducted at 35 mph.

Complete ratings are online at www.safercar.gov.