In its latest round of crash tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna received very different ratings in two categories: LATCH and the passenger-side small overlap test. In both these categories, the Honda Odyssey proved the clear winner.
LATCH is a system of attachment hardware that’s supposed to make it easier for customers to install child restraints in their cars. That’s the intent, although some systems aren’t as easy to use as others. IIHS ranks the systems for their ease of use, including the accessibility of the lower anchors, the force required to attach the seat, and the number of LATCH-equipped seating positions among other criteria. Of the three minivans, the Odyssey came out on top. It earned a “Good+” rating in this category, while the Sienna scored “Acceptable” and the Pacifica was deemed “Marginal.” The Dodge Grand Caravan and Kia Sedona are also rated “Acceptable.”
For several years, IIHS has issued ratings for the driver-side small overlap test. This test simulates what happens when the front left corner of a car crashes into a tree, pole, or other object at 40 mph. Just recently, IIHS added ratings for the passenger side, which simulates the same event on the right-hand corner of the vehicle. Once again, the Odyssey takes the cake with a “Good” rating. The Pacifica scored “Acceptable” and the Sienna scored “Marginal.” Neither the Grand Caravan nor the Sedona have been rated in this category.
If such a crash were to happen in real life, the front passenger in a Sienna may sustain injuries to the right hip and lower leg, IIHS said. The crash caused 16 inches of intrusion into the dashboard and 20 inches into the lower compartment. Toyota modified the Sienna’s structure for increased driver-side protection starting with 2015 models, but failed to make the same improvements to the passenger side, the agency noted.
Vehicles don’t need to earn top ratings in the passenger-side test or the LATCH test to qualify for the Top Safety Pick award. The Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Kia Sedona have earned the award for 2018. To achieve this feat, a vehicle must have “Good” ratings in all crash tests except the passenger-side test, a headlight rating of “Acceptable” or “Good,” and a front crash prevention rating of “Advanced” or “Superior.” So far this round, no minivan has earned the even more prestigious Top Safety Pick+ award, which requires at least an “Acceptable” rating in the passenger-side test in combination with a “Good” headlight score.
View the most recent minivan ratings from IIHS here.
Source: IIHS
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