Mixed Results in Latest Minivan Crash Tests

A trio of 2018 model minivans earning widely varied performance ratings in a tough frontal crash test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Honda Odyssey earned IIHS’s top “good” rating. The Chrysler Pacifica was deemed “acceptable.” Toyota’s aging Sienna was rated “marginal” overall but “poor” for structural performance.

All three minivans earned “good” scores for their occupant restraints and head and neck protection. IIHS deemed the Odyssey and Pacifica “top safety picks.”

The minivans were subjected to the institute’s challenging small-overlap frontal crash, in which only a front corner of the vehicle must absorb all the energy of a 40 mph barrier impact. The test simulates the impact that would occur if a corner of the vehicle struck a pole or clipped an oncoming car.

IIHS introduced the test in 2012 for the driver’s corner of the front end and began subjecting vehicles to the same test on the passenger’s front corner last year. Carmakers have been fortifying their vehicles accordingly.

IIHS says Toyota strengthened the driver’s corner of the Sienna for the 2015 model year, but it hasn’t made the same upgrade on the passenger’s side. As a result, the minivan allowed significant structural intrusion into the passenger’s footwell that would have caused thigh and lower leg injuries.

The Pacifica was modified to toughen both front corners for the 2017 model year. IIHS says the 2018 model it tested allowed some structural intrusion, but not enough to risk significant injury.