Honda Odyssey Continues to Dominate Minivan Safety

2014 Honda Odyssey (Credit: © Honda)

The 2014 Honda Odyssey continues to dominate the minivan market segment when it comes to safety, a position the model has enjoyed for several years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2014 Odyssey with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score, which is the highest ranking the organization gives out as part of its New Car Assessment Program. The model stands as the only minivan to have received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Odyssey even achieved a Good score in the notoriously difficult small overall front crash test.

“With a 14-year history of top ratings in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program, even as those top ratings have become harder to achieve, family car buyers have learned that the Odyssey is designed to help take care of their precious cargo. For customers looking to buy a minivan that achieves the highest-available safety ratings from the NHTSA and the IIHS, the Odyssey is the one and only choice,” said Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics at American Honda.

The occupant safety inside the 2014 Honda Odyssey has been increased through a few new technological innovations. The minivan makes use of the second-generation Honda ACE body structure, which helps redirect crash forces away from the occupant area. Honda has also developed a new kind of side curtain airbag that is used in the Odyssey. The new bags provide more occupant protection in accidents where vehicles strike the van at an angle, versus the level of protection offered by traditional side curtain airbags.

Safety is also improved with the use of several active safety systems. The driver benefits from the standard Vehicle Stability Assist that features traction control, plus Anti-lock Brakes, and even an optional rollover sensor.