Crash exams present that some 2023 minivans could also be unsafe for back-seat passengers

a Crash test series The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) has raised considerations concerning the security of 2023 fashions of 4 fashionable minivans: Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnival.

The nonprofit’s examine discovered that not one of the minivans examined acquired an “acceptable” or “good” security ranking, which is a purple flag for anybody contemplating driving or buying one of many automobiles. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) targeted on how rear-seat passengers would cope in a head-on collision.

Whereas all the minivans carried out properly in defending front-seat occupants, outcomes have been noticeably much less favorable for our back-seat check dummy, which was the scale of a 12-year-old.

Jessica Jermakian, vice chairman of the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS), advised CBS Mornings that in all 4 minivans examined, “the rear passenger was at elevated threat for a chest damage, both as a consequence of poor belt placement or forces.” Excessive belt.

Three of the 4 minivans — the Sienna, Pacifica and Carnival — acquired a “Marginal” total ranking. The Honda Odyssey acquired the bottom ranking: “Poor.”

Minivans have carried out properly in earlier crash exams, however the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) raised testing requirements as a result of it believes rear-seat passengers have been being missed. The outcomes throughout completely different car lessons, from small and midsize SUVs to sedans and minivans, present the necessity to enhance car security.

“Individuals sitting within the again seat are at elevated threat of deadly damage in comparison with these sitting within the entrance seat. This doesn’t imply that the again seat has turn into much less secure over time. Relatively, it’s that the entrance seat has turn into safer by comparability,” Jermakian stated.

Automakers say they’re reviewing the findings and that security is a high precedence and that their automobiles meet or exceed federal security requirements.

“Security is the auto business’s high precedence,” the Automotive Innovation Alliance, a commerce affiliation, stated.

“Autos on the street proceed to get safer as automakers throughout the board check, develop and combine superior security applied sciences that save lives and forestall accidents,” she stated.

“There isn’t a single check that determines the security of a car,” Stellantis stated in an announcement.

“We design our automobiles for real-world efficiency. We routinely take third-party evaluations into consideration and issue them into our product improvement course of, the place acceptable. We have now an extended historical past within the minivan section. The safety and safety of our prospects is paramount,” Stellantis considerations. Each Stellantis mannequin meets or exceeds all relevant federal car security requirements.”

Honda stated: “American Honda is a frontrunner in security rankings set by the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) with ten Honda and Acura fashions acknowledged by the institute with 2023 TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ rankings, together with the Honda Odyssey.” 2023.” The up to date moderate-overlap check with new rear-passenger metrics challenges fashions that have been totally engineered earlier than the introduction of the brand new check mode, as evidenced by the outcomes of every of the fashions included within the newest minivan rankings. , led the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security’s (IIHS) moderate-overlap check for midsize sedans, as the one mannequin out of seven examined to attain good on all rear-occupant damage metrics.

Kia additionally responded, saying: “Kia America prioritizes car security, and all Kia automobiles bought within the U.S. meet or exceed federal motorcar security requirements. Occupant safety is complicated and includes a wide range of variables, and Kia is happy with its sturdy security document and the integrity of its merchandise.” “Kia will fastidiously consider the outcomes of this testing by the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security as a part of its dedication to steady enchancment in occupant safety.”

Toyota didn’t reply to CBS Information’ request for remark.