Minivan Safety Ratings Highlight Second-Row Issues

In a recent report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), minivans, a popular choice among parents for family transportation, are facing criticism for their second-row seating safety ratings. Despite their widespread appeal, none of the four minivans tested managed to secure an acceptable or good rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test, which now places a significant emphasis on back seat safety.

The IIHS findings revealed that the Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Carnival, and Toyota Sienna received marginal ratings, while the Honda Odyssey received a poor rating. These results are particularly alarming given that minivans are specifically chosen by families for their transportation needs, making back seat safety of paramount importance.

The IIHS introduced the updated moderate overlap front test last year due to research indicating that newer vehicles now pose a higher risk of fatal injury for belted occupants in the second row compared to those in the front seats. This shift in risk is attributed to improved airbags and advanced seat belts, which are often absent in the back row. However, even with these advancements, the back seat remains the safest place for children, as the rating does not apply to children properly secured in child safety seats.

While all four minivans provide good protection in the front seat, they exhibit multiple issues when it comes to the second row.