The Odyssey’s overall composite score is composed of a five-star frontal, four-star rollover and a five-star rating for the combined side pole and barrier tests. The side barrier test is an area where other vehicles have shown weakness with the safety agency’s new testing format. The side pole test simulates a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side. According to Honda, the four-star rollover rating is actually the highest rating a vehicle of this body type can achieve under NHTSA’s testing methodology.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently announced the Odyssey received a top score of Good in all of its crash tests but hasn’t completed a roof-strength test that is required to earn the Top Safety Pick designation.
Out of the more than 50 models NHTSA has tested so far, only 11 have earned a five-star rating under the revamped system: Acura MDX, BMW 5 Series, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, GMC Sierra, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Volvo XC60. NHTSA still has few more models left to test for 2011.