New Honda Odyssey Passes IIHS Tests With Top Marks

Honda seems to have done a good job in designing and engineering the 2018 Odyssey, as the latest generation of the minivan has earned a Top Safety Pick + rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

This means that it scored 'Good' in all five crashworthiness tests, and that its optional front crash prevention system, which was rated 'Basic' on its predecessor, is now classified as 'Superior'.

Moreover, in order for a vehicle to earn the safety specialist's top marks, its headlights have to be noted as 'Acceptable' or 'Good', since last year, and the 2018 Honda Odyssey scored 'Acceptable', on certain trim levels.

"The Odyssey's Elite and Touring trim lines earn an 'Acceptable' rating for their LED reflector headlights", explains IIHS. "The two trims include high-beam assist, a feature that automatically switches between high beams and low beams, depending on the presence of other vehicle. Headlights on other trim lines earn a 'Marginal' or 'Poor' rating."

Filling the shoes of its successful predecessor, which was America's best-selling minivan for 7 years, the 2018 Honda Odyssey was unveiled at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, and went on sale in the United States in May. Customers have to pay at least $30,890 for the base model, and no matter what grade they choose, they will get a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is paired with a 9-speed auto gearbox on certain trim levels, or with a 10-speed auto in Touring and Elite models.