Author: Steve Allen |
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A total of eight Honda and Acura models have received the highest possible safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) under its more challenging crash protection and technology requirements implemented for the 2016 model year.

For model year 2016, four Honda models have earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating: the Accord Sedan, Accord Coupe, the CR-V sport-utility vehicle and the recently redesigned Honda Pilot SUV. The Odyssey minivan was named a TOP SAFETY PICK. Additionally, four 2016 Acura models, the ILX and RLX sedans and the MDX and RDX luxury SUVs, each have earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating. Further, Honda anticipates that the just released 2016 Honda Civic Sedan will also receive a top rating from the IIHS.

2016 Acura RDX © Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Acura RDX © Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

“The fundamental notion of vehicle safety is evolving and with technologies like some of those in Honda Sensing and AcuraWatch, we are pursuing our vision to reduce and, ultimately, to eliminate vehicle collisions,” said John Mendel, executive vice president, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “This is one of our biggest challenges and an essential element of our commitment to making products that improve the lives of people.”

The baseline requirements for both IIHS awards are GOOD ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a standard or optional front crash prevention system. The recipients of the “plus” award have a superior- or advanced-rated front crash prevention system with automatic braking capabilities. These vehicles must stop or slow down without driver intervention before hitting a target in tests at 12 mph, 25 mph or both. Models with a basic-rated front crash prevention system, which typically only issues a warning and doesn’t brake, qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK.

Honda and Acura vehicles offer a broad range of active and passive safety features along with leading edge safety- and driver-assistive technologies that can take action to help avoid a collision or mitigate its severity. The AcuraWatch™ suite of technologies is now available across the full Acura lineup, while Honda Sensing™ is available on a growing list of Honda brand vehicles, now including the 2015 and 2016 CR-V, 2016 Pilot, 2016 Accord Sedan and Coupe, and all-new 2016 Civic Sedan. Core AcuraWatch™ and Honda Sensing™ technologies include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). Additionally, all new Honda and Acura models come with a multi-angle rearview camera as standard equipment.

Standard safety equipment on all Honda and Acura models includes the Advance Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags (most vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor as well); dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; and front side airbags.