MDX gets 5-star side-impact rating by NHTSA/DOT

Thanks! Here are some of my observations, feel free to jump in, especially if I've missed something.

On the good results:

First off, so far Acura has kept its word when it said that the MDX would get the highest score in the IIHS and NHTSA crash tests. The MDX performed extremely well in the IIHS test, and now has done well in the NHTSA side impact test. That bodes well for good performance in the NHTSA full frontal test.

Here's a link to NHTSA's list of 2002 SUV's and their ratings. If the SUV you're interested in isn't listed, or doesn't have test results shown, it may have been tested in another model year. (Note that for some reason the older years seem incomplete.)

http://www.nhtsa.gov/NCAP/Cars/2002SUVs.html

On the rollover resistance score:

The rollover resistance rating is controversial because it is only a static factor based on the height of the vehicle's center of gravity and measurements of the width and length of the vehicle. The MDX probably has a relatively low center of gravity and of course is wide. Thus the measurement is useful in discussing the general physical propensity of the vehicle to roll over.

But the rating doesn't measure dynamic tendencies like suspension tuning. And NHTSA says, "the Rollover Resistance Rating, however, does not address the causes of the driver losing control and the vehicle leaving the roadway in the first place," which is where stability control (and good driving techniques!) can prevent rollovers. NHTSA does think that stability control can help reduce rollovers.

Thus, I think Acura should still add VSA to the vehicle. It's great that the vehicle has good static stability, and the score is good news for the MDX. I just think that adding VSA in 2003 would be even better news!

Side impact rating:

Here are the details on the MDX side impact test:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/NCAP/Cars/2022.html

Good scores. I do think that side curtain airbags are less necessary in a higher-riding SUV, but are nice to have in the escalating standards of safety. I'm not sure if the NHTSA side impact test measures injuries to the head (e.g. if it bounces off a door sill), as they seem to only state pelvis and thoraxic trauma.

Nevertheless, Acura has definitely achieved some good results.

Summarized:

5 star NHTSA side impact (ties for highest star score among tested SUV's)

IIHS Offset Frontal Impact Best Pick (2nd of all SUV's tested)

Tied with only one other vehicle (Aztek 4x4) for highest rollover resistance rating among SUV's

William, head injuries are not measured, so if the dummy hits the sill, as in your example, but still has a good chest compression factor, it will still get 4 or 5 stars. I hope that the NHTSA will use more advanced dummies in the future like their EuroNCAP counterparts, that can measure head injuries in side impacts.

FWIW, the 3015 pound barrier is roughly equivalent to a Toyota Corolla with 3 average sized adults on board.

<i>"How does NHTSA side-crash test and rate vehicles?

For testing side impact collisions, crash-test dummies are placed in driver and (driver's side) rear passenger seats, on the side of vehicle struck, and secured with the vehicle's seat belts. This test represents an intersection-type collision with a 3,015 pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph into a standing vehicle. The barrier is covered with material that has "give" to replicate the front of a vehicle. Since all tested vehicles are impacted by the same size barrier, it is possible to compare all vehicles with each other when looking at side crash protection ratings.

Side-collision star ratings indicate the chance of a life threatening chest injury for the driver, front seat passenger, and the rear seat passenger. "</i>