The 2019 Honda Accord Sport stands out as a popular sedan, blending style, performance, and a reputation for safety. For prospective buyers and current owners alike, understanding its safety ratings is crucial. This article delves into the safety performance of the 2019 Honda Accord Sport, drawing from rigorous testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). We’ll explore how this model fares in various crash scenarios and safety evaluations, providing a comprehensive overview for informed decision-making.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test evaluates vehicle performance when the front corner of the car collides with a rigid object like a pole or tree. This is a demanding test that focuses on the structural integrity of the car’s front end and the effectiveness of safety systems in protecting the driver.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2019 Honda Accord Sport achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test, the highest rating possible. This indicates robust structural design and effective occupant protection in this challenging crash scenario. Measurements taken during the test further illustrate the minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment and low injury risk to the driver.
Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 1 |
| Footrest | 2 |
| Left toepan | 2 |
| Brake pedal | 5 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 1 |
| Steering column | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 1 |
| Upper dash | 0 |
| Lower instrument panel | 0 |
These measurements show minimal intrusion into the driver’s space, crucial for maintaining survival space in a crash.
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 186 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 13 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.20 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 23 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.9 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.2 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk – Left (%) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk – Right (%) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.35 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.51 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 1.7 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 1.8 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 48 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 41 |
The injury measures recorded on the crash test dummy were low across all body regions, reinforcing the “Good” rating and demonstrating a low risk of significant injuries in a driver-side small overlap frontal crash for the 2019 Honda Accord Sport.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
Extending the small overlap assessment to the passenger side, this test evaluates how well the vehicle protects the front passenger in a similar frontal collision.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
Like the driver-side test, the 2019 Honda Accord Sport also earned a “Good” rating for passenger-side small overlap performance. This consistent top score underscores the vehicle’s commitment to safety for all front occupants.
Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 1 |
| Footrest | 10 |
| Right toepan | 11 |
| Center toepan | 11 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 0 |
| Center dash | 3 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 1 |
| Upper dash | 4 |
| Right lower dash | 4 |
While some intrusion measurements are slightly higher on the passenger side compared to the driver side, they are still within acceptable limits for a “Good” rating.
| Passenger injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 243 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.2 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 14 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.23 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 25 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.7 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.5 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk – Left (%) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk – Right (%) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.42 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.33 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 1.9 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 1.8 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 56 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 55 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 155 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.8 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 11 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 25 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.6 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.1 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk – Left (%) | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk – Right (%) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.55 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.25 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 1.7 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 1.3 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 46 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 52 |
Injury measures for both passenger and driver dummies in the passenger-side test remained low, reaffirming the 2019 Honda Accord Sport’s strong safety performance for front occupants in small overlap crashes from either side.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
The moderate overlap front test simulates a more typical frontal collision where a significant portion of the car’s front width impacts another vehicle or object.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, left | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The 2019 Honda Accord Sport again achieved a “Good” overall rating in the moderate overlap front test. This consistent “Good” performance across different frontal crash scenarios highlights the robust front-end design of the vehicle.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footwell intrusion – Footrest | 1 |
| Footwell intrusion – Left | 2 |
| Footwell intrusion – Center | 2 |
| Footwell intrusion – Right | 4 |
| Brake pedal | 5 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Left | 0 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Right | 0 |
| Steering column movement – Upward | -1 |
| Steering column movement – Rearward | -5 |
| A-pillar rearward movement | 0 |
Intrusion measurements in the moderate overlap test were minimal, particularly in critical areas like the steering column and A-pillar, contributing to the excellent occupant protection.
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 195 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 16 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.24 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 23 |
| Femur force – Left (kN) | 0.7 |
| Femur force – Right (kN) | 0.5 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.30 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.28 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 2.1 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 1.8 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 39 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 40 |
Driver injury risk remained low in this test as indicated by the measurements, further solidifying the 2019 Honda Accord Sport’s strong frontal crash protection.
Side Crash Test: Original Test
The original side crash test evaluates injury risk in a side impact scenario.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
The 2019 Honda Accord Sport excelled in the original side crash test, achieving “Good” ratings across all categories for both driver and rear passenger protection.
Technical Measurements – Original Side Crash Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion – Driver Side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -15.0 |
This measurement indicates the amount of intrusion into the occupant compartment was minimal, meaning the structure effectively resisted the side impact forces.
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 316 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.1 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 53 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.5 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 42 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 34 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 5.03 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.59 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.8 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 53 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 137 |
| Passenger injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 111 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.3 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.5 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 41 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 24 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.48 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.51 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.1 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 0.5 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 0.6 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 28 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 206 |
Injury metrics for both driver and rear passenger were low, indicating effective side impact protection in the original test scenario.
Side Crash Test: Updated Test
In a more demanding updated side crash test, the 2019 Honda Accord Sport received a “Marginal” overall rating. This updated test uses a heavier barrier and higher impact speed, representing more severe side-impact scenarios.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Marginal (M) |
| Structure and safety cage | Marginal (M) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Acceptable (A) |
| Pelvis | Marginal (M) |
| Driver head protection | Marginal (M) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis | Acceptable (A) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
While head and neck protection for both driver and rear passenger remained “Good,” torso and pelvis protection for the driver, and pelvis protection for the rear passenger, were lower, resulting in the “Marginal” overall rating. Notably, driver head protection was also rated “Marginal” because the dummy’s head slid past the side curtain airbag and hit the window sill.
Image: Post-crash view of the 2019 Honda Accord Sport after the updated side impact test, showing the impact zone and vehicle deformation.
Image: Interior damage and airbag deployment in the 2019 Honda Accord Sport after the updated side crash test, highlighting the occupant compartment integrity and airbag system.
Image: Grease paint on the driver dummy’s head indicating head contact with the window sill in the 2019 Honda Accord Sport updated side impact test, revealing a head protection issue.
Image: Grease paint on the rear passenger dummy’s head showing successful airbag protection in the 2019 Honda Accord Sport updated side impact test, contrasting with the driver’s head protection.
Technical Measurements – Updated Side Crash Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion – Driver Side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -12.0 |
The intrusion measurement indicates a slightly higher level of deformation compared to the original side test.
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 576 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | 77 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.9 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.8 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 54 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 40 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.38 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.62 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 5.1 |
| Passenger injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 279 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.7 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 37 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 0.6 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 43 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 27 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.68 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.71 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 4.5 |
The injury measures in the updated side test are generally higher compared to the original test, especially for the driver’s head and pelvis, reflecting the more severe test conditions and the “Marginal” rating.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test assesses the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Curb weight | 3,105 lbs |
| Peak force | 17,114 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.51 |
The 2019 Honda Accord Sport achieved a “Good” rating in roof strength, indicating a strong roof structure capable of protecting occupants in a rollover. The strength-to-weight ratio is a key metric, showing the roof can withstand over 5 times the vehicle’s weight.
Head Restraints & Seats
Whiplash protection in rear-end collisions is evaluated through head restraint and seat design.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
The 2019 Honda Accord Sport’s standard manual cloth seats and head restraints earned a “Good” rating for whiplash protection.
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 22 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 34 |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 11.5 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 53 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 0 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 145 |
These measurements confirm the effective geometry and dynamic performance of the head restraints in mitigating whiplash risk.
Headlights
Headlight performance is crucial for nighttime driving safety. The 2019 Honda Accord Sport, depending on the trim, comes with different headlight options.
Headlight Rating for LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, Sport 2.0T, EX-L 2.0T, Hybrid, EX Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid Trims
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
The 2019 Honda Accord Sport trims LX, Sport, EX, and others equipped with LED low beams and Halogen high beams received an “Acceptable” overall headlight rating. While low beams offered good visibility on straightaways and gradual curves, performance on sharper curves was rated as fair. High beam assist helps compensate for some low beam limitations.
Headlight Rating for Touring, Touring 2.0T, Touring Hybrid Trims
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | Marginal (M) |
Touring trims with LED low and high beams received a “Marginal” rating. Low beams were good on straightaways and right curves but inadequate on left curves. High beams also showed limitations, particularly on left curves.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Forward collision prevention systems are vital for mitigating or avoiding frontal crashes. The 2019 Honda Accord Sport comes standard with the Collision Mitigation Braking System as part of Honda Sensing.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Superior |
| Forward Collision Warning | Meets requirements |
| 12 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph test | Collision Avoided |
The 2019 Honda Accord Sport’s front crash prevention system earned a “Superior” rating, successfully avoiding collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian detection and prevention systems are increasingly important for urban safety.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Advanced |
| Crossing child – 12 mph test | Impact speed reduced by 3 mph |
| Crossing child – 25 mph test | Vehicle failed to slow |
| Crossing adult – 12 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| Crossing adult – 25 mph test | Impact speed reduced by 22 mph |
| Parallel adult – 25 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| Parallel adult – 37 mph test | Impact speed reduced by 34 mph |
The pedestrian front crash prevention system in the 2019 Honda Accord Sport is rated “Advanced.” It performed well in adult pedestrian scenarios, avoiding collisions in some tests and significantly reducing impact speed in others. However, performance was less effective in the child crossing scenario, particularly at higher speeds.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Ease of use of child seat anchors is important for parents installing child restraints.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good + Extra LATCH positions |
The 2019 Honda Accord Sport received a “Good +” rating for LATCH ease of use, indicating it has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with tether anchor and borrowed lower anchors.
LATCH Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tether anchor: Easy to find, Lower anchors: Not too deep, easy to attach |
| 2 | Tether anchor: Easy to find, Lower anchors: Can be borrowed from positions 1 and 3 |
| 3 | Tether anchor: Easy to find, Lower anchors: Not too deep, easy to attach |
The LATCH system in the 2019 Honda Accord Sport is designed for easy and secure child seat installation, earning a high rating in this category.
Conclusion
The 2019 Honda Accord Sport demonstrates strong safety performance across most IIHS crash tests, earning “Good” ratings in frontal, roof strength, and head restraint evaluations. It also boasts “Superior” and “Advanced” ratings for vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian front crash prevention systems respectively. While the updated side crash test resulted in a “Marginal” rating, particularly concerning driver head protection, the vehicle still offers robust safety in numerous crash scenarios. The headlight rating varies by trim level, with lower trims achieving “Acceptable” and higher trims “Marginal.”
Overall, the 2019 Honda Accord Sport is a safe vehicle choice, especially considering its strong performance in critical frontal and side impact tests (original test), and advanced crash prevention technologies. Prospective buyers should be aware of the “Marginal” rating in the updated side test and consider the headlight ratings based on their chosen trim level when prioritizing safety features.
