The 2020 Honda Accord remains a popular choice for sedans, and safety is a key consideration for many buyers. This article provides a detailed analysis of the 2020 Accord’s safety performance based on evaluations conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Understanding these ratings can help you make an informed decision when choosing your next vehicle.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end, on the driver’s side, impacts an object. This is a challenging test that evaluates how well the car’s structure protects the driver in such a severe crash.
Driver-Side Performance
The 2020 Honda Accord achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test. This is the highest possible rating and indicates excellent protection in this type of collision.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Technical measurements from the driver-side test:
- Maximum Intrusion: Intrusion into the lower occupant compartment was minimal, with a maximum of 5 cm at the brake pedal. The upper occupant compartment showed no intrusion at the steering column or upper dash.
- Injury Measures: All driver injury measures were rated “Good,” indicating low risk of significant injuries to the head, neck, chest, hip, thigh, and lower leg/foot.
- Dummy Kinematics: The driver restraints and dummy kinematics were also rated “Good,” showing that the seatbelt and airbags worked effectively to control the dummy’s movement during the crash.
Alt text: 2020 Honda Accord driver-side small overlap front crash test results summary showing ‘Good’ overall rating and ‘Good’ for all subcategories.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap test is similar to the driver-side test but assesses the protection offered to the front passenger.
Passenger-Side Performance
The 2020 Honda Accord also earned a “Good” rating for passenger-side small overlap protection. This signifies that passengers in the front seat are well-protected in a similar type of frontal collision.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Technical measurements from the passenger-side test:
- Maximum Intrusion: Intrusion was slightly more significant on the passenger side compared to the driver side, with up to 11 cm of intrusion in the lower occupant compartment (footrest and toepan areas). Upper occupant compartment intrusion was 4 cm at the upper dash.
- Injury Measures: Both passenger and driver injury measures were “Good,” indicating low injury risk for both front occupants.
- Dummy Kinematics: Passenger and driver restraints and dummy kinematics were rated “Good,” demonstrating effective occupant control.
Alt text: 2020 Honda Accord passenger-side small overlap front crash test results highlighting ‘Good’ overall safety performance and robust passenger protection.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
The moderate overlap front test involves 40% of the vehicle’s front width impacting a deformable barrier. This test represents a more common type of frontal collision.
Moderate Overlap Performance
The 2020 Honda Accord achieved a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test. This consistent “Good” rating across frontal crash tests underscores the Accord’s robust frontal impact protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
Technical measurements from the moderate overlap front test:
- Occupant Compartment Intrusion: Intrusion into the footwell area was minimal, with a maximum of 5 cm at the brake pedal. Instrument panel and steering column movement were also minimal.
- Injury Measures: All driver injury measures were rated “Good,” indicating low risk of significant injuries in a moderate overlap frontal crash.
Alt text: 2020 Honda Accord moderate overlap front crash test outcome showing ‘Good’ rating, reflecting strong structural integrity and driver safety.
Side Impact Crash Test: Original and Updated Tests
Side impact crashes are particularly dangerous. The IIHS conducts two types of side impact tests: the original side test and an updated, more stringent test.
Original Side Impact Test Performance
In the original side impact test, the 2020 Honda Accord received a “Good” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
Technical measurements from the original side impact test:
- Minimal Intrusion: Intrusion into the occupant compartment was limited, indicating good structural resistance to side impacts.
- Low Injury Risk: Driver and rear passenger injury measures were low across all body regions, resulting in “Good” ratings.
Updated Side Impact Test Performance
The updated side impact test uses a heavier barrier and higher impact speed, making it more challenging. In this updated test, the 2020 Honda Accord received a “Marginal” overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | M |
| Structure and safety cage | M |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | A |
| Pelvis | M |
| Driver head protection | M |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis | A |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
Key Findings from the Updated Side Impact Test:
- Marginal Structure: The structure and safety cage received a “Marginal” rating, indicating that the Accord’s side structure didn’t hold up as well in the more severe test.
- Driver Head Protection Issue: A significant issue was identified with driver head protection. The dummy’s head moved downwards past the side curtain airbag and struck the window sill, leading to an “Marginal” rating for driver head protection.
- Torso and Pelvis Concerns: Driver torso protection was rated “Acceptable,” and driver pelvis protection was “Marginal,” suggesting higher potential injury risk in these areas in a severe side impact. Rear passenger pelvis protection was “Acceptable.”
Alt text: Post-crash view of a 2020 Honda Accord after the updated side impact test, illustrating vehicle deformation and airbag deployment.
Alt text: Interior view of 2020 Honda Accord after updated side impact test, doors removed to show side airbag deployment and occupant compartment damage.
Alt text: Close-up of grease paint on the window sill of a 2020 Honda Accord, indicating driver dummy head contact during the updated side impact crash.
Alt text: Grease paint mark on the side airbag of a 2020 Honda Accord, demonstrating rear passenger head protection during the updated side impact crash.
It is important to note the difference between the original and updated side impact tests. While the Accord performed well in the original test, the “Marginal” rating in the updated test is a point of concern, particularly regarding driver head protection in more severe side collisions.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test evaluates how well the vehicle’s roof can withstand forces in a rollover crash.
Roof Strength Performance
The 2020 Honda Accord achieved a “Good” rating in roof strength. With a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.51, the Accord’s roof can withstand over five times its own weight.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,105 lbs |
| Peak force | 17,114 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.51 |
Alt text: 2020 Honda Accord roof strength test results showing a ‘Good’ rating, indicating strong roof structure and rollover protection.
Head Restraints & Seats
Head restraints and seats play a crucial role in preventing whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
Head Restraints & Seats Performance
The 2020 Honda Accord received a “Good” rating for head restraints & seats. Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good”.
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
Alt text: 2020 Honda Accord head restraints and seats evaluation summary, indicating ‘Good’ rating for whiplash protection in rear-end collisions.
Headlights
Headlight performance is critical for nighttime driving safety. The IIHS evaluates headlight systems and rates them based on visibility and glare.
Headlight Ratings
The 2020 Honda Accord has different headlight options depending on the trim level.
For LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, Sport 2.0T, EX-L 2.0T, Hybrid, EX Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid trims:
- Overall Rating: Acceptable (A)
- Low-beam headlight type: LED reflector
- High-beam headlight type: Halogen reflector
- High-beam assist: Yes
For Touring 2.0T and Touring Hybrid trims:
- Overall Rating: Marginal (M)
- Low-beam headlight type: LED reflector
- High-beam headlight type: LED reflector
- High-beam assist: Yes
The base trim headlights received an “Acceptable” rating, while the upgraded headlights on the Touring trims were rated “Marginal” due to some glare issues and less effective illumination in certain curve scenarios.
Alt text: Headlight rating chart for 2020 Honda Accord LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Hybrid trims, showing ‘Acceptable’ overall rating.
Alt text: Headlight rating chart for 2020 Honda Accord Touring trims, showing ‘Marginal’ overall rating due to glare and illumination issues.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems can significantly reduce or prevent frontal collisions. The IIHS tests vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian front crash prevention systems.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Front Crash Prevention
The 2020 Honda Accord’s standard Collision Mitigation Braking System earned a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
- Avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
- Meets forward collision warning requirements.
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|
Alt text: 2020 Honda Accord vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system rating showing ‘Superior’ performance and collision avoidance capability.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention
The 2020 Honda Accord’s pedestrian front crash prevention system received an “Advanced” rating.
- Crossing Child: Speed reduced in 12 mph test, failed to slow in 25 mph test.
- Crossing Adult: Collision avoided in 12 mph test, speed reduced significantly in 25 mph test.
- Parallel Adult: Collision avoided in 25 mph test, speed reduced significantly in 37 mph test.
| Overall evaluation | Advanced |
|---|
Alt text: 2020 Honda Accord pedestrian front crash prevention system rating showing ‘Advanced’ rating with varied performance in different pedestrian scenarios.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors, also known as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), make it easier to install child safety seats correctly.
LATCH System Rating
The 2020 Honda Accord has a LATCH system rated “Good + extra LATCH positions”.
- 2 rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware.
- 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor and ability to borrow lower anchors.
| Overall evaluation | G + extra LATCH positions |
|---|
Alt text: 2020 Honda Accord LATCH system rating showing ‘Good+’ and highlighting ease of use and availability of anchors for child seat installation.
Conclusion: 2020 Honda Accord Safety Performance
The 2020 Honda Accord demonstrates strong safety performance in most IIHS crash tests, earning “Good” ratings in small overlap front (driver and passenger side), moderate overlap front, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. It also boasts “Superior” vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention and “Advanced” pedestrian front crash prevention systems.
However, the “Marginal” rating in the updated side impact test, particularly concerning driver head protection, is an area of potential weakness. Additionally, the “Marginal” headlight rating for the Touring trims should be considered if nighttime driving is a significant factor.
Overall, the 2020 Honda Accord is a safe vehicle, especially in frontal and rollover crashes. Prospective buyers should weigh the updated side impact test results and headlight ratings against their individual safety priorities and driving conditions when making their purchase decision. Always prioritize regular vehicle maintenance and consider consulting with expert mechanics for any vehicle inspections or repairs to ensure your car’s safety features are functioning optimally.
