When considering a family SUV like the Honda Passport 2021, safety is paramount. Prospective buyers want assurance that their vehicle will protect them and their loved ones in the event of a collision. This comprehensive guide delves into the safety ratings of the Honda Passport 2021, providing an in-depth analysis based on rigorous testing. As experts in auto repair at cardiagnosticnearme.com, we understand the critical role safety features play, and we’re here to break down the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluations to help you make an informed decision.
The Honda Passport, sharing its robust platform with the Honda Pilot, has undergone extensive crash testing by the IIHS. These tests simulate various real-world accident scenarios to assess vehicle safety performance. We’ll explore how the 2021 Honda Passport fared in each category, from small overlap front crashes to side impacts, roof strength, and headlight effectiveness. Understanding these ratings is crucial for anyone prioritizing safety in their vehicle choice.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The small overlap front crash test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with a narrow object like a tree or pole. This is a particularly challenging test, as it concentrates crash forces on a small area of the vehicle’s structure.
Driver-Side Performance
The 2021 Honda Passport earned a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test, the highest rating possible. This indicates a high level of protection for the driver in this type of severe frontal crash.
| 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 structural performance of the Honda Passport in this test was also rated as “Good,” meaning the vehicle’s safety cage effectively maintained its integrity, providing a protective space for the driver. Measures taken on the crash test dummy indicated a low risk of injury to the head, neck, chest, hip, thigh, and lower leg/foot regions. The restraints and airbags performed optimally, contributing to the excellent outcome.
Action shot during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test, demonstrating the impact dynamics for Honda Passport and Pilot models.
Post-crash dummy position in the Honda Passport, showing the driver’s survival space was effectively maintained after the small overlap frontal crash test.
Frontal and side curtain airbags deployed effectively in the Honda Passport, protecting the driver’s head during the small overlap frontal crash test.
Driver’s side space maintained well in the Honda Passport crash test, indicating a low risk of leg and foot injuries.
Technical Measurements – Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower Occupant Compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max | 4 |
| Footrest | 8 |
| Left toepan | 7 |
| Brake pedal | 5 |
| Parking brake | 10 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 2 |
| Upper Occupant Compartment | |
| Steering column | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 3 |
| Upper dash | 4 |
| Lower instrument panel | 4 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 243 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.2 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 17 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.30 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 24 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.1 |
| Right | 0.5 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.41 |
| Right | 0.41 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 1.8 |
| Right | 1.5 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 80 |
| Right | 62 |
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap test evaluates the protection offered to the front passenger in a similar frontal offset crash.
Passenger-Side Performance
The 2021 Honda Passport achieved an “Acceptable” rating overall in the passenger-side small overlap front test. While still providing a good level of protection, it fell short of the “Good” rating achieved on the driver’s side.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Acceptable (A) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Acceptable (A) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Acceptable (A) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Marginal (M) |
| 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 structure maintained a “Good” rating, similar to the driver-side. However, passenger injury measures for the head/neck and lower leg/foot were rated “Acceptable.” The passenger restraints and dummy kinematics received a “Marginal” rating. This was due to the dummy’s head sliding off the frontal airbag and hitting the dashboard, indicating a potential area for improvement in passenger protection. Conversely, driver injury measures remained “Good” across the board in this test.
Action capture from the passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test of the Honda Passport and Pilot, highlighting crash dynamics.
Passenger survival space maintained well in the Honda Passport after the passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test.
Dummy’s head slid off the airbag and hit the dashboard in the Honda Passport passenger-side small overlap test, indicating a potential injury risk.
Moderate injury risk indicated for the passenger’s right lower leg based on forces measured in the Honda Passport crash test.
Technical Measurements – Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower Occupant Compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max | 5 |
| Footrest | 11 |
| Right toepan | 7 |
| Center toepan | 4 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 3 |
| Upper Occupant Compartment | |
| Center dash | 5 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 4 |
| Upper dash | 6 |
| Right lower dash | 5 |
| Passenger injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 444 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | 77 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.3 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 17 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 16 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.7 |
| Right | 2.0 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 4 |
| Right | 8 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.35 |
| Right | 0.85 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 0.9 |
| Right | 1.4 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 87 |
| Right | 30 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 65 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.8 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 10 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.19 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 26 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.1 |
| Right | 0.1 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.47 |
| Right | 0.18 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 0.3 |
| Right | 0.7 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 53 |
| Right | 56 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
In the moderate overlap front crash test, the entire front of the vehicle impacts a deformable barrier, simulating a head-on collision between two vehicles of similar weight.
Moderate Overlap Performance
The Honda Passport 2021 earned a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front crash test.
| 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 structural performance was again “Good,” and all driver injury measures were rated “Good,” indicating excellent protection in this common type of frontal collision.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest | 2 |
| Left | 3 |
| Center | 3 |
| Right | 4 |
| Brake pedal | 9 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward | 1 |
| Rearward | -5 |
| A-pillar rearward movement | 0 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 145 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 46 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.24 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 25 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 0.2 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 0.2 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.46 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.48 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 1.4 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 1.3 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 61 |
| Right | 97 |
Side Crash Test: Original Test
The original side crash test simulates a vehicle being struck by another vehicle in a typical intersection accident.
Original Side Crash Performance
The 2021 Honda Passport earned a “Good” rating in the original side crash test.
| 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) |
Both driver and rear passenger injury measures and head protection were rated “Good,” indicating excellent side impact protection under the original test protocol.
Technical Measurements – Original Side Crash Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -17.5 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 147 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.4 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 26 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 23 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.27 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.25 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 2.8 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Combined force (kN) | 3.3 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.4 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 37 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | -22 |
| Passenger injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 122 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.6 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.1 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 34 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 2.0 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 38 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 29 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.62 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.61 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.1 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Combined force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 1.1 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 111 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 19 |
Side Crash Test: Updated Test
The IIHS updated its side crash test to be more demanding, using a heavier barrier and higher impact speed to better simulate more severe side-impact scenarios, particularly involving larger SUVs and trucks.
Updated Side Crash Performance
In the more rigorous updated side crash test, the 2021 Honda Passport received a “Marginal” overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Marginal (M) |
| Structure and safety cage | Marginal (M) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis | Marginal (M) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Marginal (M) |
| Pelvis | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
While driver and rear passenger head/neck injury measures and driver head protection remained “Good,” the structure and safety cage were rated “Marginal,” along with driver pelvis and rear passenger torso injury measures. This indicates that while head protection is adequate, there are weaknesses in structural integrity and torso and pelvis protection in a more severe side impact.
Post-crash view of the Honda Passport following the updated, more stringent side crash test evaluation.
Side airbags deployed and occupant compartment damage shown in the Honda Passport after the updated side crash test with doors removed.
Greasepaint on the driver dummy’s head in the Honda Passport indicates head protection by side airbags during the updated side crash test.
Greasepaint on the rear passenger dummy’s head in the Honda Passport confirms head protection by the side airbag in the updated side crash test.
Technical Measurements – Updated Side Crash Test
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -12.5 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 206 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.5 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.0 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 17 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 0.4 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 27 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.41 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.42 |
| Pelvis | |
| Combined force (kN) | 6.0 |
| Passenger injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 206 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.8 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 24 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.5 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 52 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 35 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 5.33 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.86 |
| Pelvis | |
| Combined force (kN) | 3.4 |
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test measures how well the roof can withstand forces in a rollover accident. A strong roof is crucial for occupant protection in such events.
Roof Strength Performance
The Honda Passport 2021 achieved a “Good” rating for roof strength.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Curb weight | 4,219 lbs |
| Peak force | 22,025 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.22 |
With a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.22, the roof of the Honda Passport can withstand over five times its weight, demonstrating excellent rollover protection.
Head Restraints & Seats
Head restraints and seats play a vital role in preventing whiplash and other neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
Head Restraints & Seats Performance
The Honda Passport 2021 received a “Good” rating for head restraints and seats.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
Both the dynamic performance and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good,” indicating effective design in minimizing whiplash risk.
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Seat type | Power cloth seat |
|---|---|
| Geometry | |
| Backset (mm) | 50 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 35 |
| Seat design parameters | |
| Pass/fail | Pass |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 13.0 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 67 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Neck forces | |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 0 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 470 |
Headlights
Headlight performance is a critical safety feature, especially for nighttime driving. IIHS evaluates headlight effectiveness in providing adequate illumination without causing excessive glare.
Headlight Performance
The 2021 Honda Passport has two different headlight variations, both achieving an “Acceptable” rating overall.
Trim Level: Elite & Touring
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Acceptable (A) |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
Trim Level: Sport & EX-L
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Acceptable (A) |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
Both LED reflector and LED projector headlight systems available on different trims of the Honda Passport 2021 provide “Acceptable” visibility. While not the highest “Good” rating, they offer adequate illumination for safe driving.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems are designed to automatically brake the vehicle to mitigate or avoid frontal collisions. IIHS tests these systems at 12 mph and 25 mph.
Front Crash Prevention Performance
The Honda Passport 2021’s standard Collision Mitigation Braking System earned an “Advanced” rating in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Advanced |
- The system avoided a collision in the 12 mph test.
- In the 25 mph test, the system reduced impact speed by 12 mph.
- However, the system does not meet requirements for forward collision warning.
While the system effectively reduces collision severity, the lack of a forward collision warning system prevents it from achieving the highest “Superior” rating.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors, or LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), are evaluated for their ease of use and effectiveness in securing child safety seats.
LATCH System Performance
The Honda Passport 2021 received an “Acceptable” rating for its LATCH system.
| Overall evaluation | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Acceptable (A) |
While the vehicle has three rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware, the anchors were noted as being too deep in the seat and hard-to-find location, impacting ease of use.
LATCH Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acceptable | Tether anchor hard-to-find, lower anchors too deep in seat, easy to maneuver around anchors. |
| 2 | Acceptable | Tether anchor hard-to-find, lower anchors too deep in seat, difficult to maneuver around anchors. |
| 3 | Acceptable | Tether anchor hard-to-find, lower anchors too deep in seat, easy to maneuver around anchors. |
Conclusion: Honda Passport 2021 Safety – A Solid Choice
The Honda Passport 2021 demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, achieving mostly “Good” ratings in IIHS crash tests. It excels in frontal and roof strength tests, providing robust occupant protection. While the passenger-side small overlap and updated side crash tests revealed areas for potential improvement, the overall safety performance of the Honda Passport 2021 is commendable.
For families prioritizing safety, the Honda Passport 2021 remains a solid choice in the SUV market. Understanding these safety ratings, along with considering factors like reliability and features, will empower you to make the best decision for your needs. As car experts at cardiagnosticnearme.com, we advise all car buyers to thoroughly research vehicle safety ratings and features to ensure peace of mind on the road.
