Want a Safe Minivan for Your Kids? 3 2022 Models Top the IIHS Safety Charts
If you have kids, you just might be looking for the safest new 2022 minivan that you can. After all, minivans are a favorite vehicle for families. There are some great minivans on the market from solid auto manufacturers with solid reputations. So which is the safest minivan? You have a few choices, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which tests vehicles and reports the findings to help people be safer. Here are your top three choices.
1. The 2022 Toyota Sienna is the safest minivan, according to the IIHS
The 2022 Toyota Sienna is the safest new minivan, according to the IIHS. It holds the title of Top Safety Pick+ with good crash test ratings and superior or advanced safety systems. In addition, the Sienna has good headlights and a G+ for its LATCH child seat ease of use. This is a huge plus for anyone who intends to use car seats in their minivan.
The IIHS gives out two awards to the safest vehicles it tests. One is the Top Safety Pick, and the Top Safety Pick+. To earn a Top Safety Pick+ title, a vehicle has to have:
- Good ratings in:
- Driver-side small overlap front test
- Passenger-side small overlap front test
- Moderate overlap front test
- Original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests
- Advanced or Superior for available front crash prevention for both the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluations
- Acceptable or good headlights standard on all trim levels
2. The 2022 Honda Odyssey has excellent crash test ratings
The 2022 Honda Odyssey comes in second place on the IIHS list. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The Honda Odyssey has good crash test ratings, superior safety systems, and acceptable headlights. Its LATCH system also has a G+ rating.
The IIHS is a non-profit that tests vehicles and shares the results of their tests with consumers so that people can make informed decisions about what they buy. By issuing safety ratings and awards, consumers are more aware of potential issues with their vehicles, and car manufacturers have more accountability. The IIHS’ tests have evolved to keep pushing safety standards higher, which is a huge bonus for everyone.
3. The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is a Top Safety Pick+ winner
The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is number three on the IIHS’ list of the safest 2022 minivans. It’s also the last minivan to receive the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award. Like the Sienna and Odyssey, the Pacifica has excellent crash test ratings, an advanced front crash prevention vehicle-to-vehicle system, and a superior vehicle-to-pedestrian system. It has acceptable headlights and an acceptable LATCH system.
Although a vehicle winning the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award is a definite positive when you’re car shopping, not all vehicles with these awards are equal. The IIHS says, “These awards identify the best vehicle choices for safety within size categories during a given year. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford more protection than smaller, lighter ones. Thus, a small car that qualifies for an award might not protect its occupants as well as a bigger vehicle that doesn’t earn the award.”
The safest 2022 minivans offer a good number of options. If you’re in the market for something safe for your family, you could consider any of these 2022 minivans for you and your kids.
