Rear crash protection: Acura

For each seat/head restraint, rear-end crash protection is an assessment of occupant protection against neck injury in rear impacts at low to moderate speeds. Although such injuries usually aren't serious, they occur frequently.

The overall ratings are based on a two-step evaluation. In the first step the geometry (distance behind and below the head of a seated average-size man) is rated good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. Seats with good or acceptable geometry then are subjected to a dynamic test simulating the forces in a stationary vehicle that's rear-ended by another vehicle of the same weight going 20 mph. Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall.

In the dynamic tests measurements are recorded on a dummy (BioRID) representing an average-size man. BioRID is designed specifically for rear-end testing at low to moderate speeds. The dynamic ratings are derived from two seat design parameters (acceleration of the dummy's torso and time from impact initiation to head restraint contact with the dummy's head) plus tension and shear forces recorded on the dummy's neck. Overall ratings are based on both geometric measurements and dynamic results.

More about the procedures for rating seat/head restraints

Good Acceptable Marginal Poor

Model	Seat type	Dynamic rating
CSX (Canada only) 2006-2011	All seats (AHR)
ILX 2013	Manual cloth seats
MDX 2010-2013	Power leather seat (AHR)
MDX 2007-2009 (mfg. after May 2007)	Power leather seats (AHR)
MDX 2007 (mfg. before June 2007)	Power leather seats (AHR)
MDX 2003-2006	All seats
RDX 2013	Power leather seats
RDX 2009-2012	Power leather seats (AHR)
RDX 2007-2008	All seats (AHR)
RL 2009-2012	Power leather seats (AHR)
RL 2005-2008	All seats
RL 2001-2004	All seats	not tested (see note)
TL 2009-2013	Power leather seats (AHR)
TL 2004-2008	All seats
TSX sedan 2009-2013	Power leather seats with manual adjustable lumbar (AHR)
TSX sedan 2004-2008	All seats
TSX Sport Wagon 2011-2013	Power leather seats with manual adjustable lumbar (AHR)
ZDX 2012-2013	Power leather seat (AHR)
ZDX 2010-2011	Power leather seat (AHR)

Note: Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are also tested dynamically.

Rear crash protection test details (technical information)

Geometric ratings of other Acura models

Ratings of seat/head restraints in newer model cars are based on restraint geometry and a dynamic test. The Institute has been publishing model-by-model ratings of the the geometry of the head restraints in older models since the mid-1990s. Geometry is the necessary first step toward a seat/head restraint that provides effective protection in rear-end crashes at low to moderate speeds.

More than one rating: Ratings are for individual vehicle models. More than one rating may be shown for a model because vehicle seat options can affect head restraint geometry.

No rating shown/no model year listed: The Institute has not evaluated the head restraints in every vehicle model during every model year. If a rating box is blank or if a model year is not listed, no rating is available. If a box is shaded gray, the model was not manufactured that year.

AHR: active head restraint. These are designed to move closer to the backs of occupants' heads in rear-end crashes. These are not rated for geometry at this time.

Model		2004	2003	2002	2001
CL
Integra	2-dr
Integra	4-dr
Legend	2-dr
Legend	4-dr
MDX		see table above	see table above
NSX
RL		see table above	see table above	see table above	see table above
RSX
SLX
TL		see table above
TSX		see table above

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