The government's NHTSA/NCAP crash test ratings for the new 2005 RL are posted at:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/ncap/Index2.cfm

The vehicle seems to have done mighty fine, earning 5 stars in every single category: frontal (driver and passenger), side (driver and passenger) and even the recently added rollover category. However, the listing labels the RL "2 wheel drive", which it of course, is not.

There are also specifics (and videos) of each test posted; those results are available at:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/3215.html

While I couldn't get any of the crash test videos to display in my browser, it was still interesting to see smashed RLs in the still shots.

 

Good news. I think the RL is on of the new vehicles Honda has promised would be equipped with their new advanced passive impact protection technology. The Odyssey was to be equipped with it as well.

 

Yup. Honda aims to be the safest car company by the end of the decade, with the most standard safety features in the cars across their line-up.

 

According to the early press release, the RL has steel beams on the side doors to reinforce protection. I don't know whether that's something exceptional or standard for the industry.

But good job, Honda.

 

Side-impact door beams are industry norms. But cheer Honda for having the fastest deploying side curtain airbags.

The RL's score is no surprise. Honda is on the way to setting a new safety standard for the auto industry. As most of you know, Honda has promised that by 2006-2007 all Honda cars will have standard side and side-curtain airbags (where they are applicable, of course, they aren't on something like the S2000).

And yep, the new RL and Odyssey use Acura's ACE body structure. It makes the cars more pedestrian friendly, and more friendly to cars of differing sizes.

 

Yeah, they're required for all vehicles by now I believe. Previous RL had them as well.