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Volvo XC90 Earns 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ After Impressive Crash Test Results

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The refreshed XC90 secures top marks for crash protection and safety technology, reaffirming Volvo’s longstanding leadership in vehicle safety.

  • Volvo’s refreshed XC90 has earned the 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, thanks to outstanding crashworthiness and crash avoidance performance.
  • The SUV achieved ‘good’ ratings across major crash tests, including the tougher updated moderate overlap front test, with strong protection for both driver and rear passengers.
  • Updated safety systems reinforce Volvo’s ongoing leadership and commitment to occupant safety.

Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA) is pleased to announce that the refreshed Volvo XC90, launched locally in October this year, has been awarded the 2025 Top Safety Pick+ designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

This recognition follows outstanding test results across the Institute’s crashworthiness and crash avoidance evaluations, with the updated moderate overlap front test standing out as a key area of strength. The XC90 was recently refreshed with several key updates, including updated front styling, a revised interior with a higher-resolution 11.2-inch touchscreen and updated materials, and new paint colours.

The moderate overlap front crash test was updated by adding a rear-seat dummy and new injury measures to better evaluate back-seat protection. Later, the scoring was revised to more accurately assess chest-injury risk by incorporating both chest compression and shoulder-belt position into a single metric.

But safety has always been a key tenet of Volvo cars and, despite the loftier standards, the XC90 achieved a ‘good’ overall rating, the highest awarded by the IIHS. The SUV’s structure remained stable and provided ample survival space for both the driver and the rear passenger. All driver injuries were rated ‘good,’ including the head and neck, chest, thigh, hip and lower leg and foot.

The rear passenger dummy also recorded low risks of head, neck, and chest injury. The shoulder belt stayed in an ideal position, and the lap belt remained firmly located across the pelvis throughout the crash. This helped limit injury forces to the torso and lower body.

Crashworthiness and additional testing

The XC90 has a long record of strong crashworthiness results. In the original small overlap front test on the driver side, the SUV again received a ‘good’ rating. The cabin maintained its shape, and the dummy’s position showed that the survival space was well preserved with a low risk of injury to the legs and feet.

Crash avoidance, lighting and safety systems

The XC90’s standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system received an ‘acceptable’ rating in the latest 2.0 version of the test, the second-best rating after ‘good.’ Pedestrian crash prevention was also rated ‘acceptable.’ In many test scenarios, the XC90 either avoided a collision entirely or reduced speed enough to significantly lessen the impact.

Furthermore, the SUV also received a ‘good’ rating for its seatbelt reminder system. Combined with the new rear seatbelt load limiter enhancements, these systems underline Volvo’s commitment to safety in all seating positions.

A continued commitment to leadership in safety

From its 2016 redesign to the latest 2025 model, the XC90 has consistently reflected Volvo’s belief that safety must evolve constantly. The Top Safety Pick+ award reinforces the brand’s longstanding aim of reducing serious injuries and fatalities on the road.

“Safety has always been the foundation of the brand, and the latest recognition from the IIHS confirms that the XC90 continues to be a leader in the segment,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director of VCSA. “The updated moderate overlap results show that we do not take our heritage for granted. We are constantly looking for ways to make every journey safer for every occupant. The Top Safety Pick+ award is an important reminder of why customers continue to place their trust in Volvo.”

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Author: Press Release from Have Your Say ZA on behalf of Volvo Car South Africa.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.