For the 2022 model year, the Volvo XC60 comes with a new Google infotainment system, an updated exterior, slightly more fuel economy on gasoline versions, and some powertrain improvements. Despite many exciting updates from this XC60 2022 refresh, most drivers around North Haven, want to know about a model's safety. Let's take a quick look at the latest Volvo XC60, its safety ratings, and standout safety features.
2022 XC60 Overview
The all-new 2022 Volvo XC60 design is based on the concept of "Ma," embracing negative space to create an intriguing form of detailed minimalism, but that's just the beginning. The new XC60 combines Volvo's elegant interior with an extra-roomy second row, access to an upgraded plug-in hybrid powertrain, and several more standardized safety features. A new semi-autonomous driving mode is available and customizable on models with adaptive cruise control and NaviLink. Lastly, the latest XC60 infotainment system was updated in a few ways and now has Google integration.
Let's proceed with the Volvo XC60 safety ratings given by the two most widely relied-upon vehicle safety testing authorities, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Each does different tests that reveal valuable insights into automobile safety, both for shielding occupants in a crash and preventing one entirely.
NHTSA Safety Rating
In the 2022 XC60's NHTSA test results, the model earned an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, the highest possible. The front crash safety category's tests use a moving barrier to simulate a collision between two vehicles moving toward each other at 35 mph. All trim levels of the 2022 XC60 earned five stars for both the front driver and front passenger tests.
Like the past few model years before it, the 2022 XC60 also earned a perfect five out of five in all side crash tests. The side barrier crash test ratings involve a barrier hitting the stationary vehicle from the side at 38.5 mph. Like during the front crash tests, the Volvo earned the top protection score for both front and rear occupants.
On the rollover resistance test, the 2022 XC60 got a four out of five. Contrary to what you might think, rollover resistance doesn't judge durability and passenger protection in a rolling crash, which is covered in separate tests. Rollover resistance is a newer, challenging NHTSA test evaluating the likelihood of a top-heavy vehicle rolling over after a hard turn or impact to its side. Very few SUVs earn a perfect score of five stars, and some of the XC60's competitors are unrated.
Looking at the starting 2022 XC60 B5 model, the NHTSA shows a list of recommended safety features and noted advanced seat belt features and the use of anti-whiplash headrest restraints. There's also an adjustable upper belt anchorage for front-row seats and a seat belt reminder system. The NHTSA also notes that the model's side air bags are appropriately positioned to support the driver and meet the out-of-position requirements.
IIHS Safety Rating
When providing extensive, informative crash and safety tests for new vehicles, the IIHS is on par with the NHTSA. The 2022 Volvo XC60 earned the highest overall designation, Top Safety Pick+, from the IIHS. It earned the highest possible award of Good in every test for crashworthiness, from roof strength to the challenging small front overlap impact test.
Roof strength impact scores, a common weakness for SUVs, were no concern of the 2022 XC60, which earned the top rating of Good. The model also scored the best rating of Superior on the two newer front crash prevention tests. These vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention ratings judge a vehicle's stopping speed and brake intervention.
The only two parts of the 2022 XC60 IIHS safety ratings that aren't the highest possible score are the child seat anchor and headlight categories. The SUV earned the second highest overall rating of Acceptable. The child seat anchors got very high marks, the only critique being minor difficulty maneuvering around the lower tether anchors in the outboard second-row seats. Regarding headlights, the IIHS praised the use of LED reflector lights and noted their effectiveness as high beams but critiqued the level of glare as a point for further improvement.
The 2022 XC60's IIHS safety assessment is particularly impressive, given that some competing vehicles that earn the Top Safety Pick+ award have more inconsistent scores. Unlike the 2022 Volvo SUV, its competitors may also carry caveats on the award, like only applying to certain model years or installing specific features.
It's worth keeping in mind that the IIHS and NHTSA continuously create newer and more thorough safety tests. The XC60's consistent placement as a Top Safety Pick+ SUV makes it possibly the safest midsize luxury SUV near North Haven.
New Volvo XC60 Safety Features
The 2022 XC60 offers a load of standard driver aid systems like rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, and forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, as well as predictive forward collision warning, lane departure warning with haptic steering wheel alerts, and high-beam assist.
Also, the new available adaptive cruise control system received a semi-autonomous driving mode called ProPilot Assist with NaviLink. Mostly recommended for speeds at or above 37 mph, the system uses cameras, radar sensors, and NaviLink map and route data to maintain the desired distance behind the car in front. During ProPilot Assist, the steering assist doesn't just automatically help guide you and keep you in your lane. It can also engage automatically to help avoid front collisions, even at low speeds. Many parts of this system can also be customized or disabled.
The latest Volvo XC60 generation received very high safety ratings from major crash testing and highway safety organizations. The 2022 edition was updated to be safer and an even better value for your money. If you're after an SUV that is as luxurious as it is safe to drive, check out the Volvo XC60 models on special at Volvo Cars North Haven.