Top Safety Pick +Top Safety Pick criteria

2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge

midsize luxury SUV / 4-door SUV

Plug-in hybrid
2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge 4-door SUV

Crashworthiness

Rating overview
Small overlap front
Moderate overlap front: original test
Moderate overlap front: updated test
Side: updated test

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Headlights
Front crash prevention: pedestrian
Standard system

Seat belts & child restraints

Seat belt reminders
LATCH ease of use

Other available safety features

  • Standard blind spot detection
  • Standard lane departure warning & prevention

Key

  • Good
  • Acceptable
  • Marginal
  • Poor

Small overlap front

The small overlap front evaluation consists of a driver-side and a passenger-side component. If the results of the two evaluations differ, then the combined small overlap rating is equal to the lower rating.

Driver-side

  • Rating applies to 2021-24 models

Tested vehicle: 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum Plus 4-door 4wd

The Volvo XC90 was redesigned for the 2016 model year after a one-year absence from the market and a plug-in hybrid electric variant was introduced. Beginning with 2021 models the plug-in hybrid electric variant became known as the Volvo XC90 Recharge but has since reverted back to its previous name of plug-in hybrid for the 2025 model year.

Overall driver-side evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Action shot taken during the small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained very well.

The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury. (The loose object in the upper right is a small plastic trim part that dislodged during the impact.)

The driver's space was maintained well, and risk of injuries to the dummy's legs and feet was low.

Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID CEN1543
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm) 4
Footrest (cm) 2
Left toepan (cm) 2
Brake pedal (cm) 4
Parking brake (cm)
Rocker panel lateral average (cm) 2
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column 0
Upper hinge pillar max (cm) 4
Upper dash (cm) 2
Lower instrument panel (cm) 2

Driver injury measures

Test ID CEN1543
Head
HIC-15 37
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 0.5
Extension bending moment (Nm) 14
Maximum Nij 0.14
Chest maximum compression (mm) 16
Femur (kN)
Left 0.4
Right 0.7
Knee displacement (mm)
Left 1
Right 0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left 0
Right 0
Maximum tibia index
Left 0.24
Right 0.41
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left 1.1
Right 0.2
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 27
Right 16

Passenger-side

  • Rating applies to 2021-24 models

Tested vehicle: 2018 Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum 4-door 4wd

The Volvo XC90 was redesigned for the 2016 model year after a one-year absence from the market and a plug-in hybrid electric variant was introduced. Beginning with 2021 models the plug-in hybrid electric variant became known as the Volvo XC90 Recharge but has since reverted back to its previous name of plug-in hybrid for the 2025 model year. Passenger-side small overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Volvo.

Overall passenger-side evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics
Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side

Test ID VTP1917
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm) 8
Footrest (cm) 5
Right toepan (cm) 4
Center toepan (cm) 3
Rocker panel lateral average (cm) 4
Upper occupant compartment
Center dash (cm) 3
Upper hinge pillar max (cm) 6
Upper dash (cm) 5
Right lower dash (cm) 4

Passenger injury measures

Test ID VTP1917
Head
HIC-15 55
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 0.9
Extension bending moment (Nm) 19
Maximum Nij 0.21
Chest maximum compression (mm) 17
Femur (kN)
Left 0.2
Right 0.3
Knee displacement (mm)
Left 0
Right 0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left 0
Right 0
Maximum tibia index
Left 0.41
Right 0.74
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left 0.6
Right 0.7
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 27
Right 23

Driver injury measures

Test ID VTP1917
Head
HIC-15 54
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 0.8
Extension bending moment (Nm) 12
Maximum Nij 0.17
Chest maximum compression (mm) 28
Femur (kN)
Left 0.4
Right 0.7
Knee displacement (mm)
Left 1
Right 2
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left 0
Right 0
Maximum tibia index
Left 0.37
Right 0.21
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left 0.1
Right 0.5
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 26
Right 29

About the small overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: original test

Rating applies to 2021-24 models

Tested vehicle: 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum 4-door 4wd

The Volvo XC90 was redesigned for the 2016 model year after a one-year absence from the market and a plug-in hybrid electric variant was introduced. Beginning with 2021 models the plug-in hybrid electric variant became known as the Volvo XC90 Recharge but has since reverted back to its previous name of plug-in hybrid for the 2025 model year. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Volvo.

Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Leg/foot, left
Leg/foot, right
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics
Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID VTF1507
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm) 1
Left (cm) 2
Center (cm) 2
Right (cm) 3
Brake pedal (cm) 3
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm) 0
Right (cm) 0
Steering column movement
Upward (cm) -2
Rearward (cm) -6
A-pillar rearward movement (cm) 1

Driver injury measures

Test ID VTF1507
Head
HIC-15 174
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 0.9
Extension bending moment (Nm) 6
Maximum Nij 0.25
Chest maximum compression (mm) 31
Legs
Femur force - left (kN) 1.0
Femur force - right (kN) 1.8
Knee displacement - left (mm) 2
Knee displacement - right (mm) 5
Maximum tibia index - left 0.41
Maximum tibia index - right 0.39
Tibia axial force - left (kN) 1.9
Tibia axial force - right (kN) 3.1
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 39
Right 76

About the original moderate overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: updated test

Rating applies to 2024 models

Tested vehicle: 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge Core 4-door 4wd

The Volvo XC90 Recharge, a plug-in hybrid variant of the XC90 was introduced in the 2016 model year. These ratings do not apply to the IC variant of the XC90.

Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Thigh/hip
Leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Thigh
Rear passenger restraints and dummy kinematics

View of the vehicle after the crash showing the airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.

The rear passenger dummy's head remained a safe distance from the front seatback.

Rear passenger dummy injury values indicate a low risk of injury to the head or neck and a moderate risk of injury to the chest. During the crash, the shoulder belt remained in an ideal position on the dummy’s chest.

The rear passenger dummy's lap belt remained in the ideal position on the pelvis.

Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID CEF2449
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm) 3
Left (cm) 6
Center (cm) 7
Right (cm) 5
Brake pedal (cm) 4
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm) 0
Right (cm) 1
Steering column movement
Upward (cm) -5
Rearward (cm) -3
A-pillar rearward movement (cm) 1

Driver injury measures

Test ID CEF2449
Head
HIC-15 105
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 1.1
Extension bending moment (Nm) 10
Maximum Nij 0.22
Chest maximum compression (mm) 26
Femur (kN)
Left 0.9
Right 1.6
Knee displacement (mm)
Left 0
Right 0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left 0
Right 0
Maximum tibia index
Left 0.20
Right 0.46
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left 1.7
Right 4.0
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 96
Right 48

Rear passenger injury measures

Test ID CEF2449
Head
HIC-15 for head contact during forward excursion
no contact
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 1.8
Compression (kN) 0.1
Maximum Nij for head contact during forward excursion
no contact
Chest
Chest index 33
Shoulder belt tension (kN) 6.0
Thigh (kN)
Left femur compression 0.1
Right femur compression 0.2

About the moderate overlap front test

February 2024 adjustment to rating criteria

Side: updated test

Rating applies to 2023-24 models

Tested vehicle: 2023 Volvo XC90 B5 4-door 4wd

The Volvo XC90 was redesigned for the 2016 model year after a one-year absence from the market and a plug-in hybrid electric variant was introduced. Beginning with 2021 models the plug-in hybrid electric variant became known as the Volvo XC90 Recharge but has since reverted back to its previous name of plug-in hybrid for the 2025 model year.

Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis
Driver head protection
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis
Rear passenger head protection

View of the vehicle just after the crash test.

View of the vehicle after the crash with doors removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.

Smeared greasepaint shows where the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side curtain airbag.

Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy’s head was protected by the side airbag.

Technical measurements for this test

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID CES2241
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm) -18.5
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Driver injury measures

Test ID CES2241
Head
HIC-15 123
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 1.1
Compression (kN) 0.2
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm) 23
Lateral force (kN) 1.1
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm) 36
Average deflection (mm) 33
Maximum deflection rate (m/s) 3.31
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) 0.61
Pelvis
Combined force (kN) 3.4

Passenger injury measures

Test ID CES2241
Head
HIC-15 124
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 0.4
Compression (kN) 0.3
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm) 35
Lateral force (kN) 1.3
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm) 36
Average deflection (mm) 29
Maximum deflection rate (m/s) 3.78
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) 0.56
Pelvis
Combined force (kN) 4.1

About the side crash test

Headlights

Trim level(s)

  • All trims
Low-beam headlight typeLED reflector
High-beam headlight typeLED reflector
Curve-adaptive?Yes
High-beam assist?Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:
car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler 0 ft 100 ft 200 ft 300 ft 400 ft 500 ft 600 ft Low beams Optimal low-beam illumination High beams Optimal high-beam illumination High-beam assist credit

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on the sharp right curve, fair on the gradual right curve and inadequate on both left curves.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual right and gradual left curves and fair on the sharp right and sharp left curves.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway and all 4 curves.

Technical measurements for this test
Trim level(s)
  • All trims
Low-beam headlight type LED reflector
High-beam headlight type LED reflector
Curve-adaptive? Yes
High-beam assist? Yes
Overall rating
Applies to 2021-24 models
LOW BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)		 Amount glare
exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge 84.3 m None
Straightaway left edge 44.4 m None
250m radius right curve, right edge 58.5 m None
250m radius left curve, left edge 45.7 m None
150m radius right curve, right edge 56.1 m None
150m radius left curve, left edge 44.5 m None
HIGH BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge 152.2 m
Straightaway left edge 129.4 m
250m radius right curve, right edge 82.9 m
250m radius left curve, left edge 79.6 m
150m radius right curve, right edge 63.8 m
150m radius left curve, left edge 59.8 m

About the headlight evaluation

Front crash prevention: pedestrian

Rating applies to all 2024 models

System details

  • standard Collision Warning with Full Autobrake
Overall evaluation
Includes high-beam assist credit

Crossing child — day

  • In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
  • In the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 14 mph.

Crossing adult — night

  • In the 12 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 4 mph when using its high beams. When using its low beams, this vehicle nearly avoided a collision.
  • In the 25 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision when using its high beams. When using its low beams, impact speed was reduced by 24 mph.

Parallel adult — night

  • In the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 21 mph when using its high beams. When using its low beams, this vehicle avoided a collision.
  • In the 37 mph test, this vehicle nearly avoided a collision when using its high beams and a warning was issued 2.2 seconds before impact. When using its low beams, impact speed was reduced by 9 mph and a warning was issued 0.5 seconds before impact.

About the pedestrian front crash prevention test

Seat belt reminders

Rating applies to 2024 models

Overall evaluation
Front row
Unbelted occupant alert (audible & visual)
Initiation time
DurationLong enough (90+ seconds)
Volume
Audio frequency
Second row
Startup status alert (visual)
Initiation time
Duration at least 60 seconds
Belt disengaged alert (audible & visual)
Initiation time
Duration at least 30 seconds
Volume
Audio frequency
Technical measurements for this test
Background cabin sound pressure level at 24 km/h 49 dB
Audible signal sound pressure level at 24 km/h 61 dB
Difference between background and signal 11.7 dB
Background cabin sound pressure level at 40 km/h 53 dB
Audible signal sound pressure level at 40 km/h 63 dB
Difference between background and signal 9.6 dB
Dominant audio frequency 528 Hz

About the seat belt reminder evaluation

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2021-24 models

Overall evaluation
Vehicle trimT6 Momentum
Seat type leather

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

Overall evaluation
Vehicle trimT6 Momentum
Seat type leather
1 2 3 6 4
GGood
AAcceptable
MMarginal
PPoor
Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol
Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol
Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol
Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
No hardware available

Details by seating position

1
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
too deep in seat
not too much force needed to attach
easy to maneuver around anchors
2
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
none available
3
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
too deep in seat
not too much force needed to attach
easy to maneuver around anchors
Technical measurements for this test

Seat position 21

3

Lower anchor A
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 2-4
Force (lbs) 37
Clearance angle (degrees) 66
Lower anchor B
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 2-4
Force (lbs) 33
Clearance angle (degrees) 65
Tether anchor
Location Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present Yes
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		 Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed
while seatback is properly positioned
for use of LATCH		 Not measured

Seat position 22

2

Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present Yes
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		 No
Tether anchors can be accessed
while seatback is properly positioned
for use of LATCH		 Not measured

Seat position 23

1

Lower anchor A
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 4-6
Force (lbs) 37
Clearance angle (degrees) 58
Lower anchor B
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 2-4
Force (lbs) 37
Clearance angle (degrees) 64
Tether anchor
Location Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present Yes
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		 Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed
while seatback is properly positioned
for use of LATCH		 Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation