The 2018 Volvo Xc60 marked a significant redesign for this popular luxury SUV, introducing updated styling, technology, and most importantly, Volvo’s renowned commitment to safety. For those considering a pre-owned SUV that prioritizes occupant protection, understanding the safety performance of the 2018 Volvo XC60 is crucial. This article delves into the detailed crash test ratings and safety evaluations conducted on the 2018 Volvo XC60, providing a comprehensive analysis of its performance in various impact scenarios. We will explore how this model fared in rigorous testing, offering valuable insights for prospective buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike.
Exceptional Performance in Small Overlap Frontal Crash Tests
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts small overlap frontal crash tests to evaluate how well a vehicle protects occupants in a collision involving a small portion of the vehicle’s front corner. The 2018 Volvo XC60 underwent both driver-side and passenger-side small overlap front tests, achieving the highest rating of “Good” in both.
Driver-Side Small Overlap Front Test
In the driver-side small overlap test, the 2018 Volvo XC60 demonstrated exemplary structural integrity. The safety cage held up well, minimizing intrusion into the occupant compartment. Key structural measurements revealed minimal intrusion, with a maximum of 3 cm at the lower hinge pillar and footrest. Critically, there was no steering column intrusion, indicating effective protection of the driver’s upper body.
Dummy injury measurements were equally impressive. The 2018 Volvo XC60 earned “Good” ratings across all driver injury measures, including head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot. Technical data further supports these ratings, with a low Head Injury Criterion (HIC-15) score of 71 and minimal neck tension and bending moment. Chest compression was also low at 22mm, and femur and tibia forces were well within acceptable limits. These results indicate a low risk of significant injuries in a driver-side small overlap frontal crash for the 2018 Volvo XC60.
Passenger-Side Small Overlap Front Test
The passenger-side small overlap test is equally important for overall occupant safety. The 2018 Volvo XC60 again earned a “Good” rating in this evaluation. While intrusion measurements were slightly higher on the passenger side compared to the driver side, with a maximum of 6 cm at the lower hinge pillar, the structural performance remained robust.
Passenger injury measures mirrored the driver-side test, with “Good” ratings across the board. Head, neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot protection were all rated as “Good”. Technical measurements for passenger injuries were also favorable, with a HIC-15 score of 52 and low neck forces. Chest compression was measured at 21mm, and femur and tibia forces were minimal. Importantly, driver injury measures were also assessed in the passenger-side test and similarly received “Good” ratings, showcasing consistent protection for both front occupants in a small overlap frontal impact in the 2018 Volvo XC60.
Solid “Good” Rating in Moderate Overlap Frontal Test
The moderate overlap frontal test simulates a more common type of frontal collision, where a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a barrier. The 2018 Volvo XC60 achieved a “Good” overall rating in the moderate overlap front test, the highest possible.
Structural performance was again a strong point, with minimal footwell intrusion. Maximum intrusion measurements were limited to 3 cm in the footwell area. Instrument panel rearward movement and steering column movement were also minimal.
Driver injury measures were all rated “Good”. Head/neck, chest, and leg/foot protection were all deemed excellent. Technical measurements confirmed these ratings, with a HIC-15 score of 160, low neck forces, and chest compression of 27mm. Femur and tibia forces were also low, indicating a low risk of lower leg injuries in a moderate overlap frontal crash for the 2018 Volvo XC60.
Top Marks in Side Impact Crash Tests
Side impact crashes pose significant risks, and the 2018 Volvo XC60 was evaluated in both the original and updated IIHS side crash tests.
Original Side Test
In the original side test, the 2018 Volvo XC60 earned a “Good” overall rating. Both driver and rear passenger injury measures received “Good” ratings for head/neck, torso, and pelvis/leg protection. Driver and rear passenger head protection were also rated as “Good”, indicating effective side airbag deployment and coverage.
Technical measurements showed limited B-pillar intrusion, and driver and passenger injury metrics were well within acceptable ranges. This “Good” rating in the original side test highlights the 2018 Volvo XC60‘s ability to protect occupants in a traditional side impact scenario.
Updated Side Test
The IIHS updated its side crash test to be more demanding, using a heavier barrier and higher impact speed to better simulate severe side impacts. The 2018 Volvo XC60 was also subjected to this updated test. In this more stringent evaluation, the 2018 Volvo XC60 achieved an “Acceptable” overall rating. While the structure and safety cage maintained a “Good” rating, and driver head protection remained “Good”, driver torso protection was rated “Acceptable” and pelvis protection was rated “Marginal”. Rear passenger pelvis protection was also rated “Marginal”, while other rear passenger injury measures remained “Good”.
This “Acceptable” rating in the updated, more challenging side test indicates that while the 2018 Volvo XC60 still offers good structural integrity and head protection in severe side impacts, there is a slightly elevated risk of torso and pelvic injuries compared to its performance in the original side test. However, it’s important to note that the “Good” rating for structure and safety cage in the updated test still demonstrates a fundamentally robust design.
Robust Roof Strength for Enhanced Rollover Protection
Rollover crashes are less frequent but can be particularly dangerous. The 2018 Volvo XC60 demonstrated strong roof strength, earning a “Good” rating in this evaluation. With a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.18, the roof of the 2018 Volvo XC60 can withstand over five times the vehicle’s weight. This robust roof structure contributes to occupant protection in the event of a rollover.
Superior Head Restraints and Seats
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions. The 2018 Volvo XC60‘s head restraints and seats were evaluated for their ability to prevent whiplash, achieving a “Good” overall rating. Both dynamic and geometric evaluations were rated “Good”, indicating effective head restraint design and positioning to minimize neck strain in rear impacts.
Advanced Headlight Systems for Enhanced Visibility
Visibility is a critical factor in accident prevention. The 2018 Volvo XC60 offers two different headlight variations. The trim levels equipped with the Advanced package feature curve-adaptive LED reflector headlights with high-beam assist, earning an “Acceptable” overall rating. These headlights provide fair to good visibility on straightaways and curves, with high-beam assist compensating for some low-beam limitations.
The standard LED reflector headlights, available on Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design trims without the Advanced package, received a “Marginal” overall rating. While high-beam assist is also included, low-beam visibility was rated inadequate in certain scenarios, particularly on the right side of the road and on left curves. Therefore, for optimal nighttime visibility, opting for the Advanced package with the adaptive headlights is recommended for the 2018 Volvo XC60.
“Superior” Front Crash Prevention Technology
Active safety systems play an increasingly important role in preventing crashes. The 2018 Volvo XC60 comes standard with the City Safety front crash prevention system, which earned a “Superior” rating from IIHS for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention. This system meets forward collision warning requirements and successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests, demonstrating its effectiveness in mitigating or preventing frontal impacts.
Child-Friendly LATCH System
For families, child seat safety is paramount. The 2018 Volvo XC60‘s LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child seat installation was rated “Acceptable” for ease of use. It features two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. While generally acceptable, the rating indicates there may be some minor challenges in accessing or maneuvering around the lower anchors in certain seating positions.
Conclusion
The 2018 Volvo XC60 demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, evidenced by its consistently high crash test ratings across various evaluations. Earning “Good” ratings in small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and original side crash tests, along with a robust roof strength and superior front crash prevention system, the 2018 Volvo XC60 stands out as a safe choice in the luxury SUV segment. While the updated side test resulted in an “Acceptable” overall rating, the underlying structural integrity and key safety features remain commendable. Prospective buyers seeking a safe and reliable SUV should seriously consider the 2018 Volvo XC60 for its comprehensive safety performance.
