The 2019 Volvo Xc60 stands out in the competitive compact SUV market, not just for its Scandinavian design and luxurious features, but also for its unwavering commitment to safety. As a content creator at cardiagnosticnearme.com and an auto repair expert, I’ve delved into the safety specifics of this model to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of its crashworthiness and safety technologies. Volvo has long been synonymous with safety, and the 2019 XC60 is no exception, boasting impressive ratings in rigorous crash tests. Let’s break down these results to see why the 2019 Volvo XC60 is considered a safe choice for you and your family.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Performance
The small overlap front crash test is designed to simulate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a fixed object like a tree or pole. In the driver-side small overlap test for the 2019 Volvo XC60, the vehicle demonstrated exceptional protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The “Good” rating across all categories indicates a high level of protection for the driver in this demanding scenario. Specifically, measurements of occupant compartment intrusion were minimal, ensuring the survival space around the driver was well-maintained.
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 3 |
| Footrest | 3 |
| Left toepan | 2 |
| Brake pedal | 4 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 1 |
| Steering column | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 3 |
| Upper dash | 3 |
| Lower instrument panel | 3 |
These intrusion measurements, all within a few centimeters, are indicative of the XC60’s robust structure effectively absorbing crash forces and minimizing deformation of the passenger compartment. Furthermore, driver injury measures were also reassuringly low.
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 71 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.7 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 17 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.23 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 22 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 1.1 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.6 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 1 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.24 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.29 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 2.3 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 0.1 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 54 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 19 |
These technical readings translate to a very low risk of significant injuries in a driver-side small overlap frontal crash for the 2019 Volvo XC60.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Performance
Safety is paramount for all occupants, and the passenger-side small overlap front crash test assesses protection for the front passenger. The 2019 Volvo XC60 again achieved a “Good” rating overall in this evaluation.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
Just like the driver-side test, the passenger side of the 2019 XC60 provided excellent crash protection. Occupant compartment intrusion measurements on the passenger side were slightly higher than the driver’s side, but still within acceptable limits for a “Good” rating.
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on passenger side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 6 |
| Footrest | 5 |
| Right toepan | 5 |
| Center toepan | 3 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 4 |
| Center dash | 3 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 4 |
| Upper dash | 3 |
| Right lower dash | 4 |
These measurements confirm that while there was slightly more intrusion on the passenger side, the structural integrity remained strong, maintaining a safe space for the occupant. Passenger and driver injury measures remained low, indicating effective restraint systems and energy absorption.
| Passenger injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 52 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.8 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 19 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.26 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 21 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.1 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.2 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 1 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.67 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.74 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 1.0 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 1.2 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 73 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 15 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.18 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 26 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.6 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.6 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 2 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.43 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.26 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 0.1 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 0.4 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 31 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 24 |
The consistent “Good” ratings in both driver and passenger-side small overlap tests solidify the 2019 Volvo XC60’s ability to protect front occupants in severe frontal crashes.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Evaluation
The moderate overlap front crash test represents a more common type of frontal collision, where a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a barrier. The 2019 Volvo XC60 again earned a “Good” rating in this test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Left | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot, Right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
This “Good” rating across the board reflects the 2019 XC60’s robust design and effective safety systems in a more generalized frontal crash scenario. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion were minimal, further confirming the vehicle’s structural integrity.
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footwell intrusion – Footrest | 2 |
| Footwell intrusion – Left | 2 |
| Footwell intrusion – Center | 2 |
| Footwell intrusion – Right | 3 |
| Brake pedal | 0 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Left | 1 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Right | 1 |
| Steering column movement – Upward | -2 |
| Steering column movement – Rearward | 0 |
| A-pillar rearward movement | 0 |
These low intrusion values, especially the zero movement in steering column and A-pillar, highlight the vehicle’s ability to maintain the driver’s space during impact. Driver injury measures were also very low, reinforcing the effectiveness of the XC60’s safety features.
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 160 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 25 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.23 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 27 |
| Femur force – Left (kN) | 1.4 |
| Femur force – Right (kN) | 1.0 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 2 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.42 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.42 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 2.9 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 1.7 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 39 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 83 |
The consistently strong performance in the moderate overlap front test underscores the 2019 Volvo XC60’s capability to protect occupants in common frontal collision scenarios.
Side Crash Tests: Original and Updated Evaluations
Side impacts are another significant concern in vehicle safety. The 2019 Volvo XC60 underwent both original and updated side crash tests, demonstrating robust protection in both evaluations. In the original side crash test, the 2019 XC60 achieved a “Good” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
The “Good” rating across all categories in the original side test indicates excellent protection for both driver and rear passenger in a standard side impact scenario. Intrusion measurements were within acceptable limits, and injury measures were low.
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -26.0 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 137 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | -0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 38 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 34 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.05 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.73 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.8 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 1.8 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.2 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 62 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | -36 |
| Passenger injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 199 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | -0.3 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 19 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 15 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.18 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.15 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 2.5 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.3 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 74 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 21 |
In the more rigorous updated side crash test, which uses a heavier barrier and assesses a broader range of injuries, the 2019 Volvo XC60 achieved an “Acceptable” overall rating. While still a good score, it indicates areas for potential improvement compared to the “Good” rating in the original test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Acceptable (A) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis | Marginal (M) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis | Marginal (M) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
Alt text: Post-crash view of the 2019 Volvo XC60 after the updated side impact test, showing vehicle deformation.
Alt text: Interior damage of the 2019 Volvo XC60 after side impact, highlighting deployed side airbags and occupant cell integrity.
Alt text: Driver-side head protection in 2019 Volvo XC60 side crash test, greasepaint indicates airbag contact and head safety.
Alt text: Rear passenger head protection in 2019 Volvo XC60 side crash test, greasepaint shows airbag contact and head safety.
Despite the “Acceptable” overall rating in the updated test, the “Good” rating for structure and safety cage, as well as head protection for both driver and rear passenger, are positive indicators. The “Acceptable” and “Marginal” ratings for torso and pelvis injuries suggest these are areas Volvo may focus on improving in future models.
| Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -19.0 |
| Driver injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 106 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 15 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 0.4 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.51 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.68 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 5.4 |
| Passenger injury measures | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 195 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 31 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.60 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.62 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 5.9 |
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is crucial in rollover accidents. The 2019 Volvo XC60 achieved a “Good” rating in the roof strength test, demonstrating its ability to withstand significant forces in such events.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 4,232 lbs |
| Peak force | 21,903 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.18 |
A strength-to-weight ratio of 5.18, exceeding the minimum requirement, signifies that the 2019 XC60’s roof is well-engineered to protect occupants in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation
Whiplash protection is a vital aspect of safety, particularly in rear-end collisions. The 2019 Volvo XC60’s head restraints and seats received a “Good” rating for dynamic performance and geometry.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
This “Good” rating indicates that the 2019 XC60 is designed to effectively minimize whiplash risk in rear impacts, thanks to the seat and head restraint design.
| Technical measurements for this test | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 34 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | -2 |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 11.2 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 54 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 0 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 378 |
Headlights Rating
Visibility is a key element of accident prevention. The 2019 Volvo XC60’s headlight performance varies depending on the trim and package. For trims equipped with the Advanced package (Momentum, R-Design, Inscription, Excellence), the headlights received an “Acceptable” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
These “Acceptable” rated headlights offer adequate visibility in most situations, although there’s room for improvement to reach the “Good” rating. For standard trims (Momentum, Inscription, R-Design) without the Advanced package, the headlights received a “Marginal” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Marginal (M) |
The “Marginal” rating indicates that these standard headlights have limitations in providing optimal visibility, especially on curves and in low-beam mode. Consider opting for trims with the Advanced package for improved headlight performance.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle System
Active safety systems are increasingly important in preventing accidents. The 2019 Volvo XC60’s standard City Safety system earned a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Yes |
| 12 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph test | Collision Avoided |
The “Superior” rating and collision avoidance in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests demonstrate the effectiveness of the 2019 XC60’s City Safety system in preventing or mitigating frontal collisions.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
For families, child safety is paramount. The 2019 Volvo XC60 received an “Acceptable” rating for its LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system usability.
| Overall evaluation | Acceptable (A) |
While rated “Acceptable,” the XC60 offers two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor. Some lower anchors were noted as being difficult to maneuver around, which slightly impacted the rating.
Details by Seating Position:
| Position | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Good | Tether anchor: easy-to-find, Lower anchors: not too deep, not too much force needed, difficult to maneuver around anchors |
| 2 | Not Rated | Tether anchor: easy-to-find, Lower anchors: none available |
| 3 | Good | Tether anchor: easy-to-find, Lower anchors: not too deep, not too much force needed, difficult to maneuver around anchors |
Conclusion: 2019 Volvo XC60 – A Safe and Solid Choice
Overall, the 2019 Volvo XC60 demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, achieving predominantly “Good” ratings in crash tests. While the updated side crash test resulted in an “Acceptable” overall rating, the vehicle still showed “Good” structural integrity and head protection. The “Superior” rating for front crash prevention and “Good” ratings for roof strength, head restraints, and most headlight options further reinforce the 2019 Volvo XC60 as a safe and reliable SUV. For those prioritizing safety, the 2019 Volvo XC60 is undoubtedly a compelling option in its class.
