5 reasons why the Volvo XC90 is the pinnacle of SUV safety

From the three-point seatbelt to pedestrian detection; Volvo’s pioneering spirit in automotive safety is embodied in the XC90. Here’s five reasons why it’s the ultimate protective family SUV.

At this point, Volvo's name is practically a byword for safety on the road. For decades, it’s been a pioneer, consistently innovating to make driving — and being a passenger — as secure as possible. From the revolutionary three-point seatbelt, a life-saving invention it famously shared with the world, to sophisticated systems like pedestrian detection with full auto brake, Volvo's commitment to protecting occupants and others on the road is etched into its DNA.

It’s this deep-rooted dedication that makes the Volvo XC90 a true benchmark in the world of SUVs. So, let's delve into five key reasons why this Swedish family favourite stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to safety.

1. Advanced structural integrity

Volvo's commitment to safety starts with the very bones of the vehicle. The XC90 boasts an ultra-high-strength steel safety cage, meticulously designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces away from the passenger cabin. 

And this isn't just a theoretical concept either; rigorous testing above and beyond the industry standard has ensured that in the event of a collision, the structural integrity of the XC90 provides a formidable sanctuary for everyone on board. As with everything in life, you simply cannot beat a strong foundation — and why would protecting car occupants be any different?

2. A comprehensive suite of active safety features

Passive protection is just the beginning. The XC90 is also a technological marvel when it comes to preventing accidents from happening in the first place.

It comes equipped with a vast array of intelligent driver assistance systems — encompassed under the brand’s ‘City Safety’ umbrella. Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist plays a central role in this, helping the XC90 to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue and the risk of misjudgement, as well as making life a little easier. Smart, right?

3. Pedestrian and cyclist detection

It doesn’t stop there though; Volvo's forward-thinking approach also extends to protecting those outside the vehicle. The XC90's advanced sensor systems are designed to identify and react to pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, and large animals, even in low-light conditions. A feature perhaps designed with Sweden’s elk in mind, but also very adept at handling unexpected encounters on UK roads.

Should a potential collision be detected, the XC90 can automatically apply the brakes, significantly reducing the severity of any impact or, in many cases, avoiding it altogether. We see this consideration of other road users as a testament to Volvo's holistic view of automotive safety.

4. Lane keeping aid and road edge detection

Next up: staying in your lane. Keeping within road boundaries is key to safe driving, especially when behind the wheel on winding country lanes or busy motorways.

The XC90's Lane Keeping Aid gently guides the vehicle back into its lane if it detects unintentional drifting. Complementing this is the Road Edge Detection system, which can identify road boundaries and provide steering assistance to prevent the vehicle from inadvertently leaving the roadway. These systems work subtly in the background, offering an extra layer of reassurance for drivers navigating diverse road conditions.

5. All-season confidence with Michelin CrossClimate 3 tyres

While the XC90’s inherent safety features are exceptional, tyre choice plays a critical, often underestimated, role in maintaining control and preventing accidents.

And, if you’re looking for the ultimate year-round safety, look no further than the new Michelin CrossClimate 3 as your next set of tyres — engineered to provide outstanding performance across a wide spectrum of conditions, from dry summer heat to challenging winter weather. The innovative Thermal Adaptive Tread Compound adjusts to road conditions, ensuring reliable grip on wet surfaces, reducing braking distances, and enhancing control during cornering.

But wait, there’s more. The CrossClimate 3 is designed to offer excellent performance in snowy conditions too, providing the confidence needed to navigate a variety of UK weather scenarios without needing to change tyres seasonally. This all-season capability — backed up by Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification — means your XC90 will be equipped to handle the unpredictable nature of British weather with a consistently high level of safety.

A match made in heaven? We think so, and that’s before we get into the fact that the CrossClimate 3 is developed to optimise energy efficiency for ICE, electric cars, and hybrid vehicles… with the XC90 falling into the latter camp.

So, we reckon the Volvo XC90’s reputation as a pinnacle of SUV safety is well-deserved, built on a foundation of advanced structural design, an extensive suite of active safety technologies, and a commitment to protecting all road users. However, there is no need to stop there. Coupled with the right tyres, the XC90 offers a truly comprehensive safety package for modern families, all year round. 

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