The newly-crowned S90, S90 Recharge and V90 Cross Country all come standard with adaptive LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist that earned an “Acceptable” rating. All come with a new front crash prevention system, standard on all trim levels, that earned “Superior” in vehicle-to-vehicle, and “Advanced” in vehicle-to-pedestrian tests.
The IIHS added the headlight requirement for Pick+ status in 2020. The Institute said that nighttime crash rates per mile are nearly 20 per cent lower for vehicles with a “Good” rating in comparison with those that only earn a “Poor” rating. Those with “Acceptable” lights are 15 per cent lower than those with “Poor,” while “Marginal” lights are 10 per cent less likely to crash than “Poor.
In 2021, the IIHS updated its side impact crash test, now conducted at higher speed and with a heavier barrier intended to simulate an SUV. In 2023, it will replace the original side-crash test in all evaluations, and while a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating will be needed to earn Top Safety Pick, only a “Good” rating will qualify toward Pick+ status.
Also beginning in 2023, a vehicle will have to come standard with “Good” or “Acceptable” headlamps in all trim levels to qualify for Top Safety Pick. A nighttime pedestrian crash prevention test will be added, and while it won’t be a consideration in a Top Safety Pick rating, a vehicleShare this article in your social network