4 Volvo Models Make Car and Driver’s Safest Cars of 2022 List
Volvo has long been known for its commitment to safety. So it may not be surprising that four new Volvos made Car and Driver’s “The Safest New Cars of 2022” list. If you’re in the market for a new Volvo and safety is your biggest consideration, you may want to take one of these four models for a test drive.
1. Volvo S60
Earning a perfect five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+, it’s little wonder the S60 makes Car and Driver‘s list. In addition to engineering and design that put safety first, the S60 comes with a bevy of standard safety features. You’ll get front and rear auto braking, auto high beams and windshield wipers, rear-cross traffic alerts, lane-keeping assistance, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring with the base model alone.
Opt for the Advance package, and you’ll also get a semi-autonomous driving system known as Pilot Assist and adaptive cruise control. These features go a long way toward keeping you and your passengers safe. But they’re not all that makes an S60 an S60.
Volvo’s compact luxury sedan also sports two powertrain options, the standard version being a 247 hp 2.0-liter turbo I-4. The second is a 295 hp supercharged I-4, though both can be purchased with an electric motor system if you prefer a hybrid. They each deliver solid performance and handle with ease. The S60 also offers generous cargo space, seating comfort, and many tech amenities. These include a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth compatibility.
2. Volvo S90
The 2022 Volvo S90 earned the same distinction from IIHS that the S60 did. The NHTSA has not yet tested it. However, once they have, the S90 will likely enjoy high marks. It has the same advanced safety systems as the S60, and Volvo’s precision focus on safety, making it one of Volvo’s safest cars.
The S90 also delivers performance and power, offering drivers the S60’s mild hybrid 295-hp turbocharging and supercharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine. For those seeking even more power, a plug-in hybrid option pairs the I-4 with an electric motor to offer 400 hp. Both handle quite well and are agile when it comes to cornering.
The standard tech options are the same as those in the S60, though, in the s90, Apple CarPlay is not available. But plenty of great options are available, like your choice of premium 14 or 15-speaker sound systems, 360-degree view camera, and a head-up display.
3. Volvo V60 Cross Country
The S60 and S90 offer generous interior space and cargo room relative to the segment. But if you’re looking for even more, you can opt for the Volvo V60 Cross Country or V90 Cross Country. Both are station wagon forms of the S60 and S90, respectively, with all the same amenities.
While the V60 has been slow to take off in the U.S., it’s worth it. Unfortunately, you may need to snatch up this year’s version as Volvo is focusing its efforts on the Polestar Engineered versions of the vehicle. The Polestar versions offer two electric motors on top of the turbocharging and supercharging powertrain. And these Polestars are the first foray into Volvo’s EV offerings, meaning the V60 Cross Country, as is, will be off dealer lots soon.
But if you’re looking for a safe vehicle, the V60 Cross Country is just as safe as the S60. The 2021 version received top honors from IIHS and NHTSA. And it’s gifted with all the same standard safety features as well.
4. Volvo V90 Cross Country
Essentially no different than the S90 save for its wagon frame and new powertrain, the V90 is ideal for those looking for one of Volvo’s safest cars, space, and performance. Unlike the V60, the V90 only offers the 295-hp powertrain option. But like its brand siblings, it handles quite well and offers excellent standard safety features.
The 2022 V90 Cross Country has not been tested by the IIHS, though it’s not too dissimilar from the 2021 model that earned the Top Safety Pick+ distinction. The NHTSA has never tested the V90 since it hit the market. But it would be hard to imagine the V90 performing badly, given Volvo’s record in this segment.
And with the collective ratings of the S60, S90, V60 Cross Country, and V90 Cross Country, it’s easy to see why they each made Car and Driver’s “The Safest New Cars for 2022.” With a couple of these models being phased out, it may be wise to grab one before it’s too late.