Unpacking the 2025 Volvo XC90 B5 Safety Ratings: A Deep Dive into Crash Tests and Advanced Protection for Informed Buyers

“Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7” by thomasrdotorg is licensed under CC BY 2.0

When consumers consider a new vehicle, the focus often gravitates toward design, features, and price. However, safety should always be the paramount consideration. A vehicle’s ability to protect its occupants and prevent accidents is not merely a desirable trait; it is an absolute necessity, especially for families. Independent organizations rigorously test and rate vehicles to provide a clear, unbiased picture of their protective capabilities, empowering buyers to make informed choices that prioritize well-being.

In this comprehensive analysis, we scrutinize the 2025 Volvo XC90 B5, a midsize luxury SUV celebrated for its Scandinavian design and advanced technology. Volvo has long cultivated a reputation synonymous with safety, and this latest XC90 B5 iteration aims to uphold that legacy. Our objective is to dissect the detailed safety ratings and crash test results, explaining precisely how this vehicle performs under various challenging scenarios and what specific features contribute to its robust protective prowess.

“Volvo XC90 B5 AWD (2021)” by usf1fan2 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

1. **Decoding the Overall Safety Ratings of the 2025 Volvo XC90 B5**The 2025 Volvo XC90 B5 demonstrates a highly commendable safety performance, achieving an impressive Overall Rating of 5.00 stars—the highest possible score. This top-tier rating signifies exceptional performance across all evaluated crashworthiness and accident avoidance categories, serving as a crucial benchmark for consumers seeking superior protection in diverse accident scenarios and aligning the XC90 B5 with vehicles recognized for exemplary safety standards.

Further detailed assessments reinforce its protective credentials. The vehicle earned a 5.00-star rating for both Front Crash (Overall) and Side Crash (Overall). These top marks directly reflect its ability to safeguard occupants during both head-on and lateral collisions, showcasing robust structural integrity and effective occupant containment. Such consistent performance highlights the XC90 B5’s strong design efficacy in critical impact scenarios.

Addressing rollover risks, the 2025 XC90 B5 achieved a commendable Rollover Rating of 4.00 stars, supported by a low Rollover Possibility of 0.18 and a ‘No Tip’ Dynamic Tip Result. This data suggests a high degree of stability and a low propensity for rollovers, offering significant reassurance for an SUV of its class. This comprehensive record across different crash types underscores the XC90 B5’s unwavering commitment to holistic occupant protection.

Car Model Information: 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum
Name: Volvo XC90
Caption: 2025 Volvo XC90
Manufacturer: Volvo Cars
Production: 2002–present
Class: Executive car,crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: ubl
Categories: 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with dead external links, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars since 2002 and in its second generation. The first generation was introduced at the 2002 North American International Auto Show and used the Volvo P2 platform shared with the first generation Volvo S80 and other large Volvo cars. It was manufactured at Volvo’s Torslandaverken in Sweden. Volvo moved production equipment of the first generation to China and ended Swedish production at the end of 2014, renaming the car as the Volvo XC Classic (or Volvo XC90 Classic). At the end of 2014, the second generation XC90 was introduced. It is based on a new global platform, the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). Both generations of the XC90 have won Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year award in their debuts. In late 2022, the electric-only EX90 was introduced as the successor of the XC90. However, in September 2024, Volvo launched the second facelift of XC90, and stated that both models would be sold together for the foreseeable future.

Get more information about: Volvo XC90

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volvo Model: XC90
Price: $7,500 Mileage: 171,243 mi.

“Volvo XC90” by nakhon100 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

2. **Dissecting Frontal Crash Test Performance: Occupant Protection in Detail**Frontal crash tests are critical for evaluating a vehicle’s ability to manage immense forces on occupants. The 2025 Volvo XC90 B5 demonstrated outstanding performance in Test Number 9557.00, earning a 5.00-star rating for both the Driver and Passenger. Frontal Air Bags and Knee Air Bags deployed effectively, cushioning and restraining occupants, with no specific safety concerns noted for either. This confirms the vehicle’s design efficacy in mitigating injuries during high-stress events.

Detailed injury measures for the driver highlighted impressive protection: HIC15 (Head Injury Criterion) was 137.27, Chest Deflection 22.72 mm, and Femur Loads (Left 2524.47, Right 2804.84) were well-managed. Neck injury prevention was also strong, with NIJ at 0.27, Neck Tension 1119.39, and Neck Compression 78.35. These figures collectively indicate robust protection for the driver’s head, chest, lower limbs, and neck, minimizing critical injury risk.

Equally robust protection was observed for the passenger: HIC15 registered 216.81, and Chest Deflection was exceptionally low at 10.66 mm. Femur Loads were 1701.91 (Left) and 1483.73 (Right). The NIJ was 0.31, with Neck Tension at 788.13 and Compression at 112.36. This consistent data across both front occupants affirms the comprehensive protective strategies in place, underscoring the successful engineering of the XC90 B5’s passive safety components.

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Brand: Volvo Model: XC90
Price: $7,500 Mileage: 171,243 mi.

“Volvo XC90 D5 Polestar” by nakhon100 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

3. **Analyzing Side Impact Protection: Crucial Measures for Lateral Collisions**Side impact collisions pose a severe challenge due to limited crush space. The 2025 Volvo XC90 B5 excelled in Test Number 9560.00, earning a perfect 5.00-star rating for both Driver and Passenger. The Barrier, Combined Front, and Combined Rear ratings also achieved 5.00 stars, underscoring consistent, superior protection. Critical side crash airbags, including Curtain Air Bags and Torso/Pelvis Air Bags, deployed precisely to shield occupants from intrusion and absorb energy.

Detailed injury measures for the driver highlighted system effectiveness: HIC36 (Head Injury Criterion for side impact) was a very low 51.24, Rib Deflection 18.94, Abdomen Force 678.74, and Symphysis Force 1132.79. These figures indicate excellent protection for the head, chest, and vital organs, successfully mitigating the specific risks of lateral impacts. The absence of specific safety concerns for the driver further validates the robust design.

For the passenger, similar robust protection was observed: HIC36 was 93.65, and Pelvic Force registered 2704.69. These controlled force measurements indicate effective head injury mitigation and lower body protection. This consistent high performance for all occupants in side impact tests reinforces the integrated safety architecture of the 2025 Volvo XC90 B5, ensuring comprehensive defense against lateral forces.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volvo Model: XC90
Price: $7,500 Mileage: 171,243 mi.

4. **Examining Pole Impact Resistance: Focused Protection for Concentrated Forces**The pole impact test simulates a collision with a narrow, rigid object, concentrating immense forces on a small area. The 2025 Volvo XC90 B5’s performance in Test Number 9559.00 was outstanding, achieving a perfect 5.00-star rating for the driver. This demonstrates superior protection even against highly localized, intense forces, a testament to the vehicle’s robust side structure and precisely calibrated occupant protection systems for severe scenarios.

In this critical test, the deployment of Curtain Air Bags and Torso/Pelvis Air Bags was instrumental in safeguarding the driver. These airbags synergistically provide a protective barrier against pole intrusion, distributing impact energy and minimizing direct contact with rigid interior surfaces. The design ensures the head, torso, and pelvis are cushioned and restrained, significantly reducing the risk of severe injuries from the concentrated force of the pole impact.

Detailed injury measures further illuminate these systems’ effectiveness. The HIC36 (Head Injury Criterion) was a low 209.44, indicating a significant reduction in critical head trauma likelihood. Pelvic Force registered 1702.93, demonstrating controlled energy management for the lower body. The absence of noted safety concerns in the pole impact test reinforces the overall strength and thoughtful integration of safety features within the XC90 B5, protecting occupants against highly concentrated forces.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volvo Model: XC90
Price: $7,500 Mileage: 171,243 mi.

“Seat belt lock” by ToddMcCann is licensed under CC BY 2.0

5. **The Foundational Role of Seat Belts and Advanced Restraint Systems**The 2025 Volvo XC90 B5 integrates a comprehensive suite of seat belt and advanced restraint systems, meticulously engineered to work in harmony with other passive safety features. These systems are designed not just to hold occupants in place, but to actively manage collision forces for optimal protection. Upper Belt Anchorage (Locations 1, 3, 4, 6) ensures correct shoulder strap positioning, while Seat Belt Pretensioners (Locations 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9) rapidly remove slack during a collision, optimizing airbag effectiveness.

Load Limiters, standard at Locations 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, further enhance safety by releasing a controlled amount of seat belt webbing force. This prevents excessive pressure on the occupant’s chest while maintaining effective restraint, intelligently balancing firmness with injury prevention. This critical feature reduces the risk of chest trauma, demonstrating sophisticated force management.

For ease of use and safety compliance, the XC90 B5 includes a Front Belt Indicator for all occupied seats (Locations 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9). Additionally, LATCH Rear Seating Positions at Locations 4 and 6 facilitate the secure installation of child safety seats. These features collectively ensure that all passengers, from adults to the youngest children, are optimally protected by properly utilized and advanced restraint systems.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volvo Model: XC90
Price: $7,500 Mileage: 171,243 mi.

“Aktivierte Airbags in einem Auto nach einem Unfall” by Ivan Radic is licensed under CC BY 2.0

6. **The Intelligent Network of Airbags: Multi-Layered Protection on Impact**The 2025 Volvo XC90 B5 is equipped with a sophisticated and extensive network of airbags, strategically placed throughout the cabin for multi-layered protection. These airbags deploy in milliseconds, creating a soft cushion between occupants and interior surfaces, absorbing kinetic energy and significantly reducing severe injury risk across various collision scenarios, exemplifying a holistic safety approach critical in diverse crash dynamics.

Head Side Airbags, crucial for protecting the head in side impacts and rollovers, are standard (Head Protection type) and cover Locations 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9, extending protection across all three rows. Critically, these airbags deploy in rollover events, maintaining essential head protection during complex and dangerous accidents. Additionally, Torso Side Airbags (Locations 1 and 3) and Knee Bolsters (Location 1) provide targeted protection for the torso, pelvis, and lower legs.

The integration and performance of these airbag systems are validated by the vehicle meeting the TWG OOP Requirement, signifying compliance with rigorous standards for out-of-position occupant protection. This means the system is designed to deploy effectively and safely even if an occupant is not in a perfectly ideal seating position. This comprehensive and intelligent airbag suite underscores the XC90 B5’s commitment to adaptable occupant protection in real-world scenarios.

Navigating the complexities of modern roadways demands not only robust passive safety but also sophisticated active safety features. While the 2025 Volvo XC90 B5 demonstrates exemplary performance in crash scenarios, its proactive safety systems play an equally vital role in preventing accidents altogether. This section further explores these critical capabilities, delving into how the vehicle’s adaptive lighting, advanced driver-assistance systems, and comprehensive New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) evaluations contribute to its overall safety profile, providing consumers with a holistic view of its protective prowess.

Car Model Information: 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE
Name: Volvo XC90
Caption: 2025 Volvo XC90
Manufacturer: Volvo Cars
Production: 2002–present
Class: Executive car,crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: ubl
Categories: 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with dead external links, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars since 2002 and in its second generation. The first generation was introduced at the 2002 North American International Auto Show and used the Volvo P2 platform shared with the first generation Volvo S80 and other large Volvo cars. It was manufactured at Volvo’s Torslandaverken in Sweden. Volvo moved production equipment of the first generation to China and ended Swedish production at the end of 2014, renaming the car as the Volvo XC Classic (or Volvo XC90 Classic). At the end of 2014, the second generation XC90 was introduced. It is based on a new global platform, the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). Both generations of the XC90 have won Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year award in their debuts. In late 2022, the electric-only EX90 was introduced as the successor of the XC90. However, in September 2024, Volvo launched the second facelift of XC90, and stated that both models would be sold together for the foreseeable future.

Get more information about: Volvo XC90

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volvo Model: XC90 B5
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.

“2015 Volvo XC90 – Review” by The National Roads and Motorists’ Association is licensed under CC BY 2.0

7. **Headlight Performance Variations: Illuminating Road Safety**Effective headlight performance is paramount for active safety, particularly during night driving or adverse weather conditions. The 2025 Volvo XC90 B5 offers two distinct headlight variations, each assessed for their ability to provide adequate illumination and manage glare. Understanding these differences is crucial for consumers, as visibility directly impacts a driver’s ability to react to hazards and prevent collisions.

The first variation, applicable to “All trims; built after December 2024,” features LED projector low-beam and high-beam headlights, equipped with high-beam assist but without curve-adaptive functionality. This configuration achieved an “Overall rating G.” In straightaway driving, visibility was rated good on the left side of the road and fair on the right side. When navigating curves, visibility was good on sharp left and both right curves, and fair on the gradual left curve. Importantly, the low beams never exceeded glare limits, which is a key factor in preventing dazzle for oncoming drivers.

For the high beams of this variant, visibility on the straightaway was good on the right side of the road but inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was noted as good on both right curves and fair on both left curves. The inclusion of high-beam assist significantly compensates for some limitations identified in the low beams on the straightaway and on both left curves, automatically switching between high and low beams to optimize visibility without inconveniencing other motorists.

In contrast, the second headlight variation applies to “All trims; built before January 2025.” These utilize LED reflector low-beam and high-beam headlights, and crucially, they are both curve-adaptive and include high-beam assist, earning an “Overall rating A.” For the low beams, straightaway visibility was fair on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on the sharp right curve, fair on the gradual right curve, and inadequate on both left curves. Similar to the other variant, these low beams never exceeded glare limits.

When high beams were activated in this earlier variant, straightaway visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on gradual right and gradual left curves, and fair on sharp right and sharp left curves. High-beam assist also plays a compensatory role here, addressing some of the low beam’s limitations on the straightaway and across all four curves. This comparison highlights how slight variations in headlight technology and manufacturing dates can impact a vehicle’s nighttime visibility performance.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volvo Model: XC90
Price: $7,500 Mileage: 171,243 mi.

“2006 Volvo XC90 4.4 V8” by Rutger van der Maar is licensed under CC BY 2.0

8. **The Crucial Role of New Car Assessment Programs (NCAPs)**To empower buyers with objective safety information, organizations known as New Car Assessment Programs (NCAPs) conduct rigorous, independent testing of vehicles. These programs move beyond manufacturer claims, performing real-world crash scenarios and assessing safety features to provide unbiased ratings, typically presented as stars or points. Their evaluations are indispensable for consumers making informed purchasing decisions.

One significant NCAP is Global NCAP, which primarily focuses on emerging markets. Its testing regimen includes a frontal offset crash at 64 km/h, thorough assessments of adult and child occupant protection, and, for select models, side impact protection. Furthermore, Global NCAP verifies the effectiveness of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems. Cars are rated on a scale of 0 to 5 stars, with a higher star rating directly correlating to superior protection levels.

Operating across Europe, Euro NCAP is globally recognized for one of the most comprehensive safety programs available. Its extensive testing protocols include frontal offset crashes, full-width frontal impacts, side impact tests, and pole impact tests, which simulate collisions with narrow, rigid objects. Beyond occupant protection, Euro NCAP also rigorously assesses pedestrian impact protection and the performance of active safety technologies such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assist systems, offering a more complete picture of a vehicle’s preventive capabilities.

Rounding out key international bodies is ASEAN NCAP, which covers Southeast Asia. This program concentrates its evaluations on frontal and side crash testing, the efficacy of motorcyclist protection systems, and detailed analyses of child occupant protection. Collectively, these NCAPs are instrumental: higher-rated cars consistently save lives, their tests expose weak spots in vehicle design, and their influence strongly incentivizes manufacturers to continuously improve their safety offerings, driving continuous innovation in vehicle safety.

9. **Euro NCAP Scores: Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)**The 2025 Volvo XC90 B5’s commitment to safety is unequivocally validated by its Euro NCAP assessment, where it achieved the highest possible 5-star rating during its latest evaluation. A standout aspect of this performance is its Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) score of 97%, placing it among the elite in safeguarding adult passengers across a spectrum of collision types.

In frontal crash tests, specifically, the XC90 B5 demonstrated exceptional protective capabilities. Crucial areas like the head and neck of adult occupants were rated as “Good” for protection. Both the driver’s and passenger’s chests also received a “Good” protection rating, indicating effective energy absorption and reduced injury risk. Protection for the knees was rated “Good,” while the driver’s and passenger’s tibias received an “Adequate” rating, underscoring comprehensive lower limb management.

For frontal full-width impacts, which stress the entire vehicle structure, the Volvo XC90 B5 maintained its impressive performance. Protection for the head and pelvis was rated “Good,” ensuring critical areas were well-shielded. The abdomen also received a “Good” rating, while chest protection was deemed “Adequate.” These consistent high scores across various frontal impact scenarios illustrate the robust engineering and design integrity dedicated to occupant safety.

In the challenging lateral impact tests, the XC90 B5 continued to excel. Head and pelvis protection were both rated “Good,” highlighting the effectiveness of side impact countermeasures, including curtain and torso/pelvis airbags. Chest protection was rated “Adequate,” and abdomen protection also received a “Good” rating. This detailed breakdown of AOP scores reinforces the vehicle’s superior ability to protect adult occupants from severe injuries in diverse real-world collision events.

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Brand: Volvo Model: XC90 B5
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.

10. **Euro NCAP Scores: Child Occupant Protection & Vulnerable Road Users**Beyond safeguarding adult occupants, the 2025 Volvo XC90 B5 exhibits strong performance in protecting its youngest passengers, reflected in its Child Occupant Protection score of 87% from Euro NCAP. This comprehensive assessment considers multiple facets of child safety, crucial for families prioritizing secure travel for children of all ages.

The 87% Child Occupant Protection score is a composite of several key metrics. The crash test performance alone contributed 24.00 points, indicating effective restraint and protection for child dummies during simulated impacts. Additionally, the vehicle scored 7.0 points for its integrated safety features specifically designed for children, and an impressive 12.00 points for the Child Restraint System (CRS) installation check, ensuring that child seats can be securely and correctly fitted in designated LATCH rear seating positions.

This high rating is particularly reassuring for parents, as it confirms that the XC90 B5’s interior design and restraint systems are optimized to minimize injury risk for children in the event of a collision. The emphasis on proper CRS installation further underscores Volvo’s dedication to making child safety intuitive and effective, providing peace of mind for families.

Moreover, the Volvo XC90 B5 achieves a Vulnerable Road Users (VRU) score of 72%, a critical measure of how well the vehicle mitigates injury risks to pedestrians and cyclists in the event of an unavoidable impact. This score reflects the effectiveness of the vehicle’s design and active safety features, such as automated emergency braking systems that can detect and react to VRUs. A strong VRU rating demonstrates a broader commitment to safety that extends beyond the vehicle’s occupants to the wider community.

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Brand: Volvo Model: XC90 B5
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.

“Volvo XC90 from Albania” by Rutger van der Maar is licensed under CC BY 2.0

11. **Euro NCAP Scores: Safety Assist Features (SAF)**The 2025 Volvo XC90 B5’s proactive approach to accident prevention is highlighted by its exceptional 94% score in Safety Assist Features (SAF) within the Euro NCAP evaluation. This category directly assesses the effectiveness of the vehicle’s active safety technologies, which are designed to either prevent collisions from occurring or reduce their severity when they are unavoidable.

This near-perfect score is a testament to the extensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems integrated into the XC90 B5. Key contributing features include Pilot Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance for semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The City Safety System is another cornerstone, incorporating advanced sensors and braking to mitigate or prevent collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals in urban environments.

Further bolstering its SAF score are systems like Run-off Road Protection, designed to keep the vehicle safely on the road; a 360-Degree Camera for enhanced situational awareness; and the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) to alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots. Rear Collision Warning, Cross Traffic Alert with Auto Brake, Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Driver Alert Control all synergistically contribute to a comprehensive safety net that actively supports the driver in maintaining vigilance and preventing accidents, affirming Volvo’s dedication to a proactive safety philosophy.

Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Volvo Model: XC90
Price: $7,500 Mileage: 171,243 mi.

12. **Comprehensive Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)**Beyond the specific Euro NCAP evaluations, the 2025 Volvo XC90 B5 is equipped with a comprehensive array of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) as standard, reinforcing its stature as a leader in vehicle safety. These systems work tirelessly behind the scenes, often unnoticed, to provide layers of protection that extend far beyond passive crashworthiness, making every journey safer.

Standard ADAS features include Blind Spot Detection, which uses sensors to monitor the areas beside and slightly behind the vehicle, providing visual and auditory warnings to the driver if another vehicle is present when changing lanes. Forward Collision Warning (FCW) alerts the driver to potential front-end collisions, while Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) and Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) can automatically apply brakes or assist the driver in doing so to avoid or mitigate impact. Additionally, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) notifies the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without an intentional signal, helping prevent unintentional lane changes.

It is important to note that while these advanced safety features are standard on the XC90 B5, several NHTSA evaluations for FCW, LDW, CIB, and DBS are currently listed as “Test Pending,” indicating ongoing assessment of their performance by regulatory bodies. Nevertheless, the vehicle also includes other essential safety technologies like a Crash Data Recorder, which captures critical information in the moments before and after a collision, and an Auto-Reverse Window System for pinch protection.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 B5 clearly exemplifies a philosophy where safety is not merely an add-on, but an intrinsic part of its design and engineering. From its foundational crashworthiness and meticulously designed passive restraint systems to its sophisticated array of active safety and driver-assistance technologies, the vehicle is engineered to provide maximum protection in a multitude of scenarios. The detailed crash test results and high NCAP ratings underscore its robust capabilities, offering consumers compelling evidence of a vehicle built to guard occupants, prevent accidents, and contribute to safer roads for everyone. In a world where distractions are ever-present and road conditions unpredictable, the XC90 B5 stands as a testament to intelligent, comprehensive vehicle safety, ensuring that the paramount consideration of well-being is met with uncompromising resolve.