Safety is more than a feature for Volvo. It is a philosophy that shapes every part of what makes a Volvo a Volvo. From the first sketches of a model to the relentless research to optimize safety features, you can feel confident that your Volvo is made with your safety at top of mind.

Volvo has spent nearly a century building its reputation as the safest car brand in the world, and that reputation did not come from clever marketing. It came from real innovation, real engineering, and a real commitment to protecting people - and you can find it all here at Volvo Cars Ontario. This blog takes a close, honest look at what makes Volvo the leader in automotive safety for drivers in Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana and Pomona.

A Legacy Built on Protecting People

The foundation of Volvo’s safety story began in 1959 when Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin invented the three point seatbelt. At that time, most cars used a lap belt which provided only basic restraint. Bohlin created the V shaped belt that reaches across the shoulder and waist, the same design used in every modern vehicle today. Instead of keeping the invention to itself, Volvo opened the patent so every automaker could use it. It was an unprecedented decision that saved countless lives around the world and instantly set Volvo apart as a company motivated by responsibility rather than profit.

The Volvo Safety Vision

Volvo has a simple long term safety goal. This vision guides every new generation of models. It is a measurable objective that shapes engineering decisions, testing programs, and research investments.

This vision led to the development of some of the world’s most advanced safety systems. Instead of relying only on simulations, Volvo built the Volvo Cars Safety Centre, a crash facility used to recreate thousands of real world collisions.

Safety Begins with the Structure

One of the keys to Volvo’s reputation is the strength of its vehicle structures. Every model uses a carefully engineered safety steel cage that protects passengers during a collision. High strength boron steel is used throughout the frame to create a rigid core that directs impact forces away from the cabin. This is why Volvos consistently earn top scores in international crash tests.

The safety cage works with front and rear crumple zones that absorb energy in a collision. These zones act like shock absorbers, taking the brunt of the impact so passengers do not. Volvo continually improves the shape and structure of these zones based on testing data and real accident research.

For families in Ontario, Chino Hills, Jurupa Valley and beyond who drive on busy highways or mountain pass roads, this structural engineering offers peace of mind that goes beyond basic safety ratings.

The Importance of Seat Design

Volvo has always believed that safe seating is just as important as a safe structure. The company has done extensive research on spinal injuries and designed seats that help protect the neck and spine during a crash. Their Whiplash Protection System, built into both the seat and headrest, is one of the most effective systems ever created for rear end collisions.

Innovations that Changed the Industry

Over the years, Volvo has introduced a long list of safety breakthroughs. Many of these are now standard across the industry, but they started with Volvo engineers looking for ways to solve real problems.

Here are a few notable examples:

Three Point Seatbelt
 Invented by Volvo and gifted to the world.

Side Impact Protection System
 One of the first systems to use reinforced doors, energy absorbing materials, and specialized side airbags.

Rear Facing Child Seats
 Volvo has long been a leader in child safety and continues to support rear facing seating up to four years old for maximum protection.

City Safety Technology
 A system that monitors obstacles in front of the vehicle and applies the brakes if a collision seems likely. Many drivers have avoided accidents thanks to this technology.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection
 Volvo expanded its safety focus beyond the vehicle to protect people outside the vehicle as well.

Inflatable Curtain
In 1998, Volvo introduced the inflatable curtain airbag that deploys from the roof on impact, covering the side windows to protect you during a rollover crash.

Volvo introduces these features quietly and consistently. They are not flashy. Instead, they are practical advances that come from careful research and thoughtful engineering.

Modern Driver Assistance Features

While the structure and airbags form the foundation of Volvo safety, modern models add a wide range of driver assistance technologies to add peace of mind driving in the Inland Empire and greater Southern California. These systems do not replace the driver but act as an extra layer of support.

Some key features include:

       ●       Forward collision warning and automatic braking
●       Blind spot information with steering support
●       Lane keeping assistance
●       Cross traffic alerts
●       Pilot Assist for highway steering and speed control
●       Road sign recognition
●       Run off road protection that helps keep the vehicle stable

For the unpredictable traffic and road conditions in Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside and Chino Hills, these systems create an added level of reassurance.

EX90: The Safest Volvo Ever Made

While all Volvo models have extensive safety measures, the EX90 stands out above the rest, as it has been designed to be the safest Volvo car ever made. Its core safety technologies include an array of external sensors, 360-degree view, and proactive detection of hazards, which helped it earn the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

●       Airbag: The EX90 has a system of dual-stage front, side and knee airbags to provide essential protection when needed most. All three rows of the vehicle also have curtain airbags.

●       Collision Mitigation: The EX90 is able to warn drivers of potential collisions in advance, and can even assist in steering at the last minute to avoid obstructions.

●       Lidar Sensor: The Volvo EX90 has a roof-mounted camera, radars and sensors that give a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings. It is also able to detect obstacles up to 820 feet in front of the car.

●       Crash Protection: Built into the EX90’s core is a strong, steel safety cage that is able to absorb and redistribute forces as needed.

Always a Top Safety Performer

IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Volvo has earned numerous Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In 2021, Volvo was the only brand to achieve TSP+ across its entire model lineup, demonstrating its consistent commitment to safety.

Most IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards (2022)
In 2022, Volvo earned 13 TSP+ awards, more than any other automaker. This recognition highlights the brand’s leadership in occupant protection and advanced safety technology.

Repeated IIHS Recognition
Models like the XC90 continue to receive Top Safety Pick+ status year after year, reinforcing Volvo’s ongoing dedication to protecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+
The 2024 Volvo XC90 received the Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS. The organization noted the vehicle’s solid structural performance, excellent occupant protection, and advanced collision prevention systems.

2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Both the 2023 Volvo XC90 and its plug-in hybrid Recharge variant earned Top Safety Pick+ status under the stricter 2023 IIHS standards. These awards underscore Volvo’s leadership in side-impact protection, pedestrian detection, and enhanced lighting systems.

2023–2024 Volvo XC60
 The 2023–24 XC60, including the Recharge version, earned IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition, reflecting its strong crash test performance in the smaller SUV category.

2025 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid: This model earned the IIHS’ highest Top Safety Pick+ rating.

Find Your Volvo!

 

What truly sets Volvo apart is not any single feature. It is the company’s long-standing promise to protect people. This commitment shows up in everything from structural engineering to child safety research. Volvo wants to create vehicles that reduce harm as much as possible in the real world.

That mindset is why so many drivers in Ontario, California choose Volvo for themselves and their families. If you want to experience the safety, comfort, and confidence that comes with driving a Volvo, visit Volvo Cars Ontario. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect vehicle and show you why Volvo continues to set the standard for automotive safety.