Rivian R1S and Volvo EX90 Earn Top Safety Pick+ Awards
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recognized these 2026 models for their crash protection and prevention performance.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Car Types
Live Poll
Does an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating make you more likely to buy a luxury SUV?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded its highest Top Safety Pick+ designation to the 2026 Rivian R1S and the 2026 Volvo EX90. This recognition reflects high performance across critical crash tests and front crash prevention evaluations.
Why it matters
Achieving the Top Safety Pick+ status signifies that these vehicles meet rigorous safety standards, providing consumers with objective data on occupant protection. This designation is based on performance in small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side crash testing.
The 2026 Volvo EX90 has a starting price of $78,090, while the 2026 Rivian R1S begins at $85,885. The Volvo is available with powertrain options ranging from 329 to 670 horsepower, and the Rivian R1S dual-motor trim offers 665 horsepower.
The players
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
This independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization is dedicated to reducing the losses from motor vehicle crashes.
Rivian
This American automotive manufacturer specializes in electric vehicles, including the R1S SUV model.
Volvo
This Swedish luxury vehicle brand is widely recognized for its long-standing emphasis on automotive safety and innovation.
The details
To earn the Top Safety Pick+ rating, vehicles must receive Good ratings in side, moderate overlap front, and small overlap front crash tests. The IIHS also evaluates headlight performance and advanced front crash prevention capabilities to ensure comprehensive safety.
Timeline
The Rivian R1S was originally released in 2022.
The Rivian R1S received a product update in 2025.
The IIHS awarded the Top Safety Pick+ designation in 2026.
The 2027 Rivian R1S models also qualify for this 2026 safety rating.
Roadmap
This achievement highlights the ongoing shift toward prioritizing safety technology in the competitive electric vehicle market. It positions both manufacturers as leaders in occupant protection as they compete against established luxury incumbents.
These safety designations provide car buyers with a benchmark for selecting vehicles that offer proven crash protection. Consumers can use this information to compare the safety profiles of the R1S and EX90 alongside their respective starting price points.
The takeaway
Vehicle safety ratings offer a standardized way for consumers to compare the structural integrity of new luxury electric SUVs. Prospective buyers should review these ratings to determine which vehicle features best align with their personal safety priorities and budget.
Further reading
For more information on vehicle standards and performance, visit Car Types.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jalopnik.
Live Poll
Does an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating make you more likely to buy a luxury SUV?
