2012 Volvo S60 - Safety Review and Crash Test Ratings

Volvo's reputation for safety has been earned, and the 2012 S60 continues the work, with an impressive array of electronic assists and both active and passive safety equipment.

The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) rates the 2012 S60 a Top Safety Pick, winning top marks of "good" in all test categories. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) likewise gives the S60 perfect scores of five stars in all categories.

Helping the S60 achieve these scores are the expected items, like front, side, and side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; plus stability and traction control. More innovative features include Corner Traction Control, which directs torque across the car to enhance grip in aggressive maneuvers; a radar-based Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, which can identify and brake for pedestrians or other objects in the road if the driver doesn't give the system indication they're trying to avoid it; and much more.

Some of the advanced safety systems are optional, like Driver Alert Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Warning, all included as part of the Technology Package. Blind Spot Information System is available as a standalone option.

Parking sensors, front and rearview safety cameras with wide-angle lenses, and active HID headlamps are also available.