The Chevrolet Volt 2019, a plug-in hybrid lauded for its fuel efficiency and electric range, also holds its own when it comes to safety. For prospective buyers and current owners alike, understanding how this vehicle performs in safety evaluations is paramount. This article delves into the safety ratings of the 2019 Chevrolet Volt, providing a comprehensive analysis based on evaluations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). We will explore its performance in various crash tests and preventative safety measures, offering you a detailed overview to assess its safety credentials.
Decoding the IIHS Crashworthiness Ratings for the 2019 Chevy Volt
The IIHS conducts a series of rigorous crash tests to evaluate vehicle safety, and the Chevrolet Volt 2019 has undergone several of these assessments. Let’s break down the results from each test:
Small Overlap Front: Driver-Side Test
The small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end, on the driver’s side, impacts an object. This is a particularly challenging test because it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the vehicle.
Rating: Good (G)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/Thigh | G |
| Driver injury measures – Lower Leg/Foot | G |
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt earned a “Good” rating, the highest possible, in this demanding test. The structural performance was robust, maintaining the driver’s survival space effectively. However, the driver restraints and dummy kinematics received an “Acceptable” (A) rating. The IIHS noted that while the dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag, it slid off to the left side due to excessive forward movement allowed by the seatbelt. Despite this, the side curtain airbag deployed adequately, offering sufficient head protection.
Action shot during the IIHS small overlap frontal crash test of the Chevrolet Volt 2019.
Post-crash dummy position in the Chevrolet Volt 2019 small overlap test, showing good maintenance of survival space.
Close-up of the dummy’s head during the Chevrolet Volt 2019 small overlap test, illustrating airbag contact and potential slippage.
Driver’s side footwell area of the Chevrolet Volt 2019 after the small overlap crash, indicating well-maintained space and low risk of lower extremity injuries.
Technical Highlights from the Small Overlap Test:
- Maximum Intrusion: Lower hinge pillar (9cm), Upper dash (8cm).
- Driver Injury Measures (HIC-15): 103 (Head), 1.1 kN (Neck Tension), 19mm (Chest Compression).
- Femur Force: Low readings for both left (0.1 kN) and right (0.6 kN) femurs, indicating minimal risk of hip/thigh injuries.
Moderate Overlap Front: Original Test
In the moderate overlap front test, a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a barrier. This test is more traditional and represents a significant portion of real-world frontal collisions.
Rating: Good (G)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | G |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot (Left) | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/Foot (Right) | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | G |
The Chevrolet Volt 2019 again achieved a “Good” overall rating in the moderate overlap front test. All critical injury measures for the head, neck, and chest were rated “Good.” The left leg/foot area received an “Acceptable” rating, while the right leg/foot area was rated “Good.” Driver restraints and dummy kinematics performed well, contributing to the high overall score.
Technical Highlights from the Moderate Overlap Test:
- Maximum Footwell Intrusion: Center footwell (9cm), Right footwell (8cm).
- Driver Injury Measures (HIC-15): 204 (Head), 0.8 kN (Neck Tension), 27mm (Chest Compression).
- Femur Force: Left femur (0.3 kN), Right femur (0.8 kN), again showing low injury risk.
Side Impact: Original Test
The side impact test evaluates how well a vehicle protects occupants in a side collision, simulating a vehicle being struck by another vehicle.
Rating: Good (G)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | G |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/Neck | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/Leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt demonstrated exceptional side impact protection, earning “Good” ratings across all categories for both driver and rear passenger injury measures, as well as structural performance and head protection. This indicates robust protection in side collision scenarios.
Technical Highlights from the Side Impact Test:
- B-pillar Intrusion: -18.0 cm (negative value indicates crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline).
- Driver Injury Measures (HIC-15): 366 (Head), 0.7 kN (Neck Tension), 32mm (Maximum Torso Deflection).
- Passenger Injury Measures (HIC-15): 228 (Head), 0.2 kN (Neck Tension), 21mm (Maximum Torso Deflection).
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test assesses the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash.
Rating: Good (G)
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,480 lbs |
| Peak force | 17,081 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 4.91 |
The Chevrolet Volt 2019 achieved a “Good” rating in roof strength, with a strength-to-weight ratio of 4.91. This signifies that the roof is capable of withstanding more than 4.9 times the vehicle’s weight, offering substantial protection in rollover accidents.
Head Restraints & Seats
This evaluation assesses the geometry and dynamic performance of the front seats and head restraints in preventing whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
Rating: Good (G)
| Overall evaluation | G |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
The head restraints and seats of the Chevrolet Volt 2019 were rated “Good” both dynamically and geometrically. This indicates effective design in minimizing the risk of whiplash injuries in rear impacts.
Headlights
Headlight performance is crucial for nighttime safety. The IIHS evaluates headlight effectiveness in providing visibility without causing excessive glare.
Ratings:
- Premier trim with Driver Confidence II package: Good (G)
- LT trim & Premier trim (standard headlights): Acceptable (A)
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt offers different headlight options. The Premier trim equipped with the Driver Confidence II package, featuring LED projector low beams and halogen reflector high beams with high-beam assist, earned a “Good” rating. The standard headlights on LT and Premier trims, also LED projector low beams and halogen reflector high beams but without high-beam assist, received an “Acceptable” rating.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems are designed to mitigate or prevent frontal collisions. The IIHS tests two types of systems: vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian. Here we focus on vehicle-to-vehicle prevention.
Ratings:
- Optional Forward Automatic Braking (with Adaptive Cruise Control): Superior
- Optional Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking (with Driver Confidence Package II): Advanced
The Chevrolet Volt 2019 offers two optional front crash prevention systems. The Forward Automatic Braking system, part of the Adaptive Cruise Control package, achieved a “Superior” rating by avoiding collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests. The Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking system, included in the Driver Confidence Package II, earned an “Advanced” rating, also avoiding collision at 12 mph but reducing impact speed by 5 mph in the 25 mph test. Both systems meet forward collision warning requirements.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
The LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) is evaluated for its ease of use for installing child safety seats.
Rating: Marginal (M)
| Overall evaluation | Marginal (M) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle trim | LT |
| Seat type | cloth |
The LATCH system in the Chevrolet Volt 2019 was rated “Marginal.” While the vehicle has LATCH hardware in multiple rear seating positions, the evaluation identified issues such as lower anchors being too deep in the seat and requiring excessive force to attach to, and potential confusion with other hardware.
Conclusion: The 2019 Chevrolet Volt – A Safe Choice?
Overall, the Chevrolet Volt 2019 demonstrates strong safety performance across a range of IIHS crash tests. It earned “Good” ratings in most crashworthiness evaluations, including the challenging small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, and roof strength tests. Its headlight ratings vary by trim, with the optional upgraded headlights achieving a “Good” rating. Front crash prevention systems are available and rated “Superior” or “Advanced” depending on the system. The child seat LATCH system is the only area that received a lower “Marginal” rating, indicating potential challenges with child seat installation.
For buyers prioritizing safety, the 2019 Chevrolet Volt is a compelling option, especially when equipped with optional safety features like the Driver Confidence II package and Adaptive Cruise Control. While the LATCH system and driver restraints in the small overlap test present minor considerations, the vehicle’s robust crashworthiness and available preventative technologies make it a safe and secure choice in its class. Understanding these safety ratings provides valuable insight for making an informed decision about the Chevrolet Volt 2019.
