Rivian R1S SUV Proves Its Safety Standards with IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+
Rivian Automotive has received the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award for its R1S SUV for the 2023 model year, in partnership with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The award applies to 2023 Rivian R1S SUV models that are produced after January 2023.
Rivian's R1S SUV now joins the R1T pickup as both have received this prestigious award, making them the company's two flagship consumer vehicles that have been recognized for their highest safety standards by the independent nonprofit organization.
As of now, the Rivian R1S for the 2023 model year is the sole large SUV that has been granted the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. Similarly, the 2023 Rivian R1T pickup is among the only three large pickups that have received the TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation to date.
Rivian's Vice President of Chassis Attributes and Safety Engineering, Malin Ekholm, mentioned that the R1 series of vehicles was created to be one of the safest cars on the road today. They achieved this by using a clean-sheet structural design, optimized materials, and fully integrated software. The company is proud that the 2023 Rivian R1S SUV has also received the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award alongside the R1T. Safety is a top priority for Rivian, and they will continue to uphold this standard for their customers as they embark on their next adventure.
IIHS has announced that the requirements for both the lower-tier TOP SAFETY PICK and higher-tier TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards will be tougher in 2023. The acceptable or good headlights are now mandatory for both awards across all trims. The side test has also been updated, which involves a heavier striking barrier hitting the test vehicle at a higher speed. To qualify for the TOP SAFETY PICK award, vehicles must earn an acceptable or good rating. However, a good rating is necessary for the "plus" award.
The TOP SAFETY PICK+ standards comprise a novel examination on vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention at night. To earn the top-tier award, vehicles must demonstrate advanced or superior performance in both daytime and nighttime pedestrian tests. However, for the TOP SAFETY PICK distinction, only an advanced or superior rating in the daytime test is mandatory.
Source: IIHS
