The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) bestowed the 2023 Rivian R1S electric SUV with the Top Safety Pick+ award on May 3 after the automaker improved its performance in a moderate overlap front crash test.
For context, the highest honor given by the IIHS for a vehicle’s performance in crash tests is the Top Safety Pick+ title, which necessitates at least a “Good” rating for each of its testing criteria.
Notably, it is already Rivian’s second time to receive this acknowledgment for its electric vehicle offerings. In retrospect, the flagship R1T crew cab also earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ in February.
Rivian R1S withstands IIHS crash safety testing
Rivian stated that the nonprofit organization’s Top Safety Pick+ recognition applies to every R1S model produced after January 2023.
Remarkably, Rivian R1S managed to secure the award despite the IIHS’ stricter requirements this year.
“The requirements are tougher for both the lower-tier Top Safety Pick and higher-tier Top Safety Pick+ award in 2023. Acceptable or good headlights are now required across all trims for either award, rather than only for the higher accolade.
In addition, the updated side test, in which a heavier striking barrier hits the test vehicle at a higher speed, replaces the original side evaluation. Vehicles must earn an acceptable or good rating to qualify for Top Safety Pick. A good rating is required for the ‘plus.'”
IIHS
After January 2023, Rivian updated the R1S models to comply with all requirements for the more stringent Top Safety Pick+ award. The R1S builds made after January differ from those made before January in that they now include a front crash system as standard equipment.
Essentially, the 2023 R1S produced after January 2023 obtained a superior rating in the evaluation of vehicle-to-pedestrian interactions during the day. Additionally, it received high in the test conducted at night. Furthermore, the R1S comes equipped with “Good-rated” LED projector headlights on all trim levels.
In addition, post-January R1S builds are able to protect the drivers and passengers while maintaining the cabin’s condition in crash tests.
Rivian boasts that the 2023 R1S is the first and only 2023 vehicle in the big SUV segment to have received the Top Safety Pick+ award thus far.
“The R1 line of vehicles was designed to be among the safest on the road today through clean-sheet structural design, optimized materials, and fully integrated software.
We are delighted to see R1S join the R1T in receiving the Top Safety Pick+ award and will continue to make safety a key priority for our customers as they take on their next adventure.”
Malin Ekholm, Rivian VP of Chassis Attributes and Safety Engineering
As usual, the IIHS published the R1S’s crash test safety footage. You can watch it below:
