XC90 Rear Seat Strength - Crash tests

[Volvo321]

Hello everyone,

This is quite specific but I wonder if anyone knows the answer...Does anyone know what boot luggage load/speed the XC90 rear seat strength has been crash tested to, beyond the EU 2x 18kg test?

Background. I've been looking at safe carriage of family + luggage + dog on holidays. A few car clubs have done some educational videos on the result of overloaded cars in a crash incident (see here: https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...ie-cargo-down/). As a family, this car doesn't look too different from how mine looks when we go on holiday - which is thought provoking!

So the question is, how much is too much luggage? Well, I have emailed Volvo, Ford and Renault to ask them. None are able or willing to share their crash data. Both Ford and Volvo show elsewhere that their cars are tested to EU ECE No 17 standards. So naturally I looked this up (see here: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-...f-b10b6476b5df).

ECE No 17. This regulation is minimal. It requires 2x 18kg weights to be contained in the boot in a crash of 30 mph. Nothing more. ANEC wrote a paper on this about 20 yrs ago highlighting how inadequate this standard is but it has not changed. (see here: https://www.anec.eu/attachments/tr005-03(pictures).pdf)

Volvo always tests to a higher standard. Volvo customer service were polite but would not share any data with me. Does anyone know what luggage load/speed the XC90 has been crash tested to, beyond the EU 2x 18kg test?

[AB-UK]

I bought the metal floor to roof divider as I carried up to 4 sets of scuba diving kit around.

That's some very serious weight and I had to hope that in the case of an accident it would be enough to prevent people and cargo coming together.

Might be interesting (frightening) to learn just how effective it would have been, so if your endeavours should find the answer I would be grateful if you would share on this forum.

[wynnj]

On the basis that there's not a lot I can do about the inherent strength of the seat backs I take what steps I can to stop the loads moving. To this end, particularly when filling the load area, I've got a non slip rubber mat on the boot floor to help stop things sliding forward and I put a cargo net over everything, anchored to the floor using the 4 tie down points located at each corner of the load area.

[Volvo321]

Update: I've sent another request through Volvo UK but worded differently (sometimes this gets a better response) and also am meeting with a Swedish company this week that specialises in rear compartment safety.

I will let you know what I can find out.

[AB-UK]

Originally Posted by Volvo321

Update: I've sent another request through Volvo UK but worded differently (sometimes this gets a better response) and also am meeting with a Swedish company this week that specialises in rear compartment safety.

I will let you know what I can find out.

Did you ever get a reply to your query?

[XJSDriver]

I believe the XC90 is one of a very few 7 seaters that have a crumple zone at the rear to protect the rear passengers. It is a Volvo after all!

We have the heavy metal divider/dog guard which covers the whole rear from roof to floor. It fits into the roof and is secured by sturdy fittings at the bottom. I too don't know the spec but I expect can hold back scuba gear as with the rear seats up, the force needed to break through the guard and seats would need to be immense.