The Chevrolet Volt 2019, a plug-in hybrid praised for its fuel efficiency and electric driving range, also holds its own in safety. For prospective buyers prioritizing safety, understanding the Chevrolet Volt 2019 safety ratings is crucial. This article delves into a detailed analysis of the safety performance of the Chevrolet Volt 2019, drawing on rigorous testing data to provide a comprehensive overview.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Evaluation
The small overlap front crash test simulates a challenging real-world scenario where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end collides with another vehicle or a narrow object. The Chevrolet Volt 2019 underwent this test, and the results offer valuable insights into its structural integrity and occupant protection.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front: Driver-Side | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | Good |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Acceptable |
The Chevrolet Volt 2019 achieved a “Good” rating in the small overlap front crash test, the highest possible rating. This indicates that the vehicle’s structure effectively resisted intrusion, maintaining the driver’s survival space. All driver injury measures were rated as “Good,” signifying a low risk of significant injuries in this type of crash. However, the driver restraints and dummy kinematics were rated as “Acceptable”. The test results showed the dummy’s head contacted the frontal airbag but slid off the left side due to excessive forward movement allowed by the seatbelt. Despite this, the side curtain airbag deployed effectively, providing sufficient forward coverage.
The action shot from the small overlap frontal crash test demonstrates the impact dynamics on the Chevrolet Volt 2019.
Post-crash analysis of the dummy’s position in the Chevrolet Volt 2019 reveals that the driver’s survival space was well-maintained. The structural integrity of the vehicle played a key role in achieving this outcome.
This image illustrates the dummy’s head interaction with the airbags during the Chevrolet Volt 2019 small overlap test. It highlights the slight issue of the head sliding off the frontal airbag, which contributed to the “Acceptable” rating in driver restraints.
The assessment of leg and foot injury risk in the Chevrolet Volt 2019 small overlap test indicated low risk, further contributing to the overall “Good” rating for driver injury measures.
Below are the technical measurements recorded during the small overlap front crash test of the Chevrolet Volt 2019:
Technical Measurements: Small Overlap Front Test
| Measurement Category | Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 9 |
| Footrest (cm) | 4 | |
| Left toepan (cm) | 2 | |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 4 | |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 1 | |
| Steering column | 1 | |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 7 | |
| Upper dash (cm) | 8 | |
| Lower instrument panel (cm) | 7 | |
| Driver Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 103 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact | |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.1 | |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 11 | |
| Maximum Nij | 0.18 | |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 19 | |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.1 | |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.6 | |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 0 | |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 2 | |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk – Left (%) | 0 | |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk – Right (%) | 0 | |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.57 | |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.65 | |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 1.2 | |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 2.0 | |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 33 | |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 34 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Evaluation
In the moderate overlap front crash test, a significant portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a deformable barrier. The Chevrolet Volt 2019 also performed admirably in this more traditional frontal crash test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Moderate Overlap Front: Original Test | Good |
| Overall evaluation | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, left | Acceptable |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, right | Good |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good |
The Chevrolet Volt 2019 secured a “Good” overall rating in the moderate overlap front crash test. Similar to the small overlap test, structural integrity was rated “Good,” and most driver injury measures were also “Good.” The left leg/foot injury measure received an “Acceptable” rating, while the right leg/foot remained at “Good.” Driver restraints and dummy kinematics were rated as “Good,” indicating effective airbag and seatbelt performance in this scenario.
Technical Measurements: Moderate Overlap Front Test
| Measurement Category | Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | Footrest (cm) | 5 |
| Left footwell (cm) | 6 | |
| Center footwell (cm) | 9 | |
| Right footwell (cm) | 8 | |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 5 | |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Left (cm) | 0 | |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Right (cm) | 0 | |
| Steering column movement – Upward (cm) | 3 | |
| Steering column movement – Rearward (cm) | -1 | |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 0 | |
| Driver Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 204 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact | |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.8 | |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 14 | |
| Maximum Nij | 0.19 | |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 27 | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 0.3 | |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 0.8 | |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 0 | |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 2 | |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.83 | |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.64 | |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 1.8 | |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 3.3 | |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 65 | |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 85 |
Side Crash Test: Original Evaluation
Side impacts are particularly dangerous, making side crash protection a critical safety aspect. The Chevrolet Volt 2019 underwent a side crash test to evaluate its ability to protect occupants in such collisions.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Side Crash: Original Test | Good |
| Overall evaluation | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Good |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/leg | Good |
| Driver head protection | Good |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/neck | Good |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Good |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/leg | Good |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good |
The Chevrolet Volt 2019 earned a “Good” rating in the side crash test, demonstrating robust protection for both driver and rear passengers. All injury measures for both front and rear occupants were rated as “Good,” along with driver and rear passenger head protection. This strong performance indicates effective side structure and airbag deployment.
Technical Measurements: Side Crash Test
| Measurement Category | Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -18.0 |
| Driver Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 366 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.7 | |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.0 | |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 23 | |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.4 | |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 32 | |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 30 | |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.73 | |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.35 | |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.8 | |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.3 | |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 2.0 | |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.4 | |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 60 | |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 95 | |
| Passenger Injury Measures | Head HIC-15 | 228 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.2 | |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.7 | |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 19 | |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.1 | |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 21 | |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 17 | |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 1.31 | |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.12 | |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.5 | |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 0.8 | |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 1.1 | |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.1 | |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 40 | |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 150 |
Roof Strength Test
Roof strength is vital in rollover accidents. The Chevrolet Volt 2019 underwent a roof strength test to assess its ability to withstand such events.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength | Good |
| Overall evaluation | Good |
| 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, the roof demonstrated significant resistance, exceeding safety standards and providing strong protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation
Head restraints and seats play a crucial role in preventing whiplash and other neck injuries in rear-end collisions. The Chevrolet Volt 2019‘s head restraints and seats were evaluated for their effectiveness.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Head Restraints & Seats | Good |
| Overall evaluation | Good |
| Dynamic rating | Good |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good |
The Chevrolet Volt 2019 received a “Good” rating for its head restraints and seats. Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good,” indicating effective design in minimizing whiplash risk in rear impacts.
Technical Measurements: Head Restraints & Seats
| Measurement Category | Seat type | Manual cloth seat |
|---|---|---|
| Geometry | Backset (mm) | 22 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 26 | |
| Seat design parameters | Pass/fail | Pass |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 15.1 | |
| Head contact time (ms) | 58 | |
| Force rating | 1 | |
| Neck forces | Max neck shear force (N) | 33 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 401 |
Headlights Performance
Visibility is paramount for accident prevention. The Chevrolet Volt 2019‘s headlight performance was assessed across different trim levels and headlight variations.
Headlight Variation 1: Premier trim with Driver Confidence II package
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Headlights – Premier trim with Driver Confidence II package | Good |
| Overall rating | Good |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
The Premier trim of the Chevrolet Volt 2019 equipped with the Driver Confidence II package features LED projector low beams and halogen reflector high beams and earned a “Good” overall headlight rating. The high-beam assist feature contributed to this top rating.
Technical Measurements: Headlights – Premier trim with Driver Confidence II package
| Measurement Category | Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | Good | |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector | |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector | |
| Curve-adaptive? | No | |
| High-beam assist? | Yes | |
| LOW BEAMS | Straightaway right edge | 92.4 m |
| Straightaway left edge | 64.8 m | |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 71.1 m | |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 55.7 m | |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 56.4 m | |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 49.4 m | |
| HIGH BEAMS | Straightaway right edge | 180.7 m |
| Straightaway left edge | 108.4 m | |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 79.8 m | |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 68.8 m | |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 62.7 m | |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 56.2 m |
Headlight Variation 2: LT trim and Premier trim (standard)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Headlights – LT trim and Premier trim (standard) | Acceptable |
| Overall rating | Acceptable |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
The standard headlights on the LT and Premier trims of the Chevrolet Volt 2019, also featuring LED projector low beams and halogen reflector high beams but without high-beam assist, received an “Acceptable” rating.
Technical Measurements: Headlights – LT trim and Premier trim (standard)
| Measurement Category | Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | Acceptable | |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector | |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector | |
| Curve-adaptive? | No | |
| High-beam assist? | No | |
| LOW BEAMS | Straightaway right edge | 92.4 m |
| Straightaway left edge | 64.8 m | |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 71.1 m | |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 55.7 m | |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 56.4 m | |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 49.4 m | |
| HIGH BEAMS | Straightaway right edge | 180.7 m |
| Straightaway left edge | 108.4 m | |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 79.8 m | |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 68.8 m | |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 62.7 m | |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 56.2 m |
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Crash prevention technology is increasingly important in modern vehicles. The Chevrolet Volt 2019 offers front crash prevention systems, evaluated for their effectiveness.
Front Crash Prevention System 1: Optional Forward Automatic Braking
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) – Optional Forward Automatic Braking | Superior |
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
| System details | Optional Forward Automatic Braking |
| Package name | Optional Adaptive Cruise Control |
With the optional Forward Automatic Braking system, part of the Adaptive Cruise Control package, the Chevrolet Volt 2019 achieved a “Superior” rating in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention. The system successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests and meets forward collision warning requirements.
Front Crash Prevention System 2: Optional Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) – Optional Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking | Advanced |
| Overall evaluation | Advanced |
| System details | Optional Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking |
| Package name | Optional Driver Confidence Package II |
The optional Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking system, available with the Driver Confidence Package II, earned an “Advanced” rating. While it avoided collision in the 12 mph test, it reduced impact speed by 5 mph in the 25 mph test. This system also meets forward collision warning requirements.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
For families, child seat safety is paramount. The Chevrolet Volt 2019‘s LATCH system was evaluated for ease of use and effectiveness.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | Marginal |
| Overall evaluation | Marginal |
| Vehicle trim | LT |
| Seat type | cloth |
The LATCH system in the Chevrolet Volt 2019 received a “Marginal” rating. While the vehicle has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor, usability issues impacted the rating.
Child Seat Anchor Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marginal | Tether anchor (easy-to-find, but confusing hardware), Lower anchors (too deep, too much force needed) |
| 2 | Marginal | Tether anchor (easy-to-find, but confusing hardware), Lower anchors (none available) |
| 3 | Marginal | Tether anchor (easy-to-find, but confusing hardware), Lower anchors (too deep, too much force needed) |
Technical Measurements: Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
| Seat Position | Lower Anchor A Details | Lower Anchor B Details | Tether Anchor Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat position 21 | Open access: No, Depth: 2-4 cm, Force: could not measure, Clearance angle: 106 degrees | Open access: No, Depth: 2-4 cm, Force: could not measure, Clearance angle: 108 degrees | Location: Middle seatback, Confusing hardware: Yes, Contrasting label within 3 inches: No |
| Seat position 22 | No lower latch available | No lower latch available | Location: Middle seatback, Confusing hardware: Yes, Contrasting label within 3 inches: No |
| Seat position 23 | Open access: No, Depth: 2-4 cm, Force: could not measure, Clearance angle: 105 degrees | Open access: No, Depth: 2-4 cm, Force: could not measure, Clearance angle: 105 degrees | Location: Middle seatback, Confusing hardware: Yes, Contrasting label within 3 inches: No |
Conclusion: Chevrolet Volt 2019 – A Safe Hybrid Choice
The Chevrolet Volt 2019 demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, achieving top “Good” ratings in most crash tests, including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side crash, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. While headlight ratings vary from “Good” to “Acceptable” depending on the trim and package, and the LATCH system is rated “Marginal,” the overall safety profile of the Chevrolet Volt 2019 is commendable. Its “Superior” and “Advanced” ratings for optional front crash prevention systems further enhance its safety appeal. For buyers seeking a safe and fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid, the Chevrolet Volt 2019 is a strong contender.
