Summary
- Updated 2025 Rivian R1S is safest large SUV on American roads receiving Top Safety Pick+ rating
- Previous model had Top Safety Pick award, which is second-best
- 2025 R1S received Good ratings in all subcategories except headlights, rated Acceptable
- Changes to front body structure and rear seats improved frontal crash safety
- To get Top Safety Pick+ award, vehicle must have Good ratings in multiple crash tests including small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side test, headlights, and pedestrian front crash prevention test
Article
Rivian Impresses with Updated Safety Ratings for 2025 R1S Model
Rivian has made significant strides in improving the safety ratings of its 2025 R1S model, making it the safest large SUV on American roads according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The latest crash testing session resulted in the 2025 R1S receiving a Top Safety Pick+ rating, the highest possible for a production vehicle that undergoes the IIHS testing procedure. This marks a considerable improvement from the previous iteration of the Rivian R1S, which only received a Top Safety Pick rating.
Enhancements in Crash Test Performance
One of the key areas where the 2025 Rivian R1S excelled was in the Moderate overlap front crash test, where it received Good ratings across all categories except for driver leg/foot protection, which was rated as Adequate. This test involves the vehicle traveling at 40 miles per hour into a stationary barrier with 40% of the front overlapping. The IIHS noted that Rivian implemented modifications to the front body structure and rear seats to enhance occupant safety in frontal crashes, leading to a significant improvement in performance in this crucial area.
Headlights Rating and Visibility Concerns
Despite its overall stellar performance in crash tests, the 2025 R1S did face criticism in the headlights department, where it was rated as Acceptable by the IIHS. While visibility with both low and high beams was considered good, the low beams were noted to produce some glare, which impacted the final rating in this category. This area of improvement could potentially be addressed by Rivian in future iterations of the R1S to achieve a higher rating for headlights.
Criteria for Top Safety Pick+ Award
To receive a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, a vehicle must meet stringent criteria including a Good rating in the small overlap front test, an Acceptable or Good rating in the updated moderate overlap front test, a Good rating in the updated side test, and an Acceptable or Good rating for both the headlights and the pedestrian front crash prevention test. This prestigious award signifies that the vehicle meets the highest safety standards set by the IIHS.
Exclusive Club of Top Safety Pick+ Awardees
With the updated 2025 Rivian R1S joining the ranks of vehicles that have received a Top Safety Pick+ award, it adds to a prestigious list of 48 vehicles for the year. This list includes other top-performing vehicles such as the 2024 Rivian R1T pickup, Tesla Model Y, Genesis Electrified GV70, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Subaru Solterra, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Genesis Electrified G80. Earning this recognition highlights Rivian’s commitment to prioritizing safety in its vehicle designs and reflects positively on the brand’s reputation in the automotive industry.
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