What’s Happening
Rivian Automotive and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have announced that the 2023 model of Rivian’s R1S SUV has been awarded the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation. The prestigious safety award is applicable to models built after January 2023. This accolade places the R1S alongside Rivian’s R1T pickup, with both of the electric vehicle manufacturer’s flagship consumer vehicles holding the highest safety award for 2023.
Why It Matters
For the 2023 model year, Rivian’s R1S is the only large SUV to receive the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. Additionally, the 2023 Rivian R1T pickup is among just three large pickups that have earned the coveted safety designation so far. The recognition underscores Rivian’s commitment to safety and highlights the company’s focus on producing high-quality electric vehicles.
Key Points
Rivian’s Vice President of Chassis Attributes and Safety Engineering, Malin Ekholm, stated that the R1 line of vehicles was designed with safety as a top priority through clean-sheet structural design, optimized materials, and fully integrated software. The company is pleased to see both the R1S and R1T receiving the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, reflecting their dedication to ensuring customer safety during their adventures.
The IIHS has made the requirements for both the lower-tier TOP SAFETY PICK and higher-tier TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards more stringent in 2023. Good or acceptable headlights are now mandatory across all trims for either award, while the updated side test features a heavier striking barrier and higher speed collision, replacing the original side evaluation. The TOP SAFETY PICK+ criteria also include a new nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention test, with advanced or superior performance required in both nighttime and daytime pedestrian tests.
Bottom Line
Rivian’s R1S SUV has earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award for the 2023 model year, joining the R1T pickup in receiving the highest safety recognition. The accolade reflects the company’s commitment to vehicle safety and demonstrates the quality of their electric vehicles. As the only large SUV to win the award for the 2023 model year, the R1S stands out among its competitors and positions Rivian as a leader in the electric vehicle market.
