Volvo has reinvented the seatbelt
Volvo has established itself as a leader in car safety, a reputation that has been firmly tied to the brand over the years. Not only did it advance the 3-point seatbelt as we know it today, but that’s only one chapter in its long list of life-saving innovations. From safety systems such as side airbags, pedestrian detection with full auto brake, to rear-facing child seats, the Swedish brand has consistently pushed the envelope to make its cars safer for everyone on the road.
Speaking of the modern seatbelt, even in 2025, it’s still based on the original 1959 design by Volvo. It’s a passive system that works well but comes with limitations. It assumes a ‘one-size-fits all’ approach, regardless of body type, crash angle, or even how someone is sitting. Volvo plans to change that with the introduction of a new multi-adaptive seatbelt, a system designed to offer even greater protection by adjusting to the needs of each passenger.
Set to make its debut in the upcoming EX60 in 2026, the new safety belt has been designed to enhance safety by adapting to different traffic conditions and the individual wearing it. The technology will make use of the car’s real-time data from what Volvo describes as advanced onboard sensors. In this way, the seatbelt will adjust dynamically to offer a more personalised protection, tightening or loosening depending on what’s happening on the road and inside the car.
In a high-impact crash, for instance, a larger person may receive a stronger restraint force to better protect their head and upper body. On the other hand, a smaller individual in a less severe collision would experience a gentler response, reducing the likelihood of injuries such as rib fractures.
It’s interesting to see Volvo continuing to push the envelope when it comes to safety, especially with innovations that acknowledge the fact that no two bodies or crashes are the same. The multi-adaptive seatbelt represents a move from traditional seatbelts to personalised safety, and is likely to be adopted, in some part at least, by more manufacturers.
