Probably, it is no secret to anyone that safety is the most important parameter for Volvo when creating a car. The Swedish company even has a special 2020 strategy: by the next year, Volvos are to become so safe that people will not perish in them. 
Recently, we witnessed that the Swedes do not just say empty words. Yesterday, a rather serious accident occurred on the Zhytomyr highway. A Geely Emgrand crashed at high speed into the rear of an old Volvo XC90 crossover.
Photos of the accident were published by Oleksandr Ktitorchuk on Facebook. The difference in protection level of the cars is, as they say, obvious. The Chinese car’s front part of the body was completely crushed, while the Volvo crossover sustained noticeably less damage. The main impact was absorbed by the rear bumper, though it remains in decent condition. 
In principle, this is not surprising.
The first 2002 Volvo XC90 was considered the safest crossover of its time. The car received the highest safety ratings – 5 stars from EuroNCAP and Top Safety Pick from the American IIHS. The arsenal of the Volvo XC90 includes 6 airbags and active headrests that protect the neck in a rear impact. The stabilization system is complemented by a rollover prevention function. 
In addition, the Volvo XC90’s body is reinforced with high-strength steel that protects the passenger compartment.
The car also has crumple zones designed to absorb collision energy. In general, despite the fact that the Volvo XC90 was designed about 20 years ago, the crossover’s safety even now deserves respect. By the way, the new Volvo XC90 has gone even further in this regard. It is worth noting that there is a myth that old cars are much stronger than new ones. This is partly true – we have already shown you, what will happen if you crash into an old Volvo in a new Kia, but this does not mean that external damage is directly related to the safety of the driver and passengers.
On the contrary, there are cases when a car is severely damaged on the outside, but no one is injured, which is explained by crumple zones, etc. Conclusion: no matter what is said, modern cars, although they turn into a pile of scrap metal after accidents, protect those inside much better than “ancient” cars. But remember, regardless of the damage, an independent car assessment after an accident is needed.