Safest SUVs Reviews & Ratings
Reviews & Ratings for Safest SUVs
Safest SUVs Reviewed
There are very strict requirements that must be met for a vehicle to make the list of safest SUVs. Consumers shopping for a vehicle with safety as their top priority are looking for features that will offer peace-of-mind on the road. Years ago, simply having antilock brakes, airbags, stability and traction control and rear door safety locks were often enough to turn the eye of someone hauling precious cargo. Today, consumers want and expect more.
In additional to thoughtful safety ... (full review continues below)
Safest SUVs
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Expert Rating: Rate this Model: Expert Rating: Rate this Model:There are very strict requirements that must be met for a vehicle to make the list of safest SUVs. Consumers shopping for a vehicle with safety as their top priority are looking for features that will offer peace-of-mind on the road. Years ago, simply having antilock brakes, airbags, stability and traction control and rear door safety locks were often enough to turn the eye of someone hauling precious cargo. Today, consumers want and expect more.
In additional to thoughtful safety features, these vehicles should have "Good" crash test ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This includes tests for side-impact, frontal-offset and roof-strength protection. If the vehicle has short braking distances when tested, this is another bonus. It is not easy to make this list, because safety-conscious consumers demand the best; they will not compromise.
Many will find it surprising that such a budget-friendly vehicle is able to top the list of safest SUVs, but Honda does not disappoint with the CR-V. It receives five stars in front and side crash protection and four stars in rollover protection.
Although the 2013 Nissan Armada has not been crash tested, neither was the 2012 model, yet it manages to make the list based on reputation and features. Six airbags are complemented by Vehicle Dynamic Control, Active Brake Limited Slip, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and child seat anchors.
When tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Lexus RX 450h was rated as "Good" in front, side and roof-strength protection. It features a driver's side knee airbag to stop the driver from submaring under the dash in a collision. A pre-collision warning comes with the optional adaptive cruise control and safety connect emergency communications system comes standard with stolen vehicle location services, emergency assist button and automatic collision notifaction.
Jeep Grand Cherokee is next on the list. Not only does it score "Good" in all the crash tests, its braking capabilities are impressive, taking only 125 feet to stop from 60 mph. Those opting for the SRT8 enjoy high performance tires, dropping that figure to an unbelievable 112 feet.
Chevrolet has long been respected for making safe and reliable vehicles; qualities that continue to be showcased in the 2013 Traverse. OnStar is standard, which includes stolen vehicle assistance, on-demand roadside assistance and automatic crash notification. To prevent front seat passengers from colliding in a side impact, an onboard driver seat side airbag is standard on all models except the LS, on which it is optional. The LTZ trim also has the option of adding on a rear cross-traffic monitoring system and a blind spot monitoring system.
The 2013 Ford Explorer was able to earn "Good" ratings in roof, side and front crash tests, when tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In government crash tests it scored five out of five stars. A front passenger knee airbag, Ford's Curve Control and trailer sway control all come standard, as does MyKey, which empowers parents to specify speed and stereo volume limits. Optional features or certain trims include lane-departure warning, brake support, collision warning and a blind-spot warning system.
Next on the list of safest SUVs is the 2013 Acura MDX. It can stop from 60 mph in a respectable 123 feet and scored "Good" in side-impact, roof-strength and frontal-offset crash tests. The collision warning and braking system is an optional feature and a definite highlight. It monitors and offers auditory and visual warnings. As a last resort, it can brake hard while cinching the seatbelts if it needs to.
Not only does the 2013 Volvo XC60 get top ratings in crash tests, it blows away much of the competition in braking capabilities, taking a short 119 feet to stop from 60 mph. City Safety is standard, which can apply the vehicle's brakes to avoid a low speed frontal impact.
Last on the list of safety SUVs is the Saab 9-3 4-Door. It scored "Good" in front and side crash tests, but "Acceptable" in roof-strength. As you would expect from Saab, it comes with plenty of safety features and offers OnStar emergency telematics on certain trims.
Other vehicles worth mentioning that were quite close to making the list include GMC Acadia, Kia Sportage, Lexus GX 470, Cadillac SRX, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Land Rover LR3 and Mercedes M-Class.