Last Updated on July 12, 2023 by Victor A
The SUV market has grown exponentially in the past few years, with families looking for a versatile vehicle that can offer them space, comfort, and safety.
However, when it comes to purchasing an SUV, safety should be the number one priority.
After all, you want to make sure you are keeping yourself and your loved ones safe while on the road.
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of safety ratings on SUVs and the best SUVs with high safety ratings.
Understanding Safety Ratings on SUVs
Before we dive into the best SUVs with high safety ratings, it is essential to understand safety ratings.
Safety ratings are a way of measuring how safe a car is in the event of an accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and other organizations determine safety ratings.
NHTSA assigns an overall rating to a vehicle based on the results of several crash tests, including frontal, side, and rollover tests.
The way they conduct these tests are conducted using crash test dummies, and the results are used to evaluate the safety of the vehicle.
The NHTSA rating ranges from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest rating.
On the other hand, IIHS conducts several tests to evaluate the safety of a vehicle, which include moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints.
IIHS assigns a rating of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor based on the results of each test, while they also assign a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ rating to vehicles that meet specific criteria, such as having advanced safety features.
Now that you understand safety ratings, let’s take a look at the best SUVs with high safety ratings.
Best SUVs with High Safety Ratings
When it comes to purchasing an SUV, safety is a top priority for many consumers.
Fortunately, many SUVs on the market have earned high safety ratings from trusted organizations such as NHTSA and IIHS.
These SUVs come with advanced safety features that can help prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers in the event of a crash.
2023 Volvo XC90
If you’re in the market for a premium midsize SUV that prioritizes safety, the Volvo XC90 should be on your list.
With a longstanding commitment to safety, the XC90 earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.
This is one of the top safety-rated SUVs thanks to its impressive array of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear collision warning.
2023 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has been a popular choice among midsize SUVs for years, and its safety ratings are just one reason why.
With a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2023 Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, the Explorer is a top pick for families.
But what sets it apart is its suite of advanced safety features that come standard, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
2023 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact SUV that comes with great styling and high safety ratings.
With a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2023 Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, the CX-30 is a smart choice for those looking for a sleek design and impressive safety features.
It comes standard with Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, among other features.
2023 Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is a crossover SUV that prioritizes safety without sacrificing style.
With a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, the HR-V is a smart choice for families.
It comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
2023 Toyota Highlander
If you’re looking for a three-row midsize SUV with a top safety rating, the Toyota Highlander is a leading contender.
With a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, the Highlander is one of the safest vehicles on the road.
But safety features aren’t just an afterthought – the Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.
Choose an SUV with a Top Safety Rating for Peace of Mind
SUVs with high safety ratings can provide peace of mind while on the road, knowing that you and your loved ones are protected in the event of an accident.
Understanding safety ratings and researching the best SUVs with high safety ratings is essential before making a purchase.
The top safety-rated SUVs come with advanced safety features, such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, which can help prevent accidents.
If you are in the market for an SUV, consider one of these models for a safe and reliable ride.
Always prioritize safety when making any vehicle purchase to ensure the safety of you and your passengers while on the road.
