Many considerations go into buying a used SUV. In this article, we’ll take you through the SUV models that were repeatedly reviewed as the safest.
First, you may be wondering what goes into measuring a particular vehicle’s safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety evaluates trucks and cars using a variety of procedures. To test how well a vehicle protects its passengers in frontal crashes, for example, the Institute measures how much the car crumples into the passenger’s compartment and analyzes “injury measurements” from a crash-test dummy. This is generally done at a 40mph speed. Also, film of the crash is analyzed in slow-motion to determine how well the seatbelt system works. The IIHS uses a similar procedure for side crashes, in this case testing side and side-curtain airbags, and the vehicle’s anti-whiplash restraints. Afterwards, analyzing one dummy in the front, and the other behind the driver gives IIHS officials information on the likelihood of actual people sustaining serious injury during the crash. The IIHS also takes into consideration safety features such as ESC, or Electronic Stability Control. This system, available in some higher-end cars and SUVs, helps the driver maneuver and adds stability during emergency situations.
Evaluations such as these have uncovered a few SUVs that are reliably rated as among the safest. First, let’s look at the Acura RDX, top-rated car for safety in 2007 (the list includes SUVs). ESC comes standard in this model, and it outshone all the others in airbag testing. Its luxury look and feel make it even more appealing, for those who place safety at the highest priority and can afford to reject the boxy look.
Also earning high marks in airbag testing is the Honda CR-V, fourth on the list of safest cars for 2007. The airbag performance must have been excellent, because this model enters quite high on the list even though it does not offer Electronic Stability Control.
The BMW X3 took top honors in 2008. Not only does this SUV offer front and side airbags, it even has airbags for the rear and for passengers’ torsos. Sophisticated electronics can sense when the car is about to roll over, triggering the seamless deployment of the side-curtain airbags.
The Hyundai Veracruz also did very well on the 2008 list, which was the first year in which the IIHS required all cars it chose to feature ESC. We are impressed by the Hyundai’s combination of economy and top-rated safety. Crash-test dummies were well-preserved during testing, indicating the Veracruz’ ability to protect passengers’ heads, torsos, spines, legs, and feet. Side curtain airbags are included in all three rows of this model.
Ranking high among star safety SUVs from 2009 is the Audi Q7. The IIHS rated all is airbag deployments as very effective, including chest and pelvis protection, as well as head restraints to prevent whiplash. Shock-absorbing padding under the dashboard cushions feet and legs to protect them from impact.
If you can’t afford an Audi, though, consider going with a 2009 Saturn Vue. This SUV also made the safest-car list and features some of the same protections as the Q7. The Saturn offers front and rear airbags, whiplash protection, and ESC.
Choosing an SUV that’s top-rated for safety means you are among the smartest car buyers. After all, as renowned British author Samuel Johnson said, “It is better to live rich than to die rich.”