While buying an SUV, you most importantly need to pay attention to the safety ratings, owing to increased chances of a rollover. This article gives information about the safest small SUVs…
If you want to shift from a sedan to a tougher vehicle, you can consider buying a small SUV. There are a few people who are under a misconception regarding the small SUV class. They think that compact SUVs are same as mini SUVs. You should note that both are different, considering the space available. Compact SUVs have a body length ranging from 167.3 to 181.1 inches, whereas mini SUVs are a bit smaller, being lesser than 161.4 inches. Both come in the category of small SUVs though. Safety is a significant matter to be thought of when it comes to choosing best small SUVs.
There are two prominent entities in the US who carry out the administration of car safety research and ratings. These are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which works under the US Department of Transportation, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), funded by auto insurers. Both of these institutions carry out extensive crash testing to rate cars and SUVs for safety.
List of the Safest Small SUVs
Subaru Forester
Subaru is a brand that has an expertise in producing safe AWD vehicles. As a result, it has the Forester in its factory. This SUV comes in six variants, all of which have the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) that works in sync with the SUBARU BOXER engine to provide optimal on-road traction. Safety features embedded in the SUV are Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), ABS on all wheels, Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and the brand’s advanced frontal airbag system.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen is another brand that is known to incorporate top-end safety features in its vehicles. The Tiguan is a compact SUV which is a good safety choice. It comes with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which does the job of preventing loss of traction, understeer, or an oversteer. Besides, the Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) is the main feature for safety. After a collision or rollover, this system unlocks all doors, activates hazard lights, and most importantly cuts off power to the fuel pump. This SUV is made out of a safety cage which protects occupants during an extreme rollover.
Jeep Patriot
Just like the Tiguan, the Patriot also has a safety cage structure which absorbs the impact after a collision. The door guard beams help in protecting occupants in a side hit. Here again, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) works for the purpose of safety while driving. The Hill Descent Control helps the driver take the vehicle easily through uneven terrain by automatically providing appropriate amount of braking to separate wheels as needed. Likewise, the Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) is a feature that senses a potential rollover and activates braking to appropriate wheels for proper control.
Honda Element
The Honda Element is another small SUV that is thought of being the safest. The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is the ESC system which works well using elements such as Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and all wheel ABS. The dual-stage multiple-threshold front airbags are deployed in a frontal collision, at different rates depending on the level of impact. Moreover, the deployment of side airbags are linked with a rollover sensor which contributes to additional protection. This Honda vehicle has received good SUV safety ratings by the IIHS.
This is some information on safety reports of small SUVs. Other two models worth a mention are Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. It is believed that Volvo manufactures the safest SUVs and cars, but it does not offer a small SUV. Note that safety features may vary according to the model and trim level you choose.