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Sport Utility Vehicles are very trendy. The rugged styling and the "freedom" of being able to climb mountains and cross streams is a powerful marketing message. Still, most consumers rarely use large SUVs for anything but commuting and hauling family. Some simply don't realize that there are many other vehicles that not only get better fuel economy, but are actually safer as well. Many of these safer models have to carry more passengers or cargo, while others have advanced AWD systems for light off-road duty and superior bad weather performance. A number can even tow 3,000 to 6,000 pounds. Large, truck based SUVs are finally improving in safety with each new model year, but many are still inferior in terms of overall safety. Here are some of the safest choices if you are looking for a crossover, SUV or minivan. They are also great alternatives if you're considering a truck-based model. Our criteria (discussed below) are very tough. The recommendations don't include models with just average or missing crash test results. They also don't include models that lack important safety features. Most other publications and webpages that rate the "safest" cars, SUVs and minivans often overlook one or more of these important factors, so please research carefully for your family!
Recommendations for Safe, Family SUVs, Minivans and Cars: (2006 and newer models only, unless otherwise indicated)
Minivans
2006+ Kia Sedona
2005+ Honda Odyssey
2006+ Toyota Sienna (ESC optional, AWD Available)
2004,2005 Toyota Sienna (Must have optional side curtain airbags)
2004+ Chrysler Pacifica (Must have optional side curtain airbags, 3rd row seating, AWD avail.)
2006+ Ford Freestyle (Must have optional side curtain airbags, 3rd row seating, AWD avail.)
2006+ Subaru [Legacy] Outback Wagon(AWD)
2005+ Honda CR-V (AWD Available)
2004+ Subaru Forester (AWD)
Promising models with crash tests to be completed this year include the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Rav4
Some models, like the Honda Element and Saturn VUE, might be recommended, but they did not submit a vehicle to the IIHS for testing with the optional side impact airbags
Honorable mentions like the Ford Freestar, Mercury Monterey and Ford Escape should be safe choices when equipped with optional side curtain airbags
These vehicles are all based on unibody car platforms and all have a nice array of standard safety features, including available side curtain airbags. In addition, none have crash test ratings worse than "4-stars" in the NHTSA front and side impact tests or worse than "Good" in the IIHS frontal offset crash test. All models must have side curtain airbags and, if tested, receive at least a "Good" rating in the new IIHS side impact testing. Finally, any models with less than a "4-star" NHTSA rollover rating must have available electronic stability control (ESC). You should do your own research to compare, but all these models should have better ride, handling and braking than most large, truck-based SUVs. Many offer more standard safety features. They'll also be less of a hazard to other vehicles on the road, get better fuel economy and be more friendly to the environment. All but some luxury models are less expensive than the monster SUVs, upfront and especially over time. Finally, the above recommended all-wheel drive models may have somewhat better traction in poor weather and during light off-roading, since many have more advanced AWD systems (some include traction/stability control). Many larger, truck-based SUVs have older 4WD designs, more suitable for serious off-roading and heavy-duty towing purposes.
This is not an exclusive list. Many other SUVs and minivans receive only slightly lower overall crash test scores. Others, especially luxury brands and new models, simply do not have results for some tests. Features like emergency handling and braking are beyond the scope of this comparison, but should be evaluated very carefully on this class of vehicle. Model years before those listed above cannot be recommended as their designs, crash tests and available safety features may vary significantly. Please research older, used vehicles carefully.
Don't need AWD or 3rd row seating? These 2006 or newer (unless otherwise indicated) sedans are also very safe choices for families. Again, none had worse than a "Good" rating in the IIHS offset crash test, and none had worse than "4-stars" in any of the four NHTSA crash test results. Given their lower seating height, they must also have a "Good" or better rating in the IIHS side impact crash test. Most of these cars also have a lap/shoulder belt in the center of the rear seat (Standard or available), and many have numerous other safety features. All else being equal, the heavier models are typically safer, but be sure to verify crash test results, safety features and accident avoidance capability when comparing models. To be recommended, models must be equipped with side airbags, if available. Stability control is also recommended when available, but is not necessary to make this list.
2005+ Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego (Must have available side curtain airgags)
2004+ Acura TL
2005+ Toyota Avalon
2004+ Audi A4
2006+ BMW 3-series
2006+ Volkswagen Passat
2006+ Volkswagen Jetta (ESC available)
2005+ Honda Accord & Hybrid (Must have available side curtain airbags, ESC available)
2004+ Chevrolet Malibu (Must available side curtain airbags)
2005+ Mitsubishi Galant
2006+ Honda Civic
2006+ Subaru Impreza
2006+ Saab 9-2X
2004+ Toyota Prius
Promising models with crash tests to be completed this year include the Saab 9-3, Saab 9-5, Lexus IS, Lexus ES330
Notable models that have not yet been tested by the IIHS for side impacts include the Volvo S80, Lincoln LS, Mercedes E-Class, Lincoln Town Car, Acura RL and Cadillac CTS.
Honorable Mentions like the Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Cobalt are safe choices in the compact car class when equipped with optional side curtain airbags
This is not an exclusive list. Many other cars receive only slightly lower overall crash test scores. Some, especially luxury brands (like the Volvo V70/XC70 and Audi A6) and all-new models simply do not have results for some tests. Not surprisingly, various other publications usually recommend most of these same vehicles as safe choices, since they also base their selections on the same crash tests, safety features and crash avoidance features. Crash tests are important, but not the only thing to consider. Our contains many other considerations for buying a safe vehicle for your family. Again, vehicles previous to the model years listed cannot be recommended as their designs, crash tests and available safety features may vary significantly. Please research older, used vehicles carefully.
Editor's Choices are in italics; these models generally have higher overall crash ratings in their class, and/or additional safety features standard compared to others in their class
Related Resources on Vehicle Safety and Selecting the Safest Car, Minivan or SUV for your Family
Car-Safety.Org:
SUVSafety.Info:
InformedForLife.Org:
AAA/Parents Magazine:
CarConnection.Com:
Consumer Reports: Best in Class for and vehicles
Money Magazine:
Wagon, Minivan or SUV? Pros and Cons of Vehicles with 3rd row seats
Wagons
Advantages
Disadvantages
Low rollover risk
Good handling
Good braking
Many advanced safety features STD/OPT
Unibody car frame
Good fuel economy
Low step-in height
Lower view of the road in front
Difficult to access 3rd row
May only seat 5 to 7 passengers
3rd Row seat may be limited to older kids
Less seating flexibility
Low towing capability
Light off-road duty even with AWD
Less Cargo Room
Minivans and Crossover SUVs
Advantages
Disadvantages
Low or moderate rollover risk
Reasonable handling
Reasonable braking
Many advanced safety features STD/OPT
Unibody car frame
Reasonable view of road in front
Reasonable fuel economy
Easy 3rd row access
Seats 7 or 8
Low to moderate step-in height
Reasonable to excellent seating flexibility
Large sliding doors make loading easy (minivans)
Low to moderate towing capability
Light off-road duty even with AWD
Large SUVs (Truck Based)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Good view of road in front
Seat 7 to 9 Passengers
Reasonable seating flexibility
Towing up to 9,000 pounds
Chassis suited for heavy duty off-roading
Many have mediocre crash tests or are untested
Moderate to very high rollover risk
Inferior handling
Inferior braking
May lack the latest safety features
Truck frames deadly to small cars
Truck frames deadlier in single vehicle crashes
Truck frames deadlier in crashes with other trucks
Poor fuel economy and emissions
Difficult to access third row
Smaller rear doors and high step-in height
Summary
If you don't frequently do serious off-roading over large boulders and streams, or tow more than a few thousand pounds regularly, please do your family, other families and the environment a favor. At the very least, consider something safer and more sensible for your needs. Some newer truck-based SUV models do have available safety features like stability control, side curtain airbags in all seating rows, independent suspensions, runflat tires, backup sensors/cameras plus shoulder belts and head restraints in all seating positions. If you absolutely require a large SUV, insist on these important features at any cost for the safety of your family! If you are still not convinced, below are some links on SUVs, safety and the environment.
Other Resources
Car-Safety.Org doesn't necessarily agree with all the content of these sites, but encourages consumers to research carefully before buying a large, truck-based SUV. Since the first version of this webpage some years ago, many SUVs have improved considerably in overall safety. Thanks in part to consumers and advocates, manufacturers are beginning to respond to these concerns. Below are some of the other websites that have helped bring safer SUVs to market.
