Looking for a small SUV that's also safe? We've got you covered here. Below is a list of the safest small SUVs based on crash test ratings from the National Highway Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
A rundown on the criteria for the two agencies: NHTSA puts vehicles through front, side, and rollover crash tests that combine to produce an overall star rating, from one to five. Meanwhile, IIHS offers two safety awards. To earn a Top Safety Pick award, vehicles must earn "Good" ratings in various crash tests, including the unique driver-side small-overlap front test, which simulates what happens when the front left corner of a car crashes into a tree or pole at 40 mph. The vehicles must score at least "Acceptable" in the passenger-side small-overlap front test, which is the same test on the right corner of the car. They must also nab an "Advanced" or "Superior" rating in front crash prevention technology and an "Acceptable" or better headlight rating. For IIHS' highest award, the Top Safety Pick+, vehicles must step it up with a "Good" passenger-side small overlap front rating and a "Good" headlight rating.
All entries on this list have earned both a four- or five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. (Some vehicles, marked with asterisks below, have been excluded from the list because they have not yet been rated by NHTSA.) All models listed are mass-market vehicles from the 2019 model year. Keeping these notes in mind, read on to find out the safest small SUVs currently on the market.
2019 HONDA HR-V
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5 stars
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
Along with a roomy interior and solid handling, the subcompact HR-V benefits from good safety scores. Refreshed for 2019, EX models and above feature a safety package that includes automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. The model gets an "Acceptable" headlight rating from IIHS
2019 HYUNDAI KONA
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5 stars
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
Although a bit tight inside, the Kona benefits from a firm but stable ride, nimble handling, and peppy powertrains. It's a safe and practical car for a first-time buyer or anyone who doesn't need a ton of interior space.
2019 HYUNDAI TUCSON
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5 stars
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
The Tucson is a bit of a wallflower in its segment, but it has a strong list of standard features, including a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. It also has an easy-to-use infotainment interface. The model gets an "Acceptable" headlight rating from IIHS.
2019 LEXUS UX
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5 stars
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
The UX stands out from the pack with its bold styling. This tiny crossover looks more like a hatchback, made all the more unusual with the oversized signature Lexus grille. Inside, you'll encounter refined materials but not a lot of space in the back seat. This cute-ute misses the Top Safety Pick+ designation because of its "Acceptable" headlight rating.
2019 MAZDA CX-3
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5 stars
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
Mazda has made improvements to its subcompact crossover for 2019. With a revised suspension, upgraded steering, redesigned seats, and a bit more power, the CX-3 has finally come into its own. It gets an "Acceptable" score in IIHS' headlight category.
2019 MAZDA CX-5
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5 stars
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
With spirited acceleration and communicative steering, the CX-5 is the jock in its class. It's a canyon carver in SUV form, and we love the unexpected grunt of its engine. This SUV placed second in our recent compact SUV comparison test.
2019 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5 stars (AWD), 4 stars (FWD)
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
This seven-seater small SUV gets good safety scores, though we wish the four- and six-cylinder engine options had more grunt. The Outlander earned a headlight score of "Acceptable" from IIHS.
2019 NISSAN KICKS
NHTSA Overall Rating: 4 stars
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
IIHS: Top Safety Pick
This subcompact crossover is all about value. Starting at $19,685, the Kicks offers a quality interior with plenty of room in the rear seats and cargo area. It didn't qualify for IIHS' top award due to "Acceptable" ratings in the passenger-side small-overlap front test and the headlight category. NHTSA gave it four stars in the front crash and rollover categories, which along with a five-star side crash rating contributed to an overall four-star rating.
2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5 stars
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
This is one of our favorite subcompact crossovers. Not only does it feature a solid ride and off-road capability, but it also offers plenty of space for people and gear, plus an easy-to-use infotainment system. We've praised its available EyeSight driver assistance feature with adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist for being among the most helpful systems of its kind on the market.
2019 SUBARU FORESTER
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5 stars
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
With a cavernous cargo hold, roomy back seat, and wide-opening doors, the Forester makes great use of space. Although it's not the most powerful entry in the compact crossover segment, it benefits from a quiet ride on the pavement and solid off-road capability, plus excellent visibility. The 2019 Forester gets standard EyeSight safety technologies.
*2019 BMW X2 (Top Safety Pick, NHTSA: Not Rated)
*2019 Honda CR-V (Top Safety Pick, NHTSA: Not Rated overall, 4 stars in rollover test)
*2019 Volvo XC40 (Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA: Not Rated)
Note: IIHS classifies the Crosstrek and Kicks as small cars. To determine a vehicle's classification, IIHS takes into account its platform-mates and if the vehicle is based on a sedan; how the automaker classifies the vehicle in the Vehicle Identification Number; and the classification of its competitors on the market.
By: www.motortrend.com
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