One of the most common reasons why consumers purchase SUVs is the safety factor these type of vehicles offer, especially for families with children. In study after study of SUV vs car crashes, the risk of death is almost eight times higher for the driver of the car than it is for the driver of the SUV. Even if the car actually has a better safety rating than the SUV does, the car driver is almost five times more likely to die in the crash than the SUV driver is.
With so many makes and models of SUVs to choose from, how do consumers know which vehicle offers the most protection and safety for their family? To help answer that question, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently announced their list for the safest 2017 SUVs available.
Qualifying for the List
In order to qualify for the IIHS 2017 Top Safety Pick, vehicles were required to earn good ratings in five crashworthiness tests. These tests were:
- Front;
- Moderate overlap front;
- Side;
- Small overlap front; and
- Head restraints and roof strength.
Vehicles must also have received either an advanced or superior rating in the category of front crash prevention, as well as an acceptable or good headlight rating. The IIHS did note in their report that, in general, heavier and larger vehicles offer more protection than lighter, smaller vehicles.
Top Small SUVs
The following 2017 make and models were awarded a spot on the IIHS Top Safety Pick list:
- BMW X1
- Fiat 500X
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia Sportage
- Mazda CX-3
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Nissan Rogue
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota RAV4
Top Mid-Size SUVs
The IIHS divided mid-size SUVs into two categories, mid-size and luxury mid-size. The following 2017 make and models were awarded a spot on the IIHS Top Safety Pick list:
- GMC Acadia
- Honda Pilot
- Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
- Kia Sorento
- Nissan Murano
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Toyota Highlander
The list of luxury mid-size SUVs included:
- Acura MDX
- Acura RDX
- Audi Q5
- Buick Envision
- Cadillac XT5
- Infiniti QX60
- Lexus NX
- Lexus RX
- Lincoln MKX
- Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
- Volvo XC60
- Volvo XC90
Large SUVs
Only one large SUV made it on the IIHS Top-Pick list. That vehicle was the Audi Q7.
Car Crash Victim?
No matter how many precautions you may take, there is always the risk that some other driver on the road will engage in behavior that can cause a crash resulting in serious injuries. If you have been injured in an accident where the other driver is at fault, contact a skilled North Carolina personal injury attorney to find out what recourse you may have against the other driver. Our injury firm also offers a free car accident injury guide, which covers topics such as what damages can be claimed, how much a claim may be worth, and how passenger injury cases are different.