We all choose to drive the safest vehicle we are able to afford. Fortunately, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) makes identifying those vehicles quick. Every year, the IIHS rates automobiles according to their efficiency in a series of high-speed front- and side-crash tests, a rollover test and an evaluation of head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The Institute bestows ratings of Excellent, Acceptable, Marginal or Poor for every single crash-test category based on performance in every single test.
Only by far the most worthy of automobiles tested earn a Best Safety Pick designation. As a way to be a Best Safety Choose, a car have to get a fantastic rating in each and every crash-test category and offer electronic stability control as a normal function. The automobiles on this list represent the six small but mighty SUVs that earned a Leading Safety Pick designation. These cars are the ones to consider if safety is actually a leading priority as you shop for new automobiles. We also included beginning MSRP prices for every automobile.
We’re really fond of the automobiles on this list. They offer you anything you may want in a very good family car: safety, versatility and decent cargo space. What truly pleases us, although, will be the truth that quite a few of these automobiles are also agile, fun to drive and get very good gas mileage. The combination of all of these components in 1 family-hauling machine is rare and worth a look if you are inside the market place.
For those who have a comment or perhaps a question, send an e-mail to articles@vehix.com. See the full list of IIHS Top Safety Picks at the IIHS web page. There, you may discover a lot more about these vehicles and read total crash test particulars and ratings criteria.
Honda Element
If you’re old sufficient to remember Huey Lewis & the News, you know that it’s hip to be square. The boxy Honda Element (starting just under $21,000) knows it too. With its unique shape and unending flexibility, the Element (view photos) is actually a fine choice for hipster families everywhere. It boasts a staggering 64 possible seating configurations, wipe-down utility floors and an available removable cooler inside the center console. Normal safety features include automobile stability assist and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors. Powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the Element is available with all-wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD) and features a Honda i-VTEC engine, which reduces your emissions and averages about 25 miles per gallon on the highway. The Honda Element secured Superior performance ratings in all IIHS crash-test areas. One much more things to think about: the 2011 model year is the last for the Honda Element. So if you’re looking to purchase this uniquely styled, versatile and safe car, see your local dealer now while new models are still on the lot.
Hyundai Tucson
While the Honda Element prides itself on being hip and square, the all-new Hyundai Tucson (beginning just $19,000) under prides itself on being every little thing but boxy. The Tucson (view photos) has curvaceous very good looks and is filled with upscale features like a panoramic sunroof and full power accessories. It’s offered with FWD or AWD and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 165 horsepower or perhaps a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that delivers 176 horsepower. Fuel economy estimates are an impressive 31 miles per gallon on the highway. The Tucson earned an excellent rating from the IIHS for efficiency in all crash-test areas. With normal safety features that include hill start assist, downhill brake control and an integrated occupant classification system for airbag deployment, it’s hard to believe that pricing for the Tucson starts below $20,000.
Jeep Patriot (with optional side torso airbags)
Jeep Patriot (starting just under $16,000) has the lowest base price on this list, but it is far from being cheap. With the available side-torso airbags, the Patriot (read review) earned a fantastic rating across all IIHS crash-test areas. It comes with electronic roll mitigation, keyless entry with panic alarm and a removable and rechargeable flashlight should you find yourself stranded inside the dark or should you ever need something to spontaneously entertain the kids. The Patriot has been lauded for its better-than-expected off-road capability, but it’s not really as comfortable on paved roads as some in the other vehicles on this list. Available with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 158 horsepower or perhaps a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 172 horsepower, the Patriot is estimated to get 29 miles per gallon on the highway. It is available with FWD or AWD.
Kia Sportage
Kia (view all Kia articles) continues to surprise with high-quality vehicles and a terrific warranty. The Kia Sportage (view photos) starts just over $18,000 and received a very good rating in all IIHS crash test areas. Safety features abound with the full complement of airbags, traction control, brake assist and hill descent and start control. The all-new Sportage has received accolades for its decidedly interesting exterior and bevy of upscale features like regular steering wheel-mounted audio controls, available voice-activated navigation and backup camera. It has also received attention for its lively and agile driving experience. The Sportage comes with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 176 horsepower or a turbo-charged 2.0-liter engine that delivers a whopping 260 horsepower. It’s available with FWD or AWD and can get up to 31 miles per gallon on the highway.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester (view photos) is unique in that it’s the only smaller SUV on this list that comes with standard AWD. Surbaru (view all Subaru articles) is unique in that it’s the only manufacturer to have all of its car models listed as IIHS Top Safety Picks. Clearly, unique is excellent. If you’re looking for safety and reliability in a automobile, we’ll confidently point you directly toward Subaru’s entire product line. The Forester’s standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 170-horsepower and a turbo-charged version produces 224-horsepower. Fuel economy is decent at up to 27 miles per gallon on the highway and common roof rails and plenty of cargo space makes the Forester a great choice for sporty families everywhere. The Forester earned a very good rating across all IIHS crash-test categories. Safety features include advanced airbags with a rollover sensor, an engine that is placed lower inside the car’s body to mitigate harm inside the event of a collision and vehicle dynamics control. Prices for the Forester start around $20,400.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen Tiguan with its starting price just under $24,000 may be by far the most expensive of this bunch, but it’s worth a look in the event you like stylish, sporty and safe all in one package. The cabin looks great and is well appointed with features like eight-way adjustable front seats, an eight-speaker stereo and available ambient interior lighting and dual-zone climate manage. The Tiguan secured a superb rating in all IIHS crash-tests. It comes with standard safety features like an intelligent crash response system that unlocks the doors, turns off power to the fuel pump and turns on the hazard lights in the event of a collision. The Tiguan comes normal with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 200-horsepower and gets about 26 miles per gallon on the highway.