2016 SUVs With the Best Safety Ratings, U
2016 SUVs With the Best Safety Ratings
By Carter MacLeod | February 22, 2016
We talk a lot about build quality and spectacle on our site, but for many fresh SUV buyers, no characteristic is more significant than safety. That’s why we’ve created a list of eight SUVs with the top safety scores on our site.
The SUVs on this list represent a broad range of sizes and prices. There are subcompact SUVs that scored as well as larger three-row SUVs. However, it is significant to note that, as the IIHS says on their site, “Larger, stronger vehicles generally afford more protection than smaller, lighter ones.” A petite vehicle with excellent safety scores isn’t necessarily safer than a large vehicle with lower scores. Keep that in mind as you consider which SUV is right for you.
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2016 Honda CR-V
The two thousand sixteen Honda CR-V earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from IIHS. To earn a Top Safety Pick Plus rating, a vehicle must be available with automatic pre-collision braking. The CR-V is available with automatic pre-collision braking, lane keep assist and a passenger-side blind spot camera. A rearview camera is standard.
The two thousand sixteen CR-V is the number one vehicle in our affordable compact SUV rankings. Besides excellent safety scores, the CR-V has a large rear seat, abundant cargo space, and top fuel economy.
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2016 Hyundai Tucson
Like the Honda CR-V, the all-new two thousand sixteen Hyundai Tucson earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from IIHS. The Tucson comes standard with a rearview camera, and it is available with automatic pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and rear cross traffic alert.
The two thousand sixteen Tucson is ranked 2nd in our affordable compact SUV rankings. In addition to its high safety scores, the Tucson has a roomy cabin, composed treating, and easy-to-use tech features.
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2016 Buick Encore
The two thousand sixteen Buick Encore earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Unlike the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Tucson, it did not get a Top Safety Pick Plus rating, because it is not available with automatic pre-collision braking. However, it earned top scores in every IIHS crash test, and it is available with forward collision warning, so it is still a Top Safety Pick. The Encore comes standard with a rearview camera. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning are optional.
The two thousand sixteen Encore is fourth in our affordable subcompact SUV rankings. Reviewers praise its convenient rail and luxurious cabin.
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2016 Chevrolet Trax
The two thousand sixteen Chevy Trax comes standard with a rearview camera, but is not available with any advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, so it did not earn IIHS’ Top Safety Pick rating. However, it earned top scores in every IIHS crash test, and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.
The Chevrolet Trax is about mid-pack in our affordable subcompact SUV rankings. It earns praise for its maneuverability, user-friendly infotainment system, and excellent outward visibility.
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2016 Acura RDX
The two thousand sixteen Acura RDX has a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Several fresh safety options were added from 2016, including automatic pre-collision braking and lane keep assist.
The two thousand sixteen RDX is ranked seventh out of fourteen in the luxury compact SUV class. It has a refined V6 engine, a spacious cabin, and poised treating.
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2016 Volvo XC60
The two thousand sixteen Volvo XC60 has IIHS’ Top Safety Pick Plus rating and NHTSA’s five-star overall rating. Optional safety features include automatic pre-collision braking, a rearview camera, cyclist and pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
The two thousand sixteen XC60 is ranks ninth out of fourteen in our luxury compact SUV rankings. Highlight include its supremely convenient seats, large cargo area, and powerful engine options.
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2016 Acura MDX
The two thousand sixteen Acura MDX gained several fresh advanced safety options for 2016, including road departure prevention and pedestrian detection with automatic braking. It earned IIHS’ Top Safety Pick Plus rating and NHTSA’s five-star overall rating.
The MDX is seventh out of eighteen in our luxury midsize SUV rankings. It has a powerful V6 and agile treating, in addition to good fuel economy.
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2016 Kia Sorento
The two thousand sixteen Kia Sorento earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The Sorento is not available with automatic pre-collision braking, so it didn’t earn a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from IIHS. However, it is available with forward collision warning, so it is a Top Safety Pick. Other available safety features include a 360-degree camera system, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning.
The Sorento ranks fourth in the affordable midsize SUV class. It has generous cargo space, upscale interior materials, and peppy optional engines.
