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SUV: When Big is Not Better or Safer

Critics of SUV safety point to the fact that most models are built on a truck chassis and are, consequently, often not as safe as other passenger vehicles, especially in snow and rainy conditions, due to the fact that they were conceptualized from a "work" truck perspective. In particular safety advocates have pointed to:

  • high bumper placement
  • stiff frames
  • and steel-panel construction.

Taken together these construction elements can override the crash protection technologies built into other vehicles, spelling disaster for both sides in a collision. Other issues of concern have been the tendency of SUVs to have a high profile and narrow track, making them more susceptible to rollover.

Thankfully, however, designers have listened to these concerns and brought mid-size and large SUVs more in line with acceptable safety standards. In February 2008 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety issued a rating of "good" to a group of ten SUVs being tested for frontal crash protection. The glaring exception was the Hummer H3, which garnered only an "acceptable" designation. Side and rear impact ratings remained weak, however, with the 2008 Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro, and Kia Sorrento all receiving "marginal" ratings and the Sorrento actually coming in as "poor."

In a press release issued by the Institute, the group's senior vice president, Joe Nolan, directly addressed the common misperception many drivers have that SUVs, especially those the size of a Hummer, will keep them safer. "SUVs should have an inherent advantage in such [side] crashes because drivers and passengers ride higher up than in cars. People often think they're safer in an SUV, but many cars perform much better in our side test than some of the SUVs in this group."

High gasoline prices in the summer of 2008, the credit crisis, and the potential failure of one or more of the Detroit Big Three have placed the SUV form factor on the "endangered" list as smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles have risen in popularity. However, the need to move inventory has led automakers to offer some of the deepest buying incentives consumers have seen in years, a fact, taken with lowered gasoline prices (around $1.60 down from a summer 2008 high of $4) that might induce buyers to consider an SUV after all. When considering an SUV of any size, it's essential to check the safety ratings for front, side, and rear collisions as well as rollovers. In this case, big is not necessarily better -- or safer.

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 third row seating 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)