Safety Comes First In The Top Suvs

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Suvs for safety

Whether you own a Chevy Blazer or a Ford Explorer, or perhaps something a little more plush such as a Volvo XC90, you will know that Suvs for safety are the perfect family vehicles. They present owners with superior levels of passenger and cargo capacity, but don’t skimp in terms of ride quality and definitely not in terms of safety. Whether you are zipping around town to do errands or lugging the whole family away for a weekend vacation, these configurations, from compact to full-size, are far more competent than their sedan or coupe counterparts . 

But, this doesn’t mean these are the ideal or perfect style of vehicle; in some cases, material quality is sacrificed in the name of rugged durability, or to keep prices down. Similarly, you usually have to shell out a lot of extra cash to get all the desirable comfort features. Few models put a lot of focus on driving for the joy of it, either. However, you can find some lively engine options and handling dynamics to match, if that is your desire. And, since these automobiles are extremely popular in the USA, there is a lot of consumer feedback that details concerns or plus points.

Savvy shoppers look towards the base price and mileage figures in conjunction with Suvs for safety reviews and tech specs when making a purchase decision. Thus, for a crossover to sell well, it has to tick a lot of boxes, but it also has to know where it can cut corners and where it can’t. One area that everyone with a family should agree must never be compromised is safety. So, here are five of the SUVs for safety sport utility currently available on the US market.

Mazda CX-5

Compact SUVs for safety are particularly suitable around towns or cities, where their superior practicality combines with a reasonable footprint to make them highly popular. Naturally, you sacrifice the cavernous trunks of larger variants, and the back seat is not quite as accommodating, but the CX-5 doesn’t feel inadequate at all. In fact, the second-row seats offer ample head- and legroom to go around, and 30.9 cubic feet is available behind the seats.

But on the busy streets and highways, smaller vehicles are often more at risk and many don’t see them as particularly safe. Mazda has other ideas, though, outfitting its small car with a full suite of features under the i-Activsense umbrella. These include numerous advanced driver aids such as forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, as well as lane keep assist. Together with a set of six airbags, this earned the CX-5 an IIHS-awarded Top Suvs for safety Pick+, and a near-perfect review from the NHTSA.

Ford Explorer

From the local market, the Explorer knows how to meet the needs of its countrymen, so it comes as no surprise that it is the brand’s best-selling SUV. You get a choice of two engines, but any shopper planning to fill all seven seats on a regular basis or tow something heavy will want the twin-turbo V6, which develops 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This results in a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, which is quite respectable from an automaker that boasts class-leading capabilities on most of its pickups.

As mentioned, the Explorer seats seven despite being classified as a midsize. This is becoming increasingly common in the segment, even though it results in reduced cargo space (18.2 cu. ft.) and the rear-most seats are seldom usable for all but the smallest children. Still, many consumers appreciate the increased passenger limits, and the perches can just be folded down when not in use. With a starting MSRP of around $33,000 and competitive fuel economy of 21/28/24 mpg, when equipped with the base model EcoBoost powertrain, it’s not hard to see why the Blue Oval is so well-loved.

Volvo XC90

If you’re willing to invest a bit more in your family hauler, the midsize luxury SUV from the Swedish automaker is a fine choice. Like its more affordable compatriots, it is outfitted with three rows of seating, but only the first two are truly suitable for adults. However, the entire interior is swathed in lavish materials and the styling is simple but highly sophisticated. Trunk space is only average though, with 35.6 cubes on offer when the third row is folded down. 

While it hits the mark in some areas and misses it slightly in others, it is impossible to fault the safety levels and standards of the opulent crossover. It earned top marks from both the NHTSA and the IIHS, largely thanks to the many standard features. These include more than just parking sensors, with the likes of blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and even a semi-autonomous driving system called Pilot Assist filling out the consignment. 

Cadillac XT6

If you’d prefer not to shop in the European section, then Caddy has a similarly priced offering for you. The XT6 is available in multiple trim levels and spec configurations, including a choice of a turbocharged four-pot or V6 power plant. The latter is the way to go, though, and is best paired with the optional all-wheel drivetrain. While neither will really wow drivers, the nine-speed automatic gearbox is impossible not to love.

While the Cadillac looks the part of a premium vehicle, it is clear that corners were cut in several areas, including material quality. At least the commodious cabin and 43.1-cubic-foot trunk when the seats are folded mitigate the negatives. Still, it lacks the refinement of its competition from across the pond. Despite all of this, it sells wells, which could be partly attributed to its excellent safety ratings, since it, too, earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS

Audi e-tron Sportback

If you feel the need to maximize on size as well as safety, only one full-size SUV earns top ratings in terms of the latter. The coupe-styled crossover from the German automaker is gorgeous to behold. It breaks away from the traditions of similar electric-powered rivals by sticking with a more conservative design ethos, including a standard grille and less exaggerated lines. However, it is just as potent under the hood, with 402 combined hp produced by the twin motors.

As a juggernaut of steel and rubber, the e-tron can’t boast the same sporty driving dynamics as its lesser brethren, but it does deliver an uncompromisingly cushy ride. Combined with top-tier comfort features like leather upholstery and heated seats, along with a silent engine and dampened exterior noise, this creates a dreamlike environment for long road trips. Add to this the advanced safety features and flawless ratings, and you get the perfect family getaway car. Sadly, a maximum range of just 330 miles on a single charge does limit your options. 

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