Choosing the right vehicle, especially for new or young drivers, is a decision that balances safety, reliability, and driving experience. Small SUVs have emerged as a popular choice, offering a blend of versatility, fuel efficiency, and enhanced safety features. This guide, inspired by leading automotive expertise, dives into the world of “Car And Driver Small Suvs,” highlighting top picks that excel in safety and dependability.
When considering a small SUV, safety is paramount. Reputable organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports rigorously test vehicles to provide consumers with data-driven safety ratings and reliability scores. These ratings are invaluable when selecting a “car and driver small SUV” that prioritizes occupant protection and avoids potential mechanical issues.
For used car buyers, particularly those on a budget or seeking a first car for a younger driver, focusing on vetted lists of safe used vehicles is a smart approach. Organizations like IIHS and Consumer Reports collaborate to publish recommendations for used vehicles that meet stringent safety criteria and offer above-average reliability. These lists often categorize vehicles by size, making it easy to pinpoint “car and driver small SUV” options that fit specific needs.
Best Used Small SUVs for Safety and Reliability
Based on evaluations that consider crash test performance, safety features, and reliability records, several used small SUVs stand out as excellent choices. These vehicles provide a secure driving environment without breaking the bank. The following “car and driver small SUVs” represent ‘Best Choices’ in the used market, offering a strong combination of safety and dependability.
| Small SUVs | Model years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2020, 2023 | $13,800 |
| Kia Sportage | 2020 or newer | $14,400 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2017 or newer | $14,700 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2020 or newer | $14,900 |
| GMC Terrain | 2020, 2023 | $16,100 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2021-23 | $17,600 |
| Lexus UX | 2019-21 | $18,100 |
| Honda CR-V | 2020 or newer | $18,700 |
| Nissan Rogue | 2021 | $19,000 |
| Subaru Forester | 2021 or newer | $19,000 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 2022 or newer | $19,900 |
These “car and driver small SUVs” have all achieved good ratings in key IIHS crash tests, including the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. Crucially, they also earned an acceptable or good rating in the driver-side small overlap test, which simulates a common and severe type of frontal crash. Furthermore, if rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these models generally attain 4 or 5 stars overall, indicating high levels of safety performance.
Beyond crashworthiness, these recommended “car and driver small SUVs” are equipped with standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. AEB is a critical safety technology that can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate frontal collisions. The listed vehicles feature AEB systems that have earned an advanced or superior rating from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention tests.
Reliability is another crucial factor, especially when considering a used “car and driver small SUV.” The vehicles listed boast above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports for the majority of their model years. This means owners of these models have reported fewer problems compared to the average vehicle, contributing to lower ownership costs and greater peace of mind. Additionally, Consumer Reports’ evaluations include emergency handling scores and braking distance tests, ensuring these small SUVs also perform well in critical driving situations.
Good Choices in Used Small SUVs
For buyers seeking even more affordable options, there’s a tier of “Good Choices” in used small SUVs that still offer commendable safety and reliability. While these might not have all the advanced safety features standard on the ‘Best Choices,’ they still meet robust safety standards and provide good value.
| Small SUVs | Model years | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 | 2016 | $10,100 |
| Hyundai Kona | 2018-19 | $11,000 |
| Honda CR-V | 2015-19 | $11,400 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 2018-19 | $11,600 |
| Honda HR-V | 2017-22; built after March 2017 | $11,600 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2015-16; built after November 2014 | $12,000 |
| GMC Terrain | 2018-19 | $12,700 |
These “Good Choice” “car and driver small SUVs” maintain the fundamental safety criteria, including good IIHS ratings in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, along with acceptable or good ratings in the driver-side small overlap test. They also generally achieve 4 or 5 stars overall from NHTSA, if rated. Like the ‘Best Choices,’ they have above-average reliability scores from Consumer Reports and satisfactory emergency handling and braking performance.
It’s important to note that some models in the “Good Choices” list may have “built after” dates. This indicates that the manufacturer made safety improvements during the model year. Always check the vehicle’s certification label, typically located on the driver’s door, to confirm the manufacturing date and ensure you are purchasing a model with the enhanced safety features.
New Small SUVs: Top Safety Picks
For those prioritizing the latest safety technology and a brand-new vehicle, the new “car and driver small SUV” market offers exceptional options. Vehicles that earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards represent the highest standards of safety performance in the industry.
| Small SUVs | Price |
|---|---|
| Mazda CX-30 | $25,700 |
| Kia Sportage | $27,300 |
| Hyundai Tucson | $27,800 |
| Honda CR-V | $29,700 |
| Mazda CX-50 (built after August 2023) | $31,200 |
| Lexus UX | $35,300 |
These new “car and driver small SUVs” are all 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ winners, signifying superior performance in crash tests and advanced safety technology. They come standard with vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking and have demonstrated good or acceptable ratings in pedestrian automatic emergency braking tests (depending on the specific award level).
Beyond safety, these new models also maintain high standards for reliability, emergency handling, braking, and ease of use, as evaluated by Consumer Reports. Choosing a new “car and driver small SUV” from this list guarantees a vehicle that excels in both safety and overall driving experience.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety and Smart Choices
Selecting a “car and driver small SUV” requires careful consideration of safety, reliability, and budget. Whether you opt for a used ‘Best Choice,’ a value-conscious ‘Good Choice,’ or a cutting-edge new model, prioritizing vehicles recommended by reputable safety organizations like IIHS and Consumer Reports is crucial. By focusing on these data-driven recommendations, you can make an informed decision and choose a small SUV that provides a safe and reliable driving experience for years to come. Always remember to check for recalls on any used vehicle before purchase to ensure its ongoing safety and performance.
