For car buyers prioritizing safety, especially within the compact SUV segment, understanding vehicle crashworthiness is paramount. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rigorously tests hundreds of vehicles annually, providing consumers with crucial safety information. This year, over 60 vehicles across various segments have earned the distinguished title of IIHS Top Safety Pick or the even higher Top Safety Pick+, signifying superior safety performance. These accolades are based on achieving “good” ratings in multiple demanding crash tests. Let’s delve into the Safest Small Suvs that have achieved the coveted Top Safety Pick awards in recent IIHS testing.
Top Safety Pick+ Small SUVs: Leading the Pack in Safety
The Top Safety Pick+ designation represents the highest level of safety awarded by the IIHS. These vehicles not only demonstrate exceptional performance in crash tests but also feature advanced safety technology and headlight systems. Several small SUVs have achieved this pinnacle of safety.
Mazda CX-30
Image: The Mazda CX-30 earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, showcasing its superior safety in all crashworthiness tests.
The Mazda CX-30 stands out as a Top Safety Pick+ recipient, achieving “good” ratings across all IIHS safety evaluations. This impressive performance underscores Mazda’s commitment to safety in their compact crossover design.
Subaru Solterra
Image: The Subaru Solterra, an electric SUV, is recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS for its excellent crash test performance.
Despite being an electric vehicle, the Subaru Solterra has secured a Top Safety Pick+ rating. It consistently achieved “good” scores in every IIHS test category, demonstrating robust safety for an EV in the small SUV class.
Hyundai Kona
Image: The Hyundai Kona, a futuristic small SUV, received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for its high safety standards.
Hyundai’s stylish Kona crossover also boasts a Top Safety Pick+ accolade. While its headlights and child anchors received “acceptable” ratings, its overall crash performance is top-tier, earning it the “+” distinction.
Hyundai Tucson
Image: IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award for Hyundai Tucson, highlighting its advanced safety features and crash protection.
Another Hyundai in the Top Safety Pick+ category is the Tucson. Despite “acceptable” ratings for headlights and rear child latch system, and a “marginal” rating for standard crash avoidance systems, the Tucson’s overall safety performance is deemed excellent.
Honda HR-V
Image: Honda HR-V recognized by IIHS as a Top Safety Pick+, indicating superior safety ratings for this small crossover SUV.
The smaller Honda crossover, the HR-V, outshines its CR-V sibling in IIHS testing, achieving Top Safety Pick+. It received “good” ratings in most categories, with “acceptable” scores in child seat anchors, headlights, and driver injury measures for head/neck and torso.
Genesis GV60
Image: The Genesis GV60, an electric crossover, earns the Top Safety Pick+ award for its outstanding safety performance in crash tests and safety technology.
Genesis’ often-overlooked electric GV60 crossover earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating. It scored “good” in almost every category, with “acceptable” ratings in ease of use for the rear LATCH system and some driver injury measures.
BMW X2
Image: BMW X2 small SUV achieving Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, highlighting its redesigned safety features and crash protection.
The recently redesigned 2024 BMW X2 achieved Top Safety Pick+ status. It earned “good” ratings across the board, except for an “acceptable” rating for rear passenger torso injury measures, showcasing BMW’s focus on occupant safety.
Top Safety Pick Small SUVs: Excellent Safety Choices
Vehicles with the Top Safety Pick award also provide excellent safety, although they may have slightly lower scores in certain categories compared to the “+” winners. Several small SUVs still offer robust protection and earn this important distinction.
BMW X1
Image: BMW X1 small SUV recognized as a Top Safety Pick by IIHS, indicating high safety standards in crash testing and prevention.
BMW’s smallest SUV, the X1, earned a Top Safety Pick. It achieved “good” ratings in key areas like side impact and small overlap front crashes, but received a lower rating for seat belt reminders due to low volume.
Honda CR-V
Image: Honda CR-V, a popular SUV model, is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, recognized for its safety features and crashworthiness.
Honda’s best-selling CR-V is a Top Safety Pick. While performing well in many areas, it scored “poor” in the moderate overlap front crash test and rear passenger restraint performance, preventing it from achieving the “+” rating.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Image: Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric SUV earns IIHS Top Safety Pick, highlighting its safety performance in the electric vehicle category.
Hyundai’s electric Ioniq 5 earned a Top Safety Pick rating. Despite “acceptable” ratings in headlights, pedestrian front crash prevention, structure/safety cage, and rear child seat anchors, its overall safety is commendable.
Kia Sportage
Image: Kia Sportage compact SUV awarded Top Safety Pick by IIHS, recognized for its safety in various crash scenarios.
The Kia Sportage is a Top Safety Pick, achieving “good” scores in all three crashworthiness categories. However, it received “acceptable” ratings for headlights, pedestrian front crash prevention, and child LATCH system ease of use, and a “marginal” score for forward collision avoidance assist.
Lexus RZ
Image: Lexus RZ electric SUV acknowledged as a Top Safety Pick by IIHS, emphasizing Lexus’ commitment to safety in electric vehicles.
Lexus’s electric RZ earned a Top Safety Pick. It achieved “good” ratings in every category except for its headlights, which were rated “acceptable.” Notably, its child latch system is considered easy to use, outperforming many other Top Safety Picks.
Lexus UX
Image: Lexus UX small crossover SUV recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick, indicating excellent safety ratings in its class.
Lexus’s smallest crossover, the UX, is also a Top Safety Pick. It scored “good” in all categories except for the moderate overlap front crash test, where it received an “acceptable” rating.
Mazda CX-50
Image: Mazda CX-50 crossover SUV named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS, highlighting its safety features and crash test performance.
The Mazda CX-50 adds to Mazda’s safety accolades with a Top Safety Pick rating. It received an “acceptable” rating for headlights (varying by trim) and pedestrian crash avoidance system, but otherwise demonstrates strong safety performance.
Prioritizing Safety in Your Small SUV Choice
Choosing a small SUV that prioritizes safety is a crucial decision for any car buyer. The IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards provide a clear benchmark for identifying vehicles that offer superior crash protection. While factors like fuel efficiency, technology, and style are important, safety remains paramount. This list of safest small SUVs provides a strong starting point for anyone looking to prioritize safety in their next vehicle purchase. Always refer to the official IIHS website (IIHS.org) for the most up-to-date safety ratings and detailed reports.
