These Are The Safest SUVs in the Year 2023

These Are The Safest SUVs in the Year 2023

By Angela Taylor
|
October 03, 2023

Photo Courtesy: Adobe Images

From family-hauling three-row SUVs to agile and upscale compact SUVs, these vehicles are some of the safest around. They all excelled in crash tests and driver-assistance technologies, earning top ratings from the IIHS.

Toyota Highlander

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size family SUV that's been engineered to provide its occupants with the ultimate in safety. This three-row vehicle, available at our Toyota dealer serving Eagle, offers a premium suite of advanced safety features.

The standard Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection can alert you to possible frontal collisions and even apply the brakes for you. Other smart features include Automatic High Beams.

Toyota Venza

The 2023 Toyota Venza strikes a Goldilocks-style balance for buyers who want the convenience of an SUV but don't want to spend an arm and a leg on one. It's equipped with a fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain and gets strong crash-test scores.

Every Venza also comes with Toyota Safety Sense, including indispensable driver aids like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. XLE and Limited trims add a Star Gaze panoramic sunroof with electrochromic glass that turns from transparent to frosted at the push of a button.

Honda CR-V

One of our favorite compact SUVs, the CR-V is comfortable and spacious. It has the largest cargo area of any small SUV and is quieter than many rivals.

Its Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance features helps it earn a five-star rating from the IIHS. Available safety tools include frontal-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. A multi-angle rearview camera and a tire-pressure monitor also help drivers stay safe.

Honda HR-V

The redesigned 2023 Honda HR-V boasts a sleek, modern cabin with user-friendly controls. Its 158-horsepower engine delivers solid acceleration and returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway.

The HR-V features a bundle of advanced safety and driver-aid technologies called Honda Sensing. It includes forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and active cruise control. It also offers traffic sign recognition and a road departure mitigation system.

Mazda CX-30

Mazda's 2023 CX-30 has an advanced driver-assistance system that uses a camera and radar to monitor traffic flow and adjust your speed accordingly. It also features a stop-and-go mode that can come to a complete stop when traffic stalls.

Its interior features a rotary-knob infotainment display that's easy to use. You can upgrade to the Premium package for features like heated front seats, leather upholstery and a power liftgate.

Mazda3

Easy on the eyes, pleasing to drive and available as both a sedan and hatchback, Mazda’s enduringly popular 3 offers a spirited alternative to rival compact cars. Its light, accurate steering and outstanding vertical body control make it a joy to tackle twisty roads.

Standard safety kit includes smart city braking, automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. The more expensive GT Sport and GT Sport Tech add adaptive front-lighting and traffic sign recognition.

Toyota RAV4 Prime

The RAV4 Prime is a jack of all trades, combining gas and electric efficiency with plenty of passenger and cargo room. Its 302 combined horsepower comes from a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder engine and front and rear E-motors.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard, and it includes advanced driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking. It also offers lane tracing and adaptive cruise control.

Nissan QX60

The QX60 is a well-rounded luxury midsize SUV. It has a powerful engine, excellent handling and acceleration, and a well-appointed interior. It also has an impressive suite of active safety features.

Redesigned for 2022, this luxurious three-row SUV carries over unchanged for 2024. Depending on the trim, it has seating for six or seven. It also has a comfortable cabin with upscale touches like heated and ventilated front seats, a power rear liftgate, and a frameless rearview mirror.

Toyota RDX

The 2023 RDX is a two-row luxury SUV that’s right on the cusp between compact and midsize. It comes with an impressive list of standard features.

It also nabs top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, including a five-star rollover rating. It’s easy to add advanced safety tech by selecting the Technology or A-Spec packages. These bundles include ACC, BSM, RCTA, and LDW with steering assist.

Lexus NX

The NX is a solid luxury option with a bundle of driver aids. It earns top marks for crash safety with ANCAP.

The NX also impresses with a spacious, comfortable interior and impeccable build quality. The intuitive Lexus Interface and (up to) 14-inch infotainment screen make it easy to get important data at a glance.