Top 10 Safest SUVs for 2024: A Comprehensive Review for You!

Editor: Kshitija Kusray on Oct 10,2024

 

As the SUV marketplace continues to evolve, one factor remains crucial for consumers: safety. Whether you're driving through busy city streets, highways, or rural areas, having a vehicle equipped with the best safety features can make a significant difference. In 2024, car manufacturers are prioritizing safety more than ever, and many top SUVs offer cutting-edge technology designed to keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. This article explores the top 10 safest SUVs for 2024, examining their crash test ratings, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and family-friendly features to help you make an informed decision.

The Importance of SUV Safety in 2024

Safety is a paramount consideration for any vehicle, but it is especially critical for SUVs, which are often chosen for family use. Today's SUVs are equipped with a range of safety technologies aimed at preventing accidents and protecting passengers in the event of collisions. These include ADAS, advanced crash systems, and enhanced airbag systems. However, not all SUVs are created equal in terms of safety, so choosing the right model can significantly impact your peace of mind.

What Makes an SUV Safe?

Crash Test Ratings

Organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conduct rigorous tests to evaluate the safety of vehicles. SUVs that earn high ratings in these tests are typically equipped with robust safety features.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

These technologies help prevent accidents by assisting the driver with warnings and interventions. Features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking are common in safe SUVs.

Structural Integrity

The design and materials used in an SUV's construction play a crucial role in protecting occupants during a collision. Strong frames and crumple zones help absorb energy in a crash, reducing the risk of injury.

Airbag Systems

Modern SUVs come equipped with multiple airbags to protect passengers in various collision scenarios. Advanced airbag systems can deploy in different configurations, depending on the type and severity of a crash.

Visibility and Lighting

Good visibility is essential for safe driving. Many SUVs now offer advanced headlight systems that adjust according to speed and steering angles, enhancing nighttime and adverse weather driving.

2024 Volvo XC90

Volvo has long been a leader in automotive safety, and the 2024 Volvo XC90 is no exception. This luxury SUV comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including collision avoidance systems, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The XC90 consistently earns top marks in crash tests, receiving high ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also features Volvo's Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system that enhances safety on long trips.

Best Safety Features

  • Collision avoidance
  • Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving)
  • Rear cross-traffic alert

Crash Test Ratings

  • NHTSA: 5-star overall safety rating
  • IIHS: Top Safety Pick

2024 Subaru Ascent

Subaru is well-known for building vehicles with strong safety standards, and the 2024 Ascent is no exception. Equipped with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking, the Ascent is designed to help drivers avoid accidents before they happen. The vehicle also comes with standard all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and stability in challenging road conditions.

Best Safety Features

  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
  • Pre-collision braking
  • Standard all-wheel drive

Crash Test Ratings

  • NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
  • IIHS: Top Safety Pick

2024 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander remains one of the top family-friendly SUVs on the market, and its 2024 model continues to deliver outstanding safety performance. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and dynamic radar cruise control. The Highlander's impressive crash test ratings make it a solid choice for families seeking both comfort and peace of mind.

Best Safety Features

  • Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
  • Dynamic radar cruise control
  • Lane departure alert

Crash Test Ratings

  • NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
  • IIHS: Top Safety Pick

2024 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V has long been a popular choice for families, and the 2024 model builds on its safety reputation. The CR-V is equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety technologies that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. The 2024 CR-V also features a reinforced body structure to improve crashworthiness, earning high marks in safety tests.

Best Safety Features

  • Honda Sensing suite
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane-keeping assist

Crash Test Ratings

  • NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
  • IIHS: Top Safety Pick

2024 Ford Explorer

Ford's 2024 Explorer comes with an impressive range of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Ford's Co-Pilot360 driver assistance system. The Explorer is an excellent choice for families, offering a spacious interior along with strong crash test ratings. It also features post-collision braking, which can help reduce the risk of secondary accidents.

Best Safety Features

  • Ford Co-Pilot360
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Post-collision braking

Crash Test Ratings

  • NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
  • IIHS: Top Safety Pick

2024 Mazda CX-5

Mazda has built a reputation for creating sporty yet safe vehicles, and the 2024 Mazda CX-5 exemplifies this balance. The CX-5 comes equipped with Mazda's i-Activsense suite of safety technologies, including adaptive front lighting and lane-keeping assist. The SUV has earned high marks in both crash avoidance and impact safety, making it one of the safest compact SUVs available in 2024.

Best Safety Features

  • i-Activsense safety suite
  • Adaptive front lighting
  • Lane-keeping assist

Crash Test Ratings

  • NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
  • IIHS: Top Safety Pick

2024 Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride has consistently been a top performer in safety evaluations, and the 2024 model is no different. This midsize SUV features a robust suite of safety technologies, including forward collision avoidance and lane following assist. With excellent crash test ratings, the Telluride is a top choice for families seeking a spacious, safe vehicle.

Best Safety Features

  • Forward collision avoidance
  • Lane following assist
  • Safe exit assist

Crash Test Ratings

  • NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
  • IIHS: Top Safety Pick

2024 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade continues to excel in safety, thanks to its advanced SmartSense safety suite. The 2024 model includes features like forward collision-avoidance assist and safe exit assist, both designed to protect drivers and passengers. With strong crash test ratings, the Palisade reinforces its reputation as one of the safest SUVs on the market.

Best Safety Features

  • Hyundai SmartSense safety suite
  • Forward collision-avoidance assist
  • Safe exit assist

Crash Test Ratings

  • NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
  • IIHS: Top Safety Pick

2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is a strong contender in the safety category, boasting impressive crash test ratings and a variety of standard safety features. The SUV includes Chevrolet's Safety Assist package, which features automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision alert. With its spacious interior and advanced safety technology, the Traverse is an excellent choice for larger families.

Best Safety Features

  • Chevrolet Safety Assist package
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Forward collision alert

Crash Test Ratings

  • NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
  • IIHS: Top Safety Pick

2024 Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 combines luxury with top-tier safety, making it one of the safest premium SUVs on the market. The 2024 Q7 is equipped with Audi's Pre Sense Front and Side safety systems, which provide automatic emergency braking and side impact protection. The SUV also offers a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist.

Best Safety Features

  • Audi Pre Sense Front and Side
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Traffic jam assist

Crash Test Ratings

  • NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
  • IIHS: Top Safety Pick

Affordable Safe SUVs for 2024

Safety is a primary concern for many SUV shoppers, but affordability is also a key consideration. Fortunately, several SUVs on our list combine safety and value. Models like the 2024 Honda CR-V, Subaru Ascent, and Kia Telluride offer excellent safety features without breaking the bank. The availability of safety technologies in more affordable models is a welcome trend, ensuring that families of all budgets can access the latest safety innovations.

Conclusion

As we move into 2024, safety remains critical in vehicle selection, especially for families. The SUVs listed above represent some of the safest options available on the market, combining advanced safety features, impressive crash test ratings, and family-friendly amenities. When choosing an SUV, it's important to consider the safety ratings and how the vehicle fits into your family's lifestyle. With a variety of options available, you're sure to find a safe SUV that meets your needs and budget.

Whether you prioritize advanced driver assistance systems, crash test performance, or affordability.


This content was created by AI