More and more people are turning to SUVs when it’s time to buy a new vehicle. These versatile models offer comfortable and roomy interiors for passengers combined with plenty of space for carrying cargo. Depending on the model, they can even tow a trailer, making them the ultimate do-it-all option.
As technologies evolve, automakers are enabling more advanced safety features in SUVs each year. Many of these features are standard while some are still only available as options or on select trims. We analyzed today’s selection of SUVs to see exactly what is included as a standard feature and what’s only available as an option when compiling our list. We also considered National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings for crash tests into our analysis.
The final factor in our ranking includes the iSeeCars.com Quality Score for each vehicle, which combines its NHTSA safety score with its reliability rating and value retention score. Together, this data provides a full picture of each SUVs overall strengths and weaknesses along with an idea about what you can expect to pay:
| Safest SUVs - iSeeCars.com | ||||||
| Category | Vehicle | NHTSA Overall Rating* | IIHS Safety Rating | iSeeCars Quality Score | New MSRP Starting Price | Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price |
| Best Subcompact SUV | Subaru Crosstrek | 5 | N/A | 8.1 | $21,595 | $23,525 |
| Best Small SUV | Subaru Outback | 5 | Top Safety Pick + | 8.7 | $26,945 | $25,539 |
| Best Midsize SUV | Toyota Highlander | 5 | Top Safety Pick+ | 8.8 | $35,205 | $32,556 |
| Best Large SUV | Ford Expedition | 5 | Top Safety Pick + | 8.3 | $52,810 | $49,324 |
| Best Hybrid SUV | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 5 | Top Safety Pick + | 9.2 | $44,979 | $36,562 |
| Best Subcompact Luxury SUV | Buick Encore | 5 | Top Safety Pick | 8.3 | $24,911 | $19,317 |
| Best Luxury Small SUV | Acura RDX | 5 | Top Safety Pick+ | 8.7 | $39,300 | $26,742 |
| Best Luxury Midsize SUV | Acura MDX | 5 | Top Safety Pick + | 9.0 | $47,200 | $33,667 |
| Best Luxury Large SUV | Lincoln Navigator | 5 | N/A | 8.7 | $76,705 | $63,398 |
| Best Luxury Hybrid SUV | Acura MDX | 5 | N/A | 8.2 | N/A | $38,926 |
| Best Electric SUV | Tesla Model X | 5 | Not Tested | 8.5 | $118,034 | $73,823 |
Crash test scores are only one part of a vehicle’s safety rating. The availability of driver-assist technologies also impacts safety. While it’s essential that the driver always give the road their full attention, these technologies provide a little extra help. They’re an assist, but never a replacement, for an attentive driver.
It’s important to note that it’s not necessary to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a luxury model to get a safe SUV. Advanced safety technologies are now available on the most affordable models, making it easier to stay within your budget.
Understanding how all the latest safety technologies work is helpful when considering which SUVs to buy. The short list of terms and definitions below will help you understand how the latest safety features help prevent accidents, allowing you to determine which are the most important to you.
Modern Safety Technology Terms and Definitions:
- Automatic Emergency Braking -- when forward sensors detect an imminent collision they can apply the brakes, even when the driver doesn’t, to assist with front crash prevention
- Automatic High Beams -- the vehicle can automatically switch between low beams and high beams when appropriate
- Blind-spot Monitor -- alerts the driver when another vehicle is in the blind spot to reduce the chance of a collision during a lane change
- Cross-Traffic Alert, Forward and Rear -- sensors monitor the movement of vehicles passing in front of, or behind, a parked vehicle, alerting the driver to potential collisions
- Driver Attention Monitoring -- monitors driver behavior and creates an audible and visual warning if the driver shows signs of distraction or fatigue
- Forward (or Pre-) Collision Warning -- alerts the driver of a potential or likely collision; this system often works with Automatic Emergency Braking to improve front crash prevention
- Lane Centering -- more advanced than Lake-Keeping Assist, Lane Centering uses small steering corrections to keep a vehicle centered in its lane
- Lane Departure Warning -- alerts the driver when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane
- Lane-Keeping Assist -- monitors the vehicle’s position in its lane and makes steering corrections if a vehicle starts to drift out of its lane
- Parking Sensors, Front and Rear -- produces audible warnings when parking a vehicle to help the driver understand how close the vehicle is to a solid object (another car, wall, etc.)
- Pedestrian Detection -- uses sensors to detect pedestrians and can apply brakes to avoid collisions or reduce vehicle speed prior to collision
- Radar Cruise Control (also known as Smart Cruise Control or Adaptive Cruise Control) -- uses sensors to maintain a set distance from vehicles traveling in front of the primary vehicle, thus reducing the need for driver input to maintain a set speed
- Rear Seat Reminder -- reminds the driver to check the rear seat area before exiting the vehicle and can sound the horn if rear-seat movement is detected after the vehicle is locked
- Safe Exit Assist -- monitors street traffic when a car is parked to reduce the likelihood of opening a door when another vehicle is approaching or passing by
- Steering Assist -- can steer the vehicle away from an imminent collision
- Surround View (or 360-Degree) Camera -- provides an overhead view of the vehicle to see how much space is available on all sides when parking or moving at low speeds
Best Subcompact SUVs
1. Subaru Crosstrek
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.1
Reliability Score: 6.0
Retained Value Score: 8.4
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Didn’t Qualify
MSRP: $21,595
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $23,525
The Subaru Crosstrek receives an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal collisions, 5 stars for side-impact collisions, and 4 stars for rollover resistance. It did not qualify for a top IIHS rating. The Crosstrek is among the best subcompact SUVs out there and has seating for five people, standard all-wheel drive, and a roomy interior. There are two engine and two transmission choices, including a 6-speed manual. The Crosstrek also has a roomy interior with 55.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| None | Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Warning Cross Traffic Alert Pre-Collision Braking Lane Centering Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Parking Sensors Radar Cruise Control |
2. Chevrolet Trax
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.0
Reliability Score: 5.9
Retained Value Score: 8.1
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Didn’t Qualify
MSRP: $22,642
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $17,292
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| None | Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Parking Sensors |
3. Hyundai Kona
iSeeCars Quality Score: N/A
Reliability Score: 6.0
Retained Value Score: Not Available
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Didn’t Qualify
MSRP: $25,537
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $19,875
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Driver Attention Monitoring Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist |
Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Parking Sensors Radar Cruise Control Safe Exit Assist |
Best Small SUVs
1. Subaru Outback
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.7
Reliability Score: 8.0
Retained Value Score: 8.1
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+
MSRP: $34,898
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $25,939
The Subaru Outback receives an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars in front and side-impact collisions and 4 stars for rollover resistance. It also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The Outback, which is also our pick for the best small SUVs, has seating for up to five people and comes with standard all-wheel drive. This rugged SUV has up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance and can tow up to 3,500 pounds properly equipped. The Outback offers 75.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Lane Centering Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Radar Cruise Control |
Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Driver Attention Warning Parking Sensors |
2. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.7
Reliability Score: 7.9
Retained Value Score: 8.1
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
IIHS Safety Rating: Didn’t Qualify
MSRP: $30,716
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $23,752
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Lane Centering Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Radar Cruise Control |
Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Driver Attention Warning Parking Sensors |
3. Hyundai Tucson
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.3
Reliability Score: 6.9
Retained Value Score: 8.1
Safety Score: 9.8 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 4.9
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+
MSRP: $30,330
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $20,668
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Driver Attention Monitoring Pre-Collision Warning Lane Centering Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist |
Blind Spot Monitor Blind Spot Camera Cross Traffic Alert Parking Sensors Radar Cruise Control Safe Exit Assist Surround View Camera |
Best Midsize SUVs
1. Toyota Highlander
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.8
Reliability Score: 8.3
Retained Value Score: 8.3
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+
MSRP: $42,376
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $32,556
The Toyota Highlander receives an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars in front collisions, 5 stars in side-impact collisions, and 4 stars for rollover resistance. It also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. As one of the best midsize SUVs available. he Highlander has seating for up to eight passengers and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. There’s plenty of cargo room, with 84.3 cubic feet behind the first row of seats. It can two up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Lane Centering Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Radar Cruise Control |
Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Parking Sensors Surround View Monitor |
2. Ford Explorer
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.3
Reliability Score: 8.1
Retained Value Score: 6.8
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+
MSRP: $46,002
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $32,990
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Parking Sensors |
Lane Centering Radar Cruise Control Steering Assist Surround View Camera |
3. Ford Edge
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.2
Reliability Score: 7.8
Retained Value Score: 6.8
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick
MSRP: $39,787
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $26,836
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Driver Attention Monitoring Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Parking Sensors |
None |
Best Large SUVs
1. Ford Expedition
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.3Reliability Score: 8.8
Retained Value Score: 6.0
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Not Tested
MSRP: $63,488
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $49,234
The Ford Expedition receives an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars with 5 stars in front and side-impact collisions and 4 stars for rollover resistance. It was not tested by the IIHS. This is a large SUV with seating for up to eight people and a cavernous interior. There’s up to 104.6 cubic feet for cargo behind the first row and it can tow up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped. It offers a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive with a V6 engine that delivers up to 400 horsepower in the top Platinum trim.
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Driver Attention Monitoring Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist |
Parking Sensors Radar Cruise Control Surround View Camera |
2. Chevrolet Tahoe
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.3
Reliability Score: 8.7
Retained Value Score: 8.0
Safety Score: 8.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 4
IIHS Safety Rating: Not Tested
MSRP: $60,352
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $46,820
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Parking Sensors |
Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Surround View Camera |
3. GMC Yukon
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.2
Reliability Score: 8.6
Retained Value Score: 7.9
Safety Score: 8.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 4
IIHS Safety Rating: Not Tested
MSRP: $62,417
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $50,611
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Parking Sensors |
Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Surround View Camera |
Best Hybrid SUVs
1. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
iSeeCars Quality Score: 9.2
Reliability Score: 8.9
Retained Value Score: 8.6
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+
MSRP: $44,979
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $36,562
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid receives an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars in front collisions, 5 stars in side-impact collisions, and 4 stars for rollover resistance. It also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The Highlander has seating for up to eight passengers and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Highlander Hybrid earns 36 mpg combined with its standard front-wheel drive version. There’s plenty of cargo room, with 84.3 cubic feet behind the first row of seats.
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Lane Centering Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Radar Cruise Control |
Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Parking Sensors Surround View Monitor |
2. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.3
Reliability Score: 5.8
Retained Value Score: 9.0
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+
MSRP: $32,965
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $27,181
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Lane Centering Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Radar Cruise Control |
Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Parking Sensors Surround View Camera |
3. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
iSeeCars Quality Score: 7.8
Reliability Score: 6.4
Retained Value Score: 7.0
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
MSRP: $39,482
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $24,596
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Cross Traffic Alert Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning |
Radar Cruise Control |
Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs
1. Buick Encore
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.3Reliability Score: 6.2
Retained Value Score: 8.6
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick
MSRP: $24,911
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $19,317
The Buick Encore receives an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars in front and side-impact collisions and 4 stars for rollover resistance. It also received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The Encore has seating for five passengers and provides a surprising amount of interior space despite its compact size. It offers a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive and two engine choices, including a responsive 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder with 155 horsepower. Cargo room is a spacious 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet behind the front seats.
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Lane Keeping Assist Lane Departure Warning |
Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Parking Sensors Surround View Camera |
2. Audi Q3
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.1
Reliability Score: 5.8
Retained Value Score: 8.5
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Didn’t Qualify
MSRP: $38,753
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $26,894
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Parking Sensors Safe Exit Assist |
Lane Keeping Assist Radar Cruise Control Surround View Camera |
3. BMW X1
iSeeCars Quality Score: 7.7
Reliability Score: 6.1
Retained Value Score: 7.0
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Didn’t Qualify
MSRP: $36,406
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $27,485
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Parking Sensors |
None |
Best Luxury Small SUVs
1. Acura RDX
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.7
Reliability Score: 7.7
Retained Value Score: 8.5
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+
MSRP: $46,056
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $26,742
The Acura RDX receives an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars in front collisions, 5 stars in side-impact collisions, and 4 stars for rollover resistance. It also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The RDX has seating for up to five people in a roomy cabin that includes 58.9 cubic feet behind the front seats for cargo. It’s available with a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, with power coming from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine offering 272 horsepower.
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Lane Centering Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Radar Cruise Control |
Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Parking Sensors Surround View Camera |
2. Volvo XC60
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.2
Reliability Score: 7.6
Retained Value Score: 6.9
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+
MSRP: $50,339
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $36,699
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Driver Attention Monitoring Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Parking Sensors Steering Assist |
None |
3. BMW X3
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.0
Reliability Score: 7.7
Retained Value Score: 6.4
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Didn’t Qualify
MSRP: $49,282
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $37,414
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Driver Attention Monitoring Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Parking Sensors |
None |
Best Luxury Midsize SUVs
1. Acura MDX
iSeeCars Quality Score: 9.0Reliability Score: 8.8
Retained Value Score: 8.1
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Didn’t Qualify
MSRP: $53,599
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $33,667
The Acura MDX receives an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars in front and side-impact collisions and 4 stars for rollover resistance. It did not qualify for a top IIHS rating. There’s seating for seven people in the MDX within its comfortable and well-appointed interior. It offers either front-wheel or all-wheel drive and delivers 290 horsepower from its standard V6 engine. It has ample room for cargo, with 71.4 cubic feet behind the front seats, and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Pre-Collision Warning Lane Centering Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Radar Cruise Control |
Parking Sensors Surround View Camera |
2. Audi Q7
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.3
Reliability Score: 7.6
Retained Value Score: 7.4
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Didn’t Qualify
MSRP: $63,677
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $42,822
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Lane Departure Warning Pre-Collision Warning Parking Sensors |
Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Lane Keeping Assist Radar Cruise Control Safe Exit Assist Surround View Camera |
3. Infiniti QX60
iSeeCars Quality Score 7.7
Reliability Score: 6.1
Retained Value Score: 7.1
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Didn’t Qualify
MSRP: $55,432
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $32,487
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Lane Departure Warning Pre-Collision Warning Parking Sensors |
Driver Attention Monitor Lane Keeping Assist Radar Cruise Control Surround View Camera |
Best Large Luxury SUVs
1. Lincoln Navigator
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.7
Reliability Score: 8.9
Retained Value Score: 7.2
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Not Tested
MSRP: $84,666
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $63,398
The Lincoln Navigator receives an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars with 5 stars in front and side-impact collisions. It receives 3 stars for rollover resistance with rear-wheel drive or 4 stars for rollover resistance with four-wheel drive. It was not tested by the IIHS. This is an opulent SUV with a premium and expansive interior. There’s seating for up to seven people with 103.0 cubic feet of space behind the first row. It’s offered in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations, with power coming from a 3.5-liter V6 producing 450 horsepower.
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blinds Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Driver Attention Monitoring Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Parking Sensors |
Radar Cruise Control Surround View Camera |
2. Buick Enclave
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.6
Reliability Score: 8.3
Retained Value Score: 7.5
Safety Score: 10 .0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Didn’t Qualify
MSRP: $50,557
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $34,044
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Parking Sensors |
Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Surround View Camera |
3. Cadillac Escalade
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.4
Reliability Score: 8.8
Retained Value Score: 8.4
Safety Score: 8.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 4
IIHS Safety Rating: Not Tested
MSRP: $92,400
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $59,167
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Parking Sensors Surround View Camera |
Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Radar Cruise Control |
Best Luxury Hybrid SUVS
1. Acura MDX
iSeeCars Quality Score 8.2Reliability Score: 7.2
Retained Value Score: 7.4
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+
MSRP: Unavailable
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $38,926
The Acura MDX receives an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars with 5 stars in front and side-impact collisions and 4 stars for rollover resistance. It also received an IIHS 2021 Top Safety Pick+ rating. This luxury SUV has seating for up to seven people, with rich interior material and standard all-wheel drive for those who live in wintry climates. Power comes from a responsive V6 engine that yields good fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined.
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane-Keeping Assist Radar Cruise Control Steering Assist |
Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Surround View Camera |
2. Lexus NX 300h
iSeeCars Quality Score 8.0
Reliability Score: 5.8
Retained Value Score: 8.0
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+
MSRP: $44,645
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $33,594
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross-Traffic Alert Pre-Collision Warning Lane Centering Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist |
Radar Cruise Control |
3. Volvo XC90
iSeeCars Quality Score: 7.9
Reliability Score: 6.2
Retained Value Score: 7.5
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+
MSRP: $67,707
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $51,970
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Driver Attention Monitoring Pre-Collision Warning Lane Centering Lane Departure Warning Lane-Keeping Assist Parking Sensors Radar Cruise Control Steering Assist |
None |
Best Electric SUVs
1. Tesla Model X
iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.5
Reliability Score: 6.9
Retained Value Score: 8.6
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Not Tested
MSRP: $118,034
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $73,823
The Tesla Model X receives an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars with 5 stars in front and side-impact collisions and 5 stars for rollover resistance. It was not tested by the IIHS. There’s room for seven people with the optional third row, but the standard configuration seats five. It has a range of up to 360 miles on a full charge with a maximum of 1,020 horsepower in the top Plaid trim for exhilarating performance. That includes a top speed of 163 mph with a 0-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds.
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Parking Sensors Radar Cruise Control |
None |
2. Audi e-tron
iSeeCars Quality Score: Not Available
Reliability Score: 8.2
Retained Value Score: Not Available
Safety Score: 10.0 (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+
MSRP: $74,924
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: Not Available
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Pre-Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Parking Sensors Safe Exit Assist |
Lane Keeping Assist Radar Cruise Control Surround View Camera |
3. Hyundai Kona EV
iSeeCars Quality Score: Not Available
Reliability Score: 9.0
Retained Value Score: Not Available
Safety Score: Not Available (normalized from NHTSA rating)
NHTSA Overall Rating: 5
IIHS Safety Rating: Didn’t Qualify
MSRP: $38,474
Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: Not Available
| Standard Safety Technology on Base Model | Optional Safety Technology |
| Automatic Emergency Braking Automatic High Beams Blind Spot Monitor Cross Traffic Alert Driver Attention Monitoring Pre-Collision Warning Lane Centering Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assist Safe Exit Assist |
Parking Sensors Radar Cruise Control |
Picking the Safest SUV
When buying your next SUV always consider the level of passenger protection it provides. Modern SUVs can offer an impressive combination of strong safety ratings and standard or optional driver-assist technology, if you pick the right one. But there remains a variation in crash-test ratings and safety features across every SUV category. If you’re getting ready to buy, do yourself a favor and research which SUVs provide the best combination of active safety tech to avoid an accident, as well as strong passenger protection if an accident does occur.More from iSeeCars:
If you’re in the market for a new or used SUV, you can search over 4 million used and new cars, trucks, and SUVs with iSeeCars’ award-winning car search engine . It helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, like the iSeeCars VIN check report and Best Cars rankings. Filter by price, fuel economy, third-row availability, and other family-friendly parameters to narrow down your crossover or SUV search.
