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Top 10 Safest SUVs on the US Market in 2016

The SUV body style is popular worldwide, and all carmakers seeking profit and volumes sell at least one today. However, let’s not confuse the height of an SUV with safety, and get a view of the safest SUVs on sale in the United States of America these days.
SUV collage 51 photos
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2016 Acura MDX2016 Acura MDX2016 Acura MDX2016 Acura MDX2016 Acura MDX2016 Acura RDX2016 Acura RDX2016 Acura RDX2016 Acura RDX2016 Acura RDX2016 Subaru Forester2016 honda CR-V2016 honda CR-V2016 honda CR-V2016 honda CR-V2016 honda CR-V2016 Honda Pilot2016 Honda Pilot2016 Honda Pilot2016 Honda Pilot2016 Honda Pilot2016 Hyundai Tucson2016 Hyundai Tucson2016 Hyundai Tucson2016 Hyundai Tucson2016 Hyundai Tucson2016 Lexus NX2016 Lexus NX2016 Lexus NX2016 Lexus NX2016 Lexus NX2016 Mitsubishi Outlander2016 Mitsubishi Outlander2016 Mitsubishi Outlander2016 Mitsubishi Outlander2016 Mitsubishi Outlander2016 Subaru Forester2016 Mitsubishi Outlander2016 Subaru Forester2016 Subaru Forester2016 Toyota RAV42016 Toyota RAV42016 Toyota RAV42016 Toyota RAV42016 Toyota RAV42016 Volvo XC602016 Volvo XC602016 Volvo XC602016 Volvo XC602016 Volvo XC60
To make our ten-vehicle list, we focused on MY 2016 models in the SUV category. We started by selecting cars that have a five-star NHTSA rating and are of the 2016 Model Year. Then, we checked the IIHS website for safety ratings for all the 2016 SUVs they tested. A table was drafted with the cars that were on both lists. Our next step was only to note the MY 2016 SUVs that have a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick + assessment, so we ended up with only ten models.

However, it is worth noting that there’s a possibility that the NHTSA and the IIHS have not tested all the SUVs available on the market today for the 2016 Model Year. This is a deciding mention, as models like the Volvo XC90 have a good shot at making it to this list once they get tested by both independent institutions.

Furthermore, other SUVs could have gotten on this list if they had been available as standard with a Front Crash Prevention System. Once the IIHS and the NHTSA get to test more MY 2016 SUVs through all their procedures, the inventory of models that have obtained the top rating in assessments of both organizations could grow.

We did notice that the safe-SUV market for the current model year is generous regarding offerings, and customers can choose five-seat or seven-seat vehicles. They can also order hybrids, all-wheel-drive, and multiple engine options.

Without further ado, this is our list of the safest 2016 Model Year SUVs available in the USA:

Acura MDX

The MDX is a premium midsize SUV that obtained the “Good” rating in all the tests the IIHS put it through. Furthermore, the MDX’s front crash protection was noted as Superior with optional equipment. This model starts at $43,015 MSRP and offers room for up to seven people. Now at its third generation, the midsize SUV is still one of the best-selling Acuras and is available with either front-wheel-drive or the proprietary SH-AWD.

Acura RDX

Acura’s RDX is the brand’s second model that’s on our list for safest SUVs of the 2016 model year according to IIHS and NHTSA. Like its MDX brother, the RDX is a premium compact SUV that received the best rating in all crash tests that the IIHS put it through. The 2016 RDX starts at $35,370 and seats up to five people. Like on the MDX, all-wheel-drive is optional, but the vehicle doesn't share the more complicated SH-AWD system with its bigger brother.

Honda CR-V

Honda’s compact CR-V SUV received a “Superior” certification for its optional front crash prevention system, along with the best rating for its crash test results. The 2016 CR-V starts at an MSRP of $23,745 and seats up to five people. It's probably one of the most popular compact SUVs on the planet and there are plenty of reasons for it, including its top notch safety.

Honda Pilot

The full-size Honda Pilot SUV achieved a “Superior” rating for its optional front crash prevention technology. It also got and “Acceptable” rating for the ease of use of its child seat anchors, along with its “Good” crash test results. The 2016 Honda Pilot SUV has a starting MSRP of $30,145 and features a 3.5-liter V6 engine as standard. It can accommodate up to eight people and has all-wheel-drive as an option, while standard comes with FWD.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson compact SUV managed to be the best in its class in IIHS tests, as it achieved a “Superior” assessment of its optional front crash prevention technology and an “Acceptable” rating for the facility of use of its child seat anchors. The 2016 Tucson starts at an MSRP of $22,700 and is available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Hyundai’s Tucson can only seat five people, but offers plenty of space for a compact crossover.

Lexus NX

Lexus’s Audi Q5 competitor is a premium midsize SUV that achieved the best crash test rating in both NHTSA and IIHS tests. Its front crash prevention system was rated as Advanced with optional equipment fitted. Lexus’s 2016 NX starts at $34,965 and is available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. The smallest crossover in the Lexus range is based on the Toyota RAV4 and is also available in a hybrid version.

Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander compact SUV has achieved the best crash test rating available in the IIHS book and an “Advanced” assessment of its optional front crash prevention equipment. The 2016 Outlander starts at $22,995 and can seat up to seven people, despite its not-so-generous exterior size. The Japanese brand offers both FWD and AWD versions of the Outlander in the US.

Subaru Forester

Subaru’s Forester compact SUV achieved the best rating available in IIHS crash testing and a Superior assessment for its optional front crash prevention system. The 2016 Forester starts at $22,395 and can seat up to five people. All Subaru Forester models feature the brand’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system as standard, so it should be more than useful during harsh winters.

Toyota RAV4

Toyota’s RAV4 compact SUV scored the best rating in IIHS crash tests and acquired a “Superior” assessment for its front crash protection system with optional equipment fitted. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 starts at $24,350 and can seat up to five people, just like its more luxurious cousin, the Lexus NX. The RAV4 is available in both FWD and AWD versions, and Toyota also offers a hybrid powertrain for those looking for more MPG.

Volvo XC60

Volvo’s XC60 is a premium midsize/compact SUV with all-around “Good” ratings on all IIHS and NHTSA crash tests. Its front crash prevention system is rated as Superior with optional equipment fitted. The 2016 XC60 starts at an MSRP of $36,600 and can seat up to five people. Volvo’s compact SUV is available both in FWD and AWD form, but the AWD system is FWD-biased, like most modern crossovers in its segment.
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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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