11 of the Safest Small SUVs
Written by Team Clearcover
Are you in the market for a new vehicle? If so, and if you're looking for something safe and reliable, a small SUV can be a practical choice. Not only do small SUVs offer nimble handling and maneuverability, they often come with safety features to give you and your passengers added protection on the road. Plus, many models are equipped with all-wheel drive, offering enhanced traction in adverse road conditions.
In this article, we’ve compiled some of the safest SUVs* on the market based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety ratings, industry safety awards, and key safety features. If you're not sure where to begin your small SUV search, this list is a great place to start.
1) Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV that can seat up to five passengers. With a standard 187-horsepower engine on most trims, drivers enjoy the CX-5's excellent fuel economy and wide range of configurations.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2022 Mazda CX-5 receives a superior rating for safety with five out of five stars.
Key Safety Features
The Mazda CX-5 comes with a standard suite of driver assistance features and safety systems for added peace of mind behind the wheel. Some features of the 2022 model include:
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (and automatic braking on the Turbo Signature trim)
Forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking
Lane departure mitigation system
Parking sensors (Turbo Signature trim)
Price
The price for the base S trim (which includes most of the above safety features as standard) is around $27,000 MSRP. The premium Turbo Signature trim bumps you up to a higher price point of around $40,000 MSRP.
2) Ford Bronco Sport
Looking for a small SUV with a little more utility? The eye-catching Ford Bronco Sport offers standard all-wheel drive for plenty of off-roading capability. Unlike many SUVs in its class, the 2022 Bronco Sport is equipped with a standard turbocharged engine that doesn't skimp on fuel economy.
According to the NHTSA, the 2022 Bronco Sport receives a five-star overall safety rating. It's also listed as a "Top Safety Pick+" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Key Safety Features
Notable safety features for the 2022 Bronco Sport include:
Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
Lane-keep assist and alert system
180-degree front camera (Badlands trim)
Price
Pricing for a new 2022 Bronco Sport starts at around $27,000 MSRP for its base trim. Pricing can increase to $33,000 MSRP or more for a range-topping Badlands model.
3) Subaru Forester
Subaru has a longstanding reputation for safety. In fact, Subaru is frequently awarded as one of the safest car brands on the market. With its five-star NHTSA safety rating, the Subaru Forester is no exception. This small SUV, which seats up to five passengers, also comes standard with four-wheel drive. The 2022 model of this SUV also features a surprisingly spacious cabin and up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space (with rear seats folded down).
Key Safety Features
The 2022 Forester is loaded with standard safety equipment and driver-assistance features, including:
Subaru EyeSight, a driver-assistance suite that comes with forward collision warning with emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Subaru DriverFocus, which uses facial recognition and sensors to identify and alert drivers to signs of fatigue behind the wheel (Touring trim only)
Price
The 2022 Forester is available in six trim configurations, ranging from the base style to the range-topping Touring. Pricing can range between about $25,000 and $35,000 MSRP depending on the exact trim, features, and other add-ons and equipment.
4) Jeep Cherokee
Another small yet reliable SUV you won't want to overlook is the Jeep Cherokee. This sleek and stylish (yet rugged and capable) SUV is designed with utility in mind, offering all-wheel drive on many of its 2022 trim levels. And with turbo and V6 engine configurations available on many trims, the Cherokee is as fun to drive as it is reliable. While it may not receive the "perfect" five-star NHTSA safety rating of some of the other vehicles on this list, it still boasts a respectable four-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA.
Key Safety Features
The Jeep Cherokee is equipped with plenty of safety features for added peace of mind behind the wheel. For the 2022 model, some of the safety features include:
Jeep Parksense technology, which includes rear parking sensors and automatic emergency braking
Adaptive cruise control
Blind-spot monitoring
Price
Depending on the specific trim, pricing falls between $28,000 and $40,000 MSRP for a 2022 Jeep Cherokee. The 2022 model comes in five trim configurations, so you can find the one that's best equipped for your needs and budget.
5) Toyota C-HR
If you’re interested in an extra small SUV, check out the subcompact Toyota C-HR. This sleek and stylish model looks more like a sports coupe than anything else, while offering the same utility and versatility of a crossover (plus seating for up to five people).
While all-wheel drive may not be available on this small SUV, the C-HR makes up for it with a generously appointed cabin and Toyota's long-standing reputation for reliability. The 2022 C-HR receives a four-star NHTSA overall safety rating.
Key Safety Features
Toyota vehicles are known for their ample standard safety equipment. In fact, every 2022 Toyota C-HR comes equipped with the following:
Safety Sense 2.0, Toyota's driver-assistance suite that includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Adaptive cruise control with Toyota Lane Tracing Assist
Price
Pricing for a new 2022 C-HR starts at $24,130 MSRP for a base trim, but you'll pay closer to $27,000 MSRP if you want a range-topping Limited model with all the bells and whistles.
6) GMC Terrain
If you prefer a small SUV that's big on luxury (even on its base trim), take a look at the GMC Terrain—a compact SUV that's as indulgent as it is rugged. This model comes standard with a number of luxuries, including onboard Wi-Fi, a seven-inch touchscreen display, a turbocharged engine, and all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, stepping up to the premium Denali trim will yield you even more niceties, like a premium Bose sound system, built-in navigation, and wireless device charging.
Key Safety Features
According to the NHTSA, the 2022 Terrain receives a five-star overall safety rating. Most Terrain models come standard with the following safety features:
GMC Pro Safety, which includes lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and automatic emergency braking
IntelliBeam automatic headlights
Available GMC Pro Safety Plus, which adds rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-change alert
A driver head-up display
Price
As a luxury model, the GMC Terrain is one of the more expensive in its class. For a 2022 model, you can expect to pay between $28,000 MSRP (for the base trim) and about $37,000 MSRP (for the Denali model).
7) Hyundai Tucson
There's a reason you still see so many older Hyundais on the road today—this brand is known for its reliability. In fact, according to RepairPal reliability data, Hyundai ranks No. 4 out of 32 car brands in overall reliability. The Tucson is this brand's small SUV, offering refreshed styling for the 2022 model year and plenty of standard equipment on even its base trim. Despite its small size, this model boasts up to 80.3 cubic feet of storage space.
Key Safety Features
The 2022 Tucson receives a four-star NHTSA safety rating and comes with the following safety features:
Hyundai SmartSense (standard on all trims), which includes lane-keep assist, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, and a driver-attention warning system
An innovative rear-occupant alert system
Automatic high-beam headlights
Available blind-spot monitoring with collision warning, highway driving assist, and a surround-view camera system on some trims
Price
The 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,500 MSRP for a base model and increases with subsequent trims/features and available add-ons. For a fully loaded Limited model, you can expect to spend closer to $35,000 MSRP.
8) Volkswagen Tiguan
If you're in the market for a small SUV that comes standard with turbocharged power, don't miss out on the Volkswagen Tiguan. Available in four trim configurations, the 2022 Tiguan can seat up to seven passengers. The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the few small SUVs with an optional third row, making it a great choice for growing families. Additionally, the 2022 Tiguan has a generous suite of standard equipment that includes heated front seats, rear-seat air vents, and even an available Wi-Fi hotspot.
Key Safety Features
While the 2022 Tiguan hasn't received an NHTSA safety rating yet (as of July 2022), it has received five-star side-barrier and side-impact crash test ratings. It also comes with the following safety features:
Front Assist, which includes frontal collision warning and pedestrian detection with automatic emergency braking
Side Assist, which includes blind-spot monitoring
Travel Assist (available on all models), which includes adaptive cruise control and Dynamic Road Sign Display
Price
The 2022 Tiguan starts at about $26,000 MSRP, though pricing for the higher-end trims can max out closer to $37,000 MSRP.
9) Hyundai Kona
If you like the Hyundai Tucson but prefer something a little smaller and more fuel efficient, the Hyundai Kona may be a great fit for you. This subcompact SUV still offers seating for up to five people, but boasts a smaller footprint with more agile handling. Still, it comes with many of the same features as the Tucson and is available in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations to suit your tastes.
Key Safety Features
The Hyundai Kona receives a five-star NHTSA safety rating and comes with plenty of standard equipment to give you added protection on the road. Some of the 2022 Kona's safety features include:
Forward collision avoidance (standard on all models)
Rear cross-traffic avoidance (standard on SEL trim and above)
Blind-spot monitoring and alert
Price
The 2022 Kona base trim starts at around $21,000 MSRP, with prices topping out around $34,000 MSRP for a fully equipped model.
10) Nissan Rogue Sport
The Nissan Rogue Sport has a lot to offer, starting with optional all-wheel drive across all trims, a touchscreen display, and smartphone integration. The 2022 model also comes equipped with a capable 2.0L engine at 141 horsepower. Despite its small size (somewhere between a compact and subcompact SUV), it offers a decent amount of space for front- and rear-seat passengers.
Key Safety Features
While an overall safety rating for the 2022 Rogue Sport is not yet available (as of July 2022), this model has received a four-star frontal crash and rollover rating with the NHTSA. The 2022 Rogue Sport comes with the following safety features:
Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection
Rear seat alert system
ProPilot Assist (SL trim), which includes adaptive steering and steering assistance
Price
The 2022 Rogue Sport starts at about $25,000 MSRP for a base trim, though a range-topping SL model can run you closer to $29,000 MSRP.
11) Chevrolet Equinox
Last but definitely not least, the Chevrolet Equinox is worth considering as a safe and reliable small SUV in today's car market. This model boasts a roomy cabin and revised styling for the 2022 year and is also known for its reliability and generous standard features.
Key Safety Features
On the safety front, the 2022 Equinox receives a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Available safety technology on this model includes:
Standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
Lane-keep assist
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Price
Depending on the specific trim and features you select, expect to pay between $26,000 and $31,000 MSRP for a new 2022 Equinox.
Get Coverage for Your Small SUV With Clearcover
These are just some of the safest small SUVs to consider as you shop for new cars. Some other honorable mentions include small and midsize SUVs like the Ford Escape, the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Toyota RAV4, and the Honda CR-V.
When it's time to insure your new vehicle, Clearcover is here to help with transparent, hassle-free coverage that’s super affordable. Plus, we offer fast claims, easy payments, and convenient policy management—all in our award-winning app. It’s time to get coverage you can feel confident in! See what you can save by getting a free no-obligation quote today.
*Note: The automobiles listings in this article are for informational purposes. Clearcover does not endorse any specific brand and is not affiliated or associated with any specific brand referenced in this article. We do not make any warranties or representations about the information provided.
