SUVs have become a firm favorite with buyers from all market segments over the last decade. The segment has always enjoyed a perceived image of safety, with the bulky, solid, and high-riding vehicles looking like they would come off best in a collision with other vehicles. However, this can actually be far from reality, with many traditional SUVs performing worse than more compact but safer cars.
Safety should be of paramount importance to the family-oriented buyer, followed close by value for the money as a close second. Thankfully, the explosion in SUV popularity has led to a raft of new models hitting the market, with many fitting this bill exactly. Today, buyers can purchase impressively safe SUVs for cheap, here are 10 of the best.
10 Mazda CX-30 - $22,500
The CX-30 is Mazda's most compact SUV and can be purchased for a bargain $22,500. Mazda has really upped their game in recent years and now offers genuinely premium feeling interiors. The car is well-equipped and comes with many features such as LED headlights, keyless entry, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard fitment.
Safety has been prioritized, with many sophisticated safety features available. A notable standard inclusion is "Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go." This is essentially an adaptive cruise control system, and helping to reduce driver fatigue, can bring the vehicle to a complete stop, before accelerating back up to speed as conditions allow.
9 Hyundai Santa Fe - $28,200
Starting at $28,200, the Santa Fe is a great option for those buyers who prioritize safety. The car is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ 2022, being awarded many highest category "Good/G" ratings. The car has almost all the safety features you could desire, as a standard fitment. From forward automatic emergency braking to pedestrian detection and blind spot monitoring.
Under the hood, a 191hp, 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder can be found. The unit is fairly economical, returning a combined 26 mpg.
8 Nissan Murano - $33,310
Featuring a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the Nissan Murano can be relied on should the unthinkable happen. As standard, the Murano is quipped with "Nissan Safety Shield 360" – a package of six technically advanced safety features.
One feature is, "Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection," which helps reduce the potential for both vehicular and pedestrian frontal impacts. The car monitors the road ahead, and initially sends an alert to the driver to reduce their speed. Should no action be taken, the car will automatically apply the brakes, to help mitigate a collision.
7 Subaru Ascent - $33,895
With a $33,895 list price, the Subaru Ascent represents great value for money. Being capable of carrying 8 passengers, is a feat not many cheap SUVs can boast. As you might expect from Subaru, the car is genuinely capable off the beaten track.
The Ascent has a decent 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and "X-Mode Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive" ensures the car maintains optimal traction. "Hill Descent Control" provides the driver with the confidence and control to descend steep gradients. Back on the asphalt, the car is fitted with "EyeSight Driver Assist Technology" as a standard fitment. The clever system scans the road ahead, acting like an additional pair of eyes. Should it be deemed necessary, braking can be performed autonomously to avoid a collision.
6 Ford Explorer - $35,510
The Explorer is a great choice for those looking to safely undertake towing. "Trailer Sway Control," monitors both the engine's power output and the stability of the towed load. Should instability be detected, the system will automatically apply the brakes, in order to regain control. An impressive 5,600 lbs can be hauled without stress.
Under the hood, the Explorer is equipped with a powerful 300-hp turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. In combination with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the driver has 310 lb-ft of torque at their disposal.
5 Chevrolet Trailblazer - $22,100
The $22,100 Chevrolet Trailblazer is both stylish and cheap. This diminutive SUV has a raft of styling and customization options available, allowing buyers to have a bit of fun when specifying their car. For its size, it is impressively practical, with all seating rows folding completely flat. The front seat is no exception, enabling you to carry items up to 8.5 feet long.
Regarding safety, the Trailblazer performs well here as well, having been awarded a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. "Chevy Safety Assist" comes as standard, and includes some great safety technology. From "Lane Keep Assist," to "Front Pedestrian Braking," and "Intellibeam High Beam Assist," the Trailblazer gives a lot of bang for the buck.
4 Kia Sportage - $27,750
The base model Sportage is the "2," despite its relatively modest $27,750 price tag, it is surprisingly well-equipped. LED headlights, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, and parking sensors all form part of this base trim.
The Sportage is available with a number of both active and passive safety systems, many of which are included in the price. From "Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist," "Intelligent Speed Limit Assist" and "Lane Following Assist," the chance of being involved in a collision is much reduced. Providing additional peace of mind is, of course, Kia's excellent 7-year warranty.
3 Hyundai Kona - $21,990
The compact Hyundai Kona, is one of the lowest-priced models on our list, with a starting price of just $21,990. For those looking for a sporty edge, the Kona "N Line" can be bought for a slightly more expensive $27,700. This trim level combines 18-inch alloy wheels and a peppy 195-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The Kona has been awarded an enviable 5-Star safety rating from NHTSA meaning the cheap price hasn't compromised safety. As standard, the car is kitted out with "Lane Departure Warning". A camera is utilized as part of the system and is able to alert the driver should they deviate from their lane of travel.
2 Nissan Rogue Sport
The popular Nissan Rogue Sport starts at a bargain $24,960. For the price, the car offers a package that is hard to rival. From sporty looks to a flexible cargo area and optional all-wheel drive, it is a very usable vehicle.
Nissan's "ProPILOT Assist" ensures the car is suitably safe too, with adaptive cruise control and lane centering. Nissan "Safety Shield 360" helps prevent collisions with those around you, and also reduces low-force parking damage. "Rear Automatic Braking," will do exactly as the name suggests, and help prevent you from backing into stationary objects.
1 Ford Escape $27,185
The 2022 Ford Escape, is a very appealing car for the family buyer. Up front, the car sports an aggressive Aston-esque grille, and the whole vehicle has a sporty edge. A 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine returns good fuel economy, with 28 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.
The Escape also excels where safety is concerned, having been awarded an NHTSA 5-star crash rating. Ford "Co-Pilot 360, "helps drivers negotiate the busy modern traffic environments many of us travel in regularly. A raft of features such as "Dynamic Brake Support," "Lane Departure Warning," and "Forward Collision Warning" all come as standard fitment.