Sometimes you just need a safe SUV that won’t break the bank. Here are three of the safest compact SUVs of 2017 that received high marks in various crash tests. While some of the features on these sport utility vehicles are standard, you may need to find one with add-on packages to get the full benefits.
The Mazda CX-3 is one of the safest compact SUVs of 2017
When edmunds Rated as one of the safest compact SUVs, the 2017 Mazda CX-3 was an obvious choice. Some essential standard safety features include front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. Adding the Mazda i-Activsense package gives you even more features.
Some of the optional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with automatic braking. Try to find a CX-3 with as many optional features as possible.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2017 Mazda CX-3 a Top Safety Pick Plus award this year when equipped with the i-Activsense package. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the CX-3 a five-star safety rating when equipped with all-wheel drive. It’s not a bad option for those looking for the safest compact SUVs.
List Price Range: $17,590 – $23,999
Subaru’s Forester is another of the safest compact SUVs
What’s not to like about the 2017 Subaru Forester? Some of the standard safety features included by Subaru are front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. It also gets pretty good fuel economy, between 29 and 31 mpg combined, depending on front or all-wheel drive.
If you can find one with the EyeSight package, it adds features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. This system comes standard on the 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring trims.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2017 Subaru Forester its Top Safety Pick when equipped with optional adaptive LED projector headlamps. Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Forester a five-star safety rating.
List Price Range: $16,250 – $32,998
Don’t overlook the reliable 2017 Toyota RAV4
Although the 2017 Toyota RAV4 ranks third on this list, it actually has the most standard features. Toyota equipped the RAV4 with front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and driver knee airbags. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, and lane departure warning are also standard fares.
Some optional features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera. Buyers can also opt for LED projector headlights, which help make the Toyota SUV safer.
With those headlights (or on SE, Limited and Platinum models), the 2017 Toyota RAV4 received an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also gave this SUV a five-star safety rating.
Headlights seem to have a significant impact on safety ratings, so try to find one with projector LED headlights if possible. These are some of the safest compact SUVs for 2017, but there’s no shortage of safe sport utility vehicles this era. In fact, 2018 was the year many of these “optional” features became standard fees. Don’t be afraid to broaden your search if you can’t find anything locally.