We all try to drive safely and avoid accidents, but unfortunately not all collisions can be avoided, ICBC reported an average of 41,000 crashes per year on Vancouver Island alone. Luckily, vehicles are safer than ever and not only could the vehicle you choose help you remain uninjured if an accident occurs- they can also help you avoid accidents as well. So how select a vehicle with safety in mind?
Safety ratings are provided by third party organizations and are heavily advertised by manufacturers on new vehicles, but it can be hard to navigate what vehicle will keep you and your loved ones safe when you’re shopping for something pre-owned. Our team at VIDrives took a comprehensive look at the safety ratings of vehicles between 2017 and 2020 to help you save money on depreciation and feel safe and secure in your purchase.
Last week we took a look at the safest used cars available in Canada, but the size of a vehicle affects it’s safety as well- a large SUV will be safer than a car even with the same rating. Below you’ll find our list of the safest used SUV in each class with a budget friendly, and a high end option- read on to see what we found.
Small SUVs
Small SUVs and crossovers are increasing in popularity- especially over the last 5 years, and it’s easy to see why when they offer more space, safety and comfort than a car, but without to high fuel, payment and insurance costs associated with a larger SUV. We think these 2 offer all you might need for your adventures and day to day- especially with our current gas prices.
Budget Option:
2018, 2019 and 2020 Hyundai Kona Crossover
2018 Hyundai Kona Model Shown
The 2018-2020 Hyundai Kona is our pick for the safest budget friendly small SUV as it boasts an excellent infotainment system, comfortable interior and nimble peppy ride, and of course the amazing safety of the vehicle. Standard and Available safety Features Included
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep assist
- Driver-attention monitor
- Rear parking sensors
- Pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- High-beam assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Hyundai Kona excelled in small overlap collisions on the driver and passengers sides, moderate front overlap collisions, side collisions, roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective, while the LATCH ease of use was rated as marginal.
For Crash Avoidance and Mitigation, they found the optional vehicle to vehicle crash prevention feature superior, and the optional LED headlights good.
Average Price in Canada: $26,133
Luxury Option:
2019 and 2020 Audi Q3 Crossover
2020 Audi Q3 Model Shown
Outstanding interior quality, an abundance of easy-to-use tech features, a buttery ride, and a great crash test performance launch the 2019/20 Audi Q3 to the top our luxury small SUV pick for safety. Standard and Available Safety Features Include:
- Audi Pre Sense Basic (tightens seat belts and rolls up windows when sensors detect an imminent collision)
- Audi Pre Sense Front (forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking)
- Rearview camera
- Audi Side Assist (lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert)
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Surround-view parking camera system
In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Audi Q3 excelled in small overlap collisions on the driver and passengers sides, moderate front overlap collisions, roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective, in an original test on the 2019 Model they found it got a top rating in side collisions, while an updated test on a 2021 model got an acceptable rating.
They found the standard vehicle to vehicle front crash prevention superior, where the standard vehicle to pedestrian system was found basic, and the optional LED headlights received a top rating.
Average Price in Canada: $44,900
Midsized SUVs
Midsized SUVs are among the most popular options for Vancouver Island Drivers and Shoppers. They offer the space you need for large grocery trips, moving people- be it friends or a growing family, and some additional structural safety.
Budget Option:
2017, 2018 and 2019 Nissan Rogue 5 Door SUV
2018 Nissan Rogue
The 2017-19 Nissan Rogue has an abundance of cargo space and an attractive cabin that is loaded with features. It also has a lower cost of ownership compared to competitive midsized SUVs. However, its our top pick for overall safety for it’s excellent crash performance. Standard and Available Safety Features for these years include:
- rearview camera
- blind spot monitoring
- rear cross traffic alert
- forward collision warning
- automatic emergency braking
- lane keep assist
pedestrian detection
- adaptive cruise control
- 360-degree parking camera
- ProPilot Assist advanced driver assistance system, which can autonomously steer, accelerate, and brake the Rogue under certain conditions.
In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Nissan Rogue excelled in small overlap collisions on the drivers side, moderate front overlap collisions, roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective, while it rated acceptable in small overlap front collisions on the passengers side. They found the standard vehicle to vehicle front crash prevention superior, where the standard vehicle to pedestrian system was found advanced, and the optional LED headlights received an acceptable rating.
Average Price in Canada: $38,200
Luxury Option:
2017-2020 Volvo XC90
2019 Volvo XC90 Model Shown
The Volvo XC90 offers an excellent safety score, lots of standard features, an airy and elegant interior, and great fuel economy, It’s our pick for safest Midsized Luxury SUV as the safety features are standard much more often than in it’s competitors. Standard Features Include:
- Rearview camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Driver drowsiness monitoring
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic high-beam headlights
In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Volvo XC90 received top marks in small overlap collisions on the driver and passengers side, moderate front overlap collisions, side collisions, roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective.
For Crash Avoidance and Mitigation, they found the optional vehicle to vehicle crash prevention feature superior, and the standard LED headlights acceptable. Additionally the seat belt and child restraint ratings were rated as Acceptable.
Average Price in Canada $61,209
Large SUVs
Large SUVs are an unbelievable option for avid campers, large families, or anyone that needs to drive people around- but doesn’t want a minivan.
Budget Option:
2020 Hyundai Palisade
2020 Hyundai Palisade Shown
The 2020 Hyundai Palisade is our favourite for safety among Affordable Large SUVs. There are a lot of reasons to like the Palisade, like it’s affordability compared to similarly sized vehicles (ie. Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Highlander), upscale interior, comfortable seats, and good fuel economy ratings- and of course it’s overall safety. Standard Safety Features include
- Forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Driver attention monitor
- Lane keep assist
- Lane follow assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Rearview camera
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- optional and later features
- Blind spot camera (Blind View Monitor)Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Safe exit assist (alerts exiting passengers of vehicles approaching from behind)
- Highway drive assist (uses lane centering and adaptive cruise control to keep the vehicle centered)
- Front parking sensors
- Head-up display
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Hyundai Palisade received the best possible ratings for small overlap collisions on the driver and passengers side, moderate front overlap collisions, roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective. In an original test for side collisions on a 2020 model, the Palisade received a top rating, but in an updated test on a 2022 model they found it’s results less than satisfactory for the pelvis and torso regions.
Average Price in Canada: $50,900
Luxury Option:
2017-2020 Audi Q7 SUV
2017 Audi Q7 model shown
The 2017-20 Audi Q7 is the most well rounded pick when you’re shopping for a safe luxury large SUV. It’s a premium cabin, wide array of features, and surprising athleticism are supplemented by its excellent overall safety. As early as 2017, standard safety features included
- Rearview Camera
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
- Forward Collision Warning
- Forward Collision Automatic Braking
- Pedestrian Detection
- Optional and Later Features
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Head-up display
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic parking assist
- Night vision assistant with pedestrian detection
In Crash Tests, IIHS found that the Audi Q7 received the best possible scores in small overlap collisions on the driver and passengers side, side collisions, moderate front overlap collisions, roof strength and that the head restraints and seats were very effective.
Average Price in Canada: $71,200
Start Driving a Safer Vehicle Today with VIDrives
At VIDrives, we have a wide selection of safe vehicles from which to choose. Plus, all of our vehicles have been through a 210-point inspection and reconditioning process to ensure they’re in top-notch condition.
You can shop securely 100% online for your next pre-owned vehicle and complete your purchase online too. We’ll secure your financing for your purchase, then deliver it straight to your door. We’ll even take your current vehicle as a trade-in and pick it up.
