When shopping for a used SUV, safety should be a top priority. Whether you’re hauling your family, driving in harsh weather, or navigating city streets, you want a vehicle that offers both reliability and peace of mind. Thankfully, many SUVs are designed with advanced safety features and strong crash-test ratings. In this blog post, we’ll explore the five safest used SUVs you can buy in 2024, so you can hit the road with confidence.

1. Volvo XC90 (2016-2021)

Volvo is known for its commitment to safety, and the XC90 is one of the brand’s crown jewels. This luxury midsize SUV is packed with advanced safety technology, earning top marks from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Key features include:

• Pilot Assist: An advanced driver-assist system that includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
• City Safety: Automatic emergency braking that can detect pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.
• Run-off Road Protection: Alerts the driver if the vehicle is unintentionally drifting off the road.

If you’re looking for a safe, family-friendly used SUV with high-end features, the Volvo XC90 is a fantastic choice.

2. Subaru Outback (2018-2023)

Subaru has long been synonymous with safety, and the Outback is no exception. As a crossover wagon with SUV-like capabilities, the Outback offers excellent visibility and stability in a variety of conditions. It comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes:

• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle is drifting out of its lane.
• Pre-Collision Braking: Detects potential collisions and applies the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of an accident.

The Outback’s all-wheel-drive system is perfect for tackling both icy roads and off-road trails, making it a versatile choice for drivers in various environments.

3. Toyota Highlander (2017-2023)

The Toyota Highlander has earned a reputation for being one of the safest three-row SUVs on the market. Offering both high safety ratings and a wide array of standard and optional safety features, it’s no surprise that it ranks high on many safety lists. Some of the standout features include:

• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+: Includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control.
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Provides additional awareness while changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces.
• Enhanced Stability Control: Ensures better traction and handling during challenging road conditions.

With its solid structure, excellent crash-test performance, and comprehensive safety features, the Highlander is a solid pick for families seeking peace of mind.

4. Honda CR-V (2017-2023)

The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that punches well above its weight when it comes to safety. A consistently high scorer in crash tests, the CR-V is known for offering an impressive mix of reliability, affordability, and safety features. Key safety technology in the CR-V includes:

• Honda Sensing Suite: Includes collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation.
• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, reducing the likelihood of accidents while reversing.
• Forward Collision Warning: Alerts you to potential collisions ahead and activates automatic braking if necessary.

With a comfortable interior, excellent fuel economy, and top-tier safety features, the Honda CR-V is a great choice for those looking for a safe compact SUV.

5. Ford Explorer (2020-2023)

The Ford Explorer is a spacious midsize SUV that offers excellent safety features, making it a popular choice for families. Its strong crash-test performance and range of available driver-assist technologies make it one of the safest options in its class. Notable safety features include:

• Ford Co-Pilot360™: Includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera.
• 360-Degree Camera: Offers a bird’s-eye view around the vehicle to help drivers navigate tight spaces.
• Pre-Collision Assist: Detects potential front-end collisions and can apply the brakes to mitigate impact.

With its roomy interior, excellent towing capacity, and a strong focus on driver and passenger safety, the Ford Explorer is an ideal option for larger families.

Conclusion

When purchasing a used SUV, prioritizing safety is essential to ensure the well-being of everyone on board. The vehicles listed here—the Volvo XC90, Subaru Outback, Toyota Highlander, Honda CR-V, and Ford Explorer—offer a blend of advanced safety features, solid crash-test ratings, and overall reliability. Whether you’re looking for a luxury SUV, a compact crossover, or a spacious family vehicle, these options have you covered. As always, it’s important to do your research and check individual vehicle history reports to ensure the SUV you’re interested in has been well-maintained.

By selecting one of these safe used SUVs, you’ll be investing in a vehicle that not only protects you and your loved ones but also offers peace of mind on every journey. 

If you are in the market for a safe used SUV, and one of these aren’t your top choice, do not worry. Other great options include cars like; Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Rav4, Lexus RX, Ford Escape, Mazda CX 5, Mazda CX 50, and many other models whether you are looking for a small SUV, or just the safest used SUV for you and your family that fits your style and budget. If you are interested in seeing what SUVs are available now, head down to Summit Auto Sales in Orem, Utah to check them out.