Things such as fuel efficiency, luxury features and precision handling are important things people consider when they go to purchase a car. Finding a vehicle that excels in these areas is part of the appeal and fun of car buying, as these types of “sexy” attributes are often the catalysts that ultimately lead to the purchase of a vehicle. However, the most important attribute that a vehicle possesses is often the one that is the most overlooked – safety. While extolling the virtues of all the different safety features present on your vehicle likely won’t yield you many phone numbers, the presence of quality safety features could be the difference between walking away from an accident unscathed and something far worse. For your consideration, we’ve compiled our list of the top five highest-rated pre-owned SUVs/Crossovers for safety.
2013 Buick Enclave
- The Buick Enclave is a top safety pick for individuals in the market for an SUV or Crossover. In government crash testing, the Enclave was a standout, earning a top five-star rating for overall performance. The Enclave also swept the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests, earning the highest rating of “Good” in moderate frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.
- Along with its impressive marks in crash testing, the Enclave comes with the standard OnStar system, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle locator, among other safety and security features.
- The Enclave comes with spacious three-row seating with enough room to comfortably seat full-sized adults in each row. Additionally, the Enclave offers an impressive 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seating.
- Along with the typical list of front, side and curtain airbags, Buick offers a front-center airbag in the Enclave, adding that feature as standard equipment in 2013. The airbag is designed to prevent the driver and front-seat passenger from colliding with each other in the event of a harsh side-impact crash.
2014 Chevrolet Traverse
- In Edmunds brake testing, the Traverse came to a stop from 60 mph in 119 feet; a better than average distance for vehicles in this segment. Additionally, the Traverse took home a five-star rating for overall performance in government crash tests, as well as the IIHS’ highest rating of “Good” in its moderate frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.
- According to Autotrader.com, “Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions of the Traverse earned the NHTSA’s top rating. That’s not always the case; some vehicles require pricier all-wheel-drive systems to deliver the highest crash-test scores.”
- The cargo capacity for the Chevy Traverse registers in the upper tier for family-sized three-row crossover SUVs. Even with third-row seating in place, the Traverse has 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second and third row folded down, the Traverse allows for just over 116 cubic feet (116.3) of storage area.
- The 2014 Chevrolet Traverse checks nearly all of the right boxes for a large crossover SUV and remains a worthy choice for consumers who need three rows of seating.
2013 GMC Acadia
- The GMC Acadia has earned rave reviews all around for its safety features. All Acadias come standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags, and all but the SLE-1 have a front-center airbag that inflates between the driver and right front passenger. The SLT-2 and Denali trims also feature standard side blind-spot monitoring.
- Per Edmunds, in crash tests performed by the IIHS, the Acadia earned the highest rating of “Good” in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.
- As it concerns drivability, the Acadia offers an encouraging balance between secure, confident handling and a smooth, comfortable ride.
- “Placed against such competitors as the Honda Pilot and Ford Flex, the Acadia fares well, offering a huge cargo hold, an adult-friendly 3rd-row seat and a plush interior adorned with handsome materials and first-rate built quality,” says Kelley Blue Blue.
2012 Cadillac SRX
- In IIHS crash testing, the Cadillac SRX received the top rating of “Good” in the trio of tests for frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength integrity. The SRX also came to a stop from 60 mph in 120 feet; an average number for the SRX’s segment.
- Critics argue that perhaps the most notable takeaway from the SRX is its styling and the overall quality of materials that make up its interior. Furthermore, technology considerations such as a large touchscreen that rises out of the dashboard and a rear-seat video system that can play two different programs sources at once are also included.
- “Handling is better than you’d expect from a 2-ton-plus luxury crossover, especially with the available sport-turned suspension. The steering is fairly quick and there’s minimal body lean in faster corners, making the SRX fairly athletic for its size,” per Edmunds.
- Of the Cadillac SRX, Kelley Blue Book says, “If you are looking for a luxury crossover with distinctive styling, car-like handling, an overabundance of available features and an appealing base price, the 2012 Cadillac SRX is worth a closer look.”
2012 Honda CR-V
- Similar to the Cadillac SRX, a car of similar size and build, the Honda CR-V demonstrated capable breaking ability, coming to a stop from 60 mph in 120 feet – a decent number for a compact SUV.
- Per Autotrader: “The 2012 model year marked the introduction of a totally redesigned CR-V, and its crash-test results reflect the model’s improved safety: a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA for both front- and all-wheel-drive versions.”
- Fuel economy is certainly a strong suit as it concerns the CR-V, as the EPA estimates that this vehicle gets 25 mpg and 26 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, respectively.
- Per Edmunds: “For the 2012 Honda CR-V, the model gets a redesign that brings spruced-up sheet metal and cabin design, along with content and performance upgrades that should align it even more closely with the wants and needs of its family-focused audience.”
