Buying a small SUV is one option if you need a vehicle that’s fuel-efficient and affordable, while still giving you plenty of room. Learn which are the safest small SUVs you can buy for 2019.
When considering a small SUV or any vehicle, safety might be one of your top concerns. Comparing car safety ratings can help you understand which cars rate well for safety and how things like front- and side- crash impacts, as well as built-in safety features like pedestrian sensors and surround view monitors affect those ratings. If you’re looking for a small SUV for your next car purchase, we’ve done the research for you and rounded up eight of the safest picks for 2019.
- Buick Encore
- Hyundai Kona
- Chevrolet Trax
- Mazda CX-5
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Kia Sportage
- Subaru Forester
- Acura RDX
1. Buick Encore
The 2019 Buick Encore is a small luxury SUV that comes packed with safety features, including a side blind zone alert system, forward collision alert, lane departure warnings, rear cross traffic alert and a rear vision camera. No less than 10 standard airbags add to the Encore’s rating as one of the safest small SUVs in 2019. Pricing for Encore FWD Preferred models starts at $24,195, with all-wheel drive models starting at $27,095.
2. Hyundai Kona
The 2019 Hyundai Kona is a top-rated safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In crash tests, the Kona scored solid marks for crashworthiness, crash avoidance and mitigation. The Hyundai SmartSense safety package includes rear cross-traffic collision warning technology, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind spot collision warning, lane keeping assist and high beam assist. The 2019 Kona SE starts at $18,740.
3. Chevrolet Trax
The Trax is a compact SUV that’s great for families, outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who’s looking for a safety and sport ride. Ten standard airbags come included with Trax models and safety feature available also extends to forward collision alerts, side blind zone alerts and lane departure warning systems. Trax models are also equipped with features like high-definition surround vision, rear camera mirrors, front pedestrian braking and forward automatic braking. Base 2019 models start at $21,300 and this is one of a handful of cars you can buy with zero percent financing. That promotion is available for 72-month loans.
4. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a crossover SUV with all of the safety features you’d expect to see in a higher-end vehicle. Mazda Radar Cruise Control, blind spot monitoring and smart braking with pedestrian detection are just some of what you’ll find with these vehicles. It’s a top safety pick from the IIHS for 2019, and along with safety, the CX-5 also offers a solid performance and sleek design. Sport models start at $23,450 while Signature models are a bit pricier, at $36,890.
5. Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is both fuel-efficient and safe, with seating for up to seven. The starting price for 2019 models is $24,695 and this is another small SUV option that offers zero percent financing for qualified buyers, with terms lasting up to 48 months. Safety-wise, the key features include blind spot warning systems, lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, a multi-view camera system and rear cross traffic alert.
6. Kia Sportage
The 2020 Kia Sportage has already made its debut, with a starting price of $23,990. This car is designed for fun but built for safety, with features like blind spot collision warning, smart cruise and forward collision sensors. The Sportage also has advanced stability and traction control systems, downhill brake control and a hi-tech steel frame construction to protect drivers and passengers in a collision. It’s one to consider if you want a combination of safety and all-wheel drive functionality.
7. Subaru Forester
Subaru is more or less synonymous with safety as carmakers go and the Forester is an excellent small SUV choice. Subaru safety features include Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, rear-vision camera, steering responsive headlights and high beam assist. The Forester is also an affordable option, with a starting price of $24,295.
8. Acura RDX
The Acura RDX is another luxury small SUV and it has an eye-catching design to go along with its outstanding safety specs. Starting at $37,600, it’s a bit higher-priced than some of the other safest small SUV options included in this list but it could be right for you if you’re looking for a high performance vehicle. A lane keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control and a collision mitigation braking system are some of the standard safety features.
At Birchwood Credit Solutions, we have a wide range of vehicles to fit every lifestyle and budget. Check out our extensive inventory selection to find the perfect vehicle for you. Then fill out our online application to find out what type of financing you qualify for.
