In the world of SUVs, safety is a top priority for consumers. While Volvo has long been synonymous with safety, the XC40 small SUV falls short of the brand's reputation, earning only acceptable ratings in some areas. This has opened the door for competitors to shine, with five SUVs outperforming the XC40 in safety ratings according to the IIHS.
The BMW X1, a luxury brand, earns a Top Safety Pick+ award for the 2026 model. It excels in crash tests, earning good ratings for small overlap and moderate overlap front, as well as side crash tests. The X1 also performs well in areas not tested on the XC40, such as headlights and child safety anchors. However, it falls short in seat belt reminders, earning a marginal rating due to low sound volume.
The Mazda CX-5, a more expensive option, boasts excellent safety ratings across the board. It receives good ratings in all IIHS crash tests, crash prevention, and seat belt reminders. The CX-5's child seat anchors are exemplary, earning a good+ rating, which is the highest possible. However, the CX-5's headlights are only good on the S Premium Plus trim, with acceptable ratings on lower-tiered models.
The Hyundai Tucson, a top-selling vehicle, earns a Top Safety Pick+ award despite some shortcomings. It excels in crash tests, earning good ratings for small overlap, moderate overlap, and side crash tests. However, it falls short in whiplash prevention, earning a poor rating due to demerits in upper neck load and moment management. The Tucson's crash prevention and seat belt reminder tests are good, but its headlights vary by trim.
The Kia Sportage, another top-rated SUV, earns a Top Safety Pick+ award with no major caveats. It excels in crash tests, earning good ratings for small overlap, moderate overlap, and side tests. The Sportage's crash avoidance and mitigation tests are also good, but its headlights vary by trim. The child seat anchors are acceptable, and the seat belt reminder tests are good.
The Subaru Forester stands out as the only SUV to exclusively earn good ratings in all areas. It excels in crash tests, crash prevention, and whiplash prevention, earning only a single demerit. The Forester's child seat anchors are exemplary, earning a good+ rating, and it has extra latches for all three seats in the second row. While the Forester is a strong contender, it's important to consider its pros and cons before making a purchase.
