Are Crossover SUVs Safe for Driver and Passengers?

Crossover SUVs have become the next generation of family haulers following the backlash over the last ten years over full-sized SUV fuel economy, safety and price. Based on platforms originally intended for mid-size or large cars, the safest crossovers often incorporate the same safety design features as their car counterparts, as opposed to large SUVs, which often shared design features with full-size trucks. These vehicles generally utilize four- or six-cylinder engines, are front- or all- wheel drive, and are usually outfitted with yet more comforts than original, traditional SUVs, but in a much smaller package. They make perfect sense for families who don't need to tow large trailers, but how safe are these Crossovers?

IIHS, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, has been charged through the years with providing unbiased feedback concerning the safety of the vehicles driven on the road today. Through their rating systems, even the safest cars and trucks have become far safer through the years, and the new breed of crossover SUVs are no different. Each new vehicle is subjected to a four tests to determine the safety of the vehicle being tested. They cover front, side, rear and rollover crashes. This means that the institute takes four cars from each manufacturer at random to determine the safety of the vehicle. Invariably, some designs prove safer than others. However, through steady improvement in the design and construction, the safest crossovers list for the 2011 model year is longer than it has ever been in the past. According to IIHS' 2011 crash test results, the following are the 2011 model year's safest crossovers. Barring structural redesigns, these ratings will also apply to the 2012 model years for the same vehicles.

Sub- $25,000 Crossovers

Hyundai Tucson
Jeep Patriot w/ optional side torso airbags
Kia Sportage
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan
Chevrolet Equinox
Dodge Journey
GMC Terrain
Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Sorento (Built after March 2010)

$25,000-$35,000 Crossovers

Ford Edge (built after February 2011)
Ford Flex
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Venza
Chevrolet Traverse (Built after January 2011)
GMC Acadia

Luxury Crossovers $35,000 and up

Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Infiniti EX35
Lexus RX
Lincoln MKT
Lincoln MKX (Built after February 2011)
Saab 9-4X
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90
Buick Enclave (Built after January 2011)
Volkswagen Touareg

While crossover SUVs are still a relatively new segment of the automotive market, the need for greater fuel economy from these vehicles and the demand for improved safety has made them one of the rising stars of the automotive world. Equipped with front- or all-wheel drive, they provide excellent versatility, and some can even be used to tow trailers. The GMC Acadia, for instance, has a 5,200-pound towing capacity. These crossover SUVs are safe and becoming safer every day. Kind of makes you wonder what you saw in that land yacht from ten years ago, doesn't it?