Top 10 Safest SUVs of 2012

Safety has long been a top reason for purchase for auto shoppers, and today’s customers benefit from an increasingly wide range of high-tech features like blind-spot warning systems, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic sensors, etc., etc. But even among sport-utility vehicles and crossovers—which already tend to do better in crashes because of their relatively large size—some choices stand out for being particularly protective of their passengers. For example, as of this moment, customers looking for safe SUVs in 2012 will find just 10 that have received both five-star overall safety scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Top Safety Pick Status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Thus, those were the ones that also have garnered a place on Autobytel’s own list of the Top 10 Safest SUVs of 2012.

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking at our roster of safe sport utility vehicles for 2012, however—like the fact that not all of the current crop of entries have been tested by both organizations. Consider: Premium players like the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GL- and GLK-Class, and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque have not been rated by NHTSA, and probably won’t be, because the organization tends to focus on testing higher-volume models. On the other hand, some of the winners here are 2013 models that earned their recognitions for the 2012 selling season, but have not seen significant changes—or been tested again—in the interim.

But now it’s on with the show!

Top 10 Safest SUVs of 2012: Buick Enclave/Chevy Traverse/GMC Acadia

The General’s three big crossovers all brothers under the skin and all likewise combine to earn a spot among our Top 10 Safest Sport Utility Vehicles of 2012. All also get some notable style upgrades for 2013, along with an enhanced version of the MyLink entertainment and connectivity system. But the big news on the safety front for the Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia is the debut of an industry-first front-center side airbag that was designed to protect the driver and front-row passenger from impacts to the opposite side of the vehicle.

Further safety enhancers for our first trio of safe SUVs for 2012 include a standard rearview camera system along with available side blind-zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert.

Top 10 Safest SUVs of 2012: Cadillac SRX

Safe SUVs for 2012 don’t get much more striking than the Cadillac SRX. But its big bold grille, along with updated style cues like front LED light pipes, are complemented by an equal attention to safety. In fact, this member of the list of Top 10 Safest SUV for 2012 welcomes two new driver-assistance packages that provide an extra layer of peace of mind with the brand’s Safety Alert Seat technology (vibrating the driver’s seat to warn of potential safety hazards), Automatic Front and Rear Braking, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2013 Cadillac SRX also sets the pace among our safe SUVs of 2012 with an exclusive Auto-Dry Brake system that helps remove excess moisture from the brake rotors in wet conditions, for improved stopping power regardless of the weather.

Top 10 Safest SUVs of 2012: Ford Explorer

The next-gen Ford Explorer seems to have picked up right where the old-school model left off, becoming one of the most popular full-size crossovers in the country. No doubt helping matters are the kind of features that earned the Blue Oval product a place on the Autobytel roster of safe SUVs for 2012: Like the industry’s first inflatable rear safety belts and Curve Control, designed to help the Explorer retain its composure under hard cornering—or anytime a little help is needed to get up around the bend.

The Explorer also provides one of the industry’s more robust portfolios of technologically advanced driver-assist measures, offering blind-spot/cross-traffic warnings, adaptive cruise control (with collision-warning and brake-support functionality), a rearview camera system, lane-departure warning, a lane-keeping setup, and, of course, SYNC with MyFord Touch.

Top 10 Safest SUVs of 2012: Honda CR-V

Also joining the team of top 10 safest sport-utility vehicles of 2012 is the Honda CR-V—bolstered by Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. It relies on a unique design, as well as plenty of high-strength steel, to help manage crash forces for optimum passenger protection. Then, in addition to typical safety features such as stability control, a rearview camera, dual-stage airbags, and anti-lock brakes, Honda’s choice among the safe SUVs of 2012 also delivers touches like a standard expanded-view driver’s mirror and a front-end design tailored to reduce potential pedestrian-impact injuries.

All of which helps explain why the Honda CR-V—in addition to being one of the top 10 safest sport utility vehicles of 2012—also just earned a best resale value award from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com website.