Choosing a vehicle for a new driver, especially a teenager, is a decision that weighs heavily on safety, reliability, and affordability. For families prioritizing these factors, small SUVs have emerged as a popular choice, offering a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and enhanced safety features. But with a plethora of options on the market, the question arises: What Is The Best Small Suv that ticks all these crucial boxes?
Fortunately, organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR) rigorously test vehicles and provide data-driven recommendations to help consumers make informed decisions. By combining their expertise, we can pinpoint the top small SUVs that stand out in terms of safety and reliability, catering specifically to the needs of young drivers and their families.
Alt text: Parent and teenager looking at a tablet inside a car, discussing the best small SUV options for young drivers.
This guide leverages the latest recommendations from IIHS and Consumer Reports to highlight the best small SUVs available, both used and new. We’ll delve into models recognized for their superior safety ratings, proven reliability, and reasonable pricing, ensuring you can find a vehicle that provides peace of mind without breaking the bank.
Top Used Small SUVs: Best Choices for Safety and Value
For budget-conscious families, the used car market offers excellent opportunities to acquire safe and dependable small SUVs. IIHS and Consumer Reports have identified “Best Choices” among used vehicles, signifying models that excel in safety evaluations and reliability records. These vehicles must meet stringent criteria, including:
- Weight: A curb weight exceeding 2,750 pounds for enhanced crash protection.
- IIHS Safety Ratings: “Good” ratings in the original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, and at least “Acceptable” in the driver-side small overlap test.
- NHTSA Ratings (if applicable): 4 or 5-star overall safety ratings.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Standard automatic emergency braking systems with “Advanced” or “Superior” ratings from IIHS in vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.
- Consumer Reports Reliability: Above-average reliability scores (4 or 5 out of 5) for the majority of listed model years.
- Consumer Reports Emergency Handling: Scores of 3 out of 5 or higher.
- Braking Performance: Dry braking distance from 60 mph to zero of 145 feet or less.
Among small SUVs, the following models stand out as “Best Choices” in the used market:
- Chevrolet Equinox (2020, 2023): Starting around $13,800, the Equinox offers a spacious interior and good safety scores, making it a practical and safe choice.
- Kia Sportage (2020 or newer): Priced from approximately $14,400, the Sportage combines value with a strong safety profile and a comfortable ride.
- Toyota RAV4 (2017 or newer): A perennial favorite, the RAV4, starting at $14,700, is renowned for its reliability and retains excellent safety ratings across model years.
- Hyundai Tucson (2020 or newer): The Tucson, with a starting price of $14,900, provides a stylish design, user-friendly technology, and solid safety performance.
- GMC Terrain (2020, 2023): Similar to the Equinox but with a slightly more upscale feel, the Terrain starts at $16,100 and offers comparable safety and reliability.
- Mazda CX-5 (2021-23): Known for its engaging driving dynamics and premium interior, the CX-5, starting at $17,600, delivers both safety and driving pleasure.
- Lexus UX (2019-21): For those seeking a touch of luxury in a small SUV, the Lexus UX, priced from $18,100, provides a refined driving experience and Lexus’s renowned reliability.
- Honda CR-V (2020 or newer): Another top contender in the small SUV segment, the CR-V, starting at $18,700, is praised for its spaciousness, fuel efficiency, and long-term reliability.
- Nissan Rogue (2021): Offering a comfortable ride and ample cargo space, the Rogue starts at $19,000 and meets the stringent safety criteria.
- Subaru Forester (2021 or newer): Standard all-wheel drive and excellent visibility make the Forester, starting at $19,000, a great choice for all-weather capability and safety.
- Mazda CX-30 (2022 or newer): The CX-30, starting at $19,900, blends sporty styling with Mazda’s signature driving dynamics and comprehensive safety features.
Good Choices: More Affordable Used Small SUVs
For even greater affordability, the “Good Choices” list offers used small SUVs that still provide commendable safety and reliability, albeit with slightly less stringent criteria than “Best Choices”. These vehicles maintain good IIHS ratings and above-average reliability from Consumer Reports, making them smart buys for budget-minded shoppers.
Consider these “Good Choice” used small SUVs:
- Mazda CX-5 (2016): Starting around $10,100, an older model year of the CX-5 still provides a strong safety and reliability record at a lower price point.
- Hyundai Kona (2018-19): The Kona, priced from $11,000, offers a fun-to-drive character and good safety ratings in a subcompact SUV package.
- Honda CR-V (2015-19): Older CR-V models, starting at $11,400, continue to be reliable and safe choices, representing excellent value.
- Chevrolet Equinox (2018-19): Earlier Equinox model years, from $11,600, remain solid options for safety and practicality.
- Honda HR-V (2017-22, built after March 2017): The HR-V, starting at $11,600, is a smaller SUV that still provides good safety and Honda’s reputation for reliability.
- Toyota RAV4 (2015-16, built after November 2014): Older RAV4 models, from $12,000, remain dependable and safe, offering Toyota’s renowned quality.
- GMC Terrain (2018-19): Similar to the Equinox, older Terrain models, starting at $12,700, are more affordable while retaining good safety and reliability.
Recommended New Small SUVs: Ultimate Safety and Modern Features
For those prioritizing the latest safety technology and brand-new condition, the list of “Recommended New Vehicles” from IIHS and Consumer Reports provides the highest level of safety and modern features. These vehicles are all 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners and include standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking. They also meet high standards for reliability, handling, braking, and ease of use according to Consumer Reports.
The top recommended new small SUVs include:
- Mazda CX-30 (2024): Starting at $25,700, the new CX-30 continues to impress with its safety, style, and engaging driving experience.
- Kia Sportage (2024): The redesigned Sportage, from $27,300, boasts enhanced safety features, a modern design, and a comfortable interior.
- Hyundai Tucson (2024): The latest Tucson, starting at $27,800, offers striking styling, advanced technology, and top safety ratings.
- Honda CR-V (2024): The ever-popular CR-V, from $29,700, remains a leader in safety, reliability, and practicality in the small SUV segment.
- Mazda CX-50 (2024, built after August 2023): The CX-50, starting at $31,200, is a more rugged and adventurous option from Mazda, still prioritizing safety and driving dynamics.
- Lexus UX (2024): The luxury Lexus UX, starting at $35,300, provides a premium experience with top-tier safety and Lexus’s renowned build quality.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety and Reliability in a Small SUV
When searching for the best small SUV, particularly for young drivers, safety and reliability should be paramount. By consulting the recommendations from IIHS and Consumer Reports, you can confidently narrow down your choices to vehicles that have undergone rigorous testing and proven their mettle in both crash safety and long-term dependability. Whether you opt for a “Best Choice” used model for maximum value, a “Good Choice” used option for affordability, or a “Recommended New Vehicle” for the latest safety technology, prioritizing these factors will help ensure peace of mind and the safety of your loved ones on the road.
Remember to always check for recalls using the vehicle identification number (VIN) at websites like https://checktoprotect.org/ before purchasing any used vehicle. Staying informed and proactive about vehicle safety is crucial for all drivers, especially new ones.
