Seven Used SUVs and Crossovers with top Safety Marks
Two key factors contributing to the widespread popularity of crossovers and SUVs are their elevated driving position and ample space for passengers and cargo. When your vehicle plays a crucial role in your life, safety ratings become paramount. Thankfully, there are choices available that offer both utility and the reassurance of a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). We've compiled a selection of seven such used crossover and SUV models currently available at AutoNation dealerships across the country.
BMX X1
Priced from $35,400, BMW's smallest SUV not only grants you access to the automaker's prestigious lineup but also delivers a cherished luxury – safety. Both the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions of the X1 have successfully completed the demanding battery of tests administered by the NHTSA, securing the highest possible Overall Safety Rating for both the 2021 and 2022 model years.
Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport offers an extensive package, and there's an additional major advantage. Inside, it accommodates five passengers and provides up to 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, depending on the configuration. With nearly impeccable scores in critical test categories by the NHTSA, you and your passengers can embark on journeys with confidence.
Moreover, the Bronco Sport comes standard with four-wheel drive, allowing you to explore remote destinations for thrilling getaways. Our automotive expert, John Coyle, recently evaluated the well-equipped First Edition model. This variant includes a one-inch lift, enhanced shocks, a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock, and G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) Modes for conquering various terrains like sand, mud, ruts, rocks, and more. The Bronco sport has achieved five stars in every model year since it was released (2021-2023).
Moreover, the Bronco Sport comes standard with four-wheel drive, allowing you to explore remote destinations for thrilling getaways. Our automotive expert, John Coyle, recently evaluated the well-equipped First Edition model. This variant includes a one-inch lift, enhanced shocks, a twin-clutch rear-drive unit with a differential lock, and G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) Modes for conquering various terrains like sand, mud, ruts, rocks, and more. The Bronco sport has achieved five stars in every model year since it was released (2021-2023).
Honda CR-V
The 2021 CR-V lineup offers a wide range of choices. The gasoline model is accessible in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, with five available trim levels. In contrast, the CR-V Hybrid offers three distinct grades and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
In terms of practicality, the CR-V lineup offers impressive mileage figures. The gas-powered CR-V achieves its peak fuel efficiency at 28 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined when equipped with front-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the Hybrid version elevates these numbers to 40 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 38 mpg combined.
Despite their differences, both CR-V variants share a common accolade. Each has received the highest rating of five stars from the NHTSA, affirming their outstanding safety performance. The CR-V has an exceptional record with every model year since 2016 having achieved a five-star rating (2023 not rated as yet).
In terms of practicality, the CR-V lineup offers impressive mileage figures. The gas-powered CR-V achieves its peak fuel efficiency at 28 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined when equipped with front-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the Hybrid version elevates these numbers to 40 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 38 mpg combined.
Despite their differences, both CR-V variants share a common accolade. Each has received the highest rating of five stars from the NHTSA, affirming their outstanding safety performance. The CR-V has an exceptional record with every model year since 2016 having achieved a five-star rating (2023 not rated as yet).
Lincoln Navigator EL
You don't need to transition from the extended-length Ford Expedition MAX to the similarly sized Lincoln Navigator EL just to secure a 5-star Overall Safety Rating. However, if you decide to make that transition, you'll step into a vehicle that offers a distinctive exterior appearance, boasts 22-inch wheels, features power-deployable illuminated running boards, and houses a luxurious interior with leather and wood accents, highlighted by Lincoln's unique "piano key" shifter as standard equipment.
The Navigator received a five-star rating in both 2020 and 2021, and was not fully rated in more recent years.
The Navigator received a five-star rating in both 2020 and 2021, and was not fully rated in more recent years.
Toyota Rav4
The RAV4 offers a win-win scenario, regardless of whether you opt for the traditional or hybrid model. Opting for the gasoline-powered version gives you the flexibility to select from six trim levels, including the rugged Adventure and TRD Off-Road variants. Similarly, the RAV4 Hybrid offers an equal number of trim levels, each of them unique, and comes standard with all-wheel drive, boasting impressive fuel economy estimates of 41 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 40 mpg combined.
Regardless of your choice between these RAV4 options, rest assured that both have earned the NHTSA's prestigious 5-star safety rating. Looking at different model years the Rav4 has earned a five-star rating every model year from 2016-2024.
Regardless of your choice between these RAV4 options, rest assured that both have earned the NHTSA's prestigious 5-star safety rating. Looking at different model years the Rav4 has earned a five-star rating every model year from 2016-2024.
Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
When Volkswagen transformed the Atlas into the Atlas Cross Sport, it made significant alterations. These changes included removing a row of seats and reshaping the roof to give it a more sporty and coupe-like appearance. Consequently, the maximum cargo capacity decreased from 96.8 cubic feet in the Atlas to a still-ample 77.8 cubic feet in its Cross Sport counterpart. Notably, one thing that remained constant throughout this successful cosmetic transformation was the Atlas's impressive 5-star NHTSA Overall Safety Rating. A rating it has achieved with every model year since it debuted in 2020 (2020-2024).
Volvo XC60
No compilation of vehicles with outstanding crash test ratings would be comprehensive without including a Volvo. To maintain conciseness, we couldn't include every Volvo model and variant that received 5-star ratings in this article. Instead, we've selected the XC60, which falls between the smaller XC40 and the pricier XC90 in the Volvo lineup. While the NHTSA didn't evaluate the plug-in hybrid (known as Recharge) version of the XC60, the gasoline-powered models it did assess all achieved 5-star Overall Safety Ratings. This underscores Volvo's enduring commitment to engineering excellence that prioritizes the safety of its most valuable cargo—its occupants.
The XC60 has received it's five-star rating in every recent model year from 2020-2024. Note that there are a couple unrated trim levels during this period.
The XC60 has received it's five-star rating in every recent model year from 2020-2024. Note that there are a couple unrated trim levels during this period.
