Written bySafety is the message of the day for families and commuters who drive an SUV daily and excess weight isn’t always forgiven when it comes to the bottom line. In these times of increasing sensitivity to road safety, you must select an SUV with high-grade crash-test ratings, the part where the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) comes in. These ratings are essential for helping consumers select the safest vehicle options and are based on a rigorous testing protocol administered by the IIHS to help determine vehicle crashworthiness.
If you’re also looking for affordable cars that look expensive or AWD gems under $20K, we’ve got you covered with our top picks.
Note: As we gear up for 2025, these SUVs have all passed IIHS safety testing and stand out for their high-reliability ratings, reasonable prices, and exceptional features. Many of these SUVs meet the newest Top Safety Pick+ criteria, meaning they provide the highest level of crash protection. They are equipped with an auto-braking system to avoid pedestrian crashes or both. Check out our car selection process.
We considered several factors beyond just crash-test results when looking for the safest and least costly SUVs to put on this list. This included the reliability ratings from sources including J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, which helped identify models with long-term durability. Affordability was also crucial -while we prioritized best-in-class safety, these SUVs still had to be affordable.
Finally, availability was considered for 2025 availability was considered to ensure these models are still purchasable in both the new and used car markets. From compact crossovers to family-friendly SUVs with up to three rows, this guide can help you find the safest and most affordable vehicle that suits your lifestyle.
Read more about vehicle safety and reliability. View our guide to the most reliable SUVs and best budget family SUVs. Discover the best SUVs for 2025 That Balance Safety, Price, And Technology as rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
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#1. 2016 Honda CR-V
- IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick+
- Engine & Performance: 2.4L 4-cylinder, 185 hp
- MPG: 25 City / 31 Highway
- Safety Features: Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Departure Warning
The Honda CR-V is an excellent pick for anyone looking for a safe, dependable compact SUV. Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking and Lane Departure Warning helped the car win the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ rating. The 2.4L engine gives this model 185 horsepower, making it a solid compact SUV option. Estimates for fuel economy are impressive 25 cities / 31 highways.
The interior is roomy, with plenty of legroom, which makes the CR-V great for families. A rearview camera, touchscreen infotainment system, and Bluetooth are standard cabin equipment, elevating the driving convenience and entertainment. CRVs also retain their value incredibly well and have low maintenance costs, making them a smart investment for buyers. If you are looking for an SUV to get you from point A to point B without breaking down over the years, the Honda CR-V will provide you with peace of mind on the road, whether your daily drive is to work or you are loading up the family for a road trip.
#2. 2015 Toyota RAV4
- IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick
- Engine & Performance: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 176 hp
- MPG: 24 City / 31 Highway
- Safety Features: Stability control, advanced airbags
Another great SUV used near the top of the list regarding, reliability and safety is the Toyota RAV4. Not a lot, but it does have a peppy 2.5L engine with 176 hp, a decent fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city, and a 31 mpg highway. This model comes with a comprehensive suite of Toyota’s safety features, stability control, which helps prevent a car from skidding, and advanced airbags for crash protection.
The RAV4 enjoys some of the lowest maintenance costs in its class and the sort of resale value Toyota vehicles are known for. The 2015 model has five seats and some pretty decent cargo space. Those in the market for a safe, practical, and versatile SUV still have one of the best choices in the RAV4.
#3. 2016 Subaru Forester
- IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick+
- Engine & Performance: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 170 hp
- MPG: 26 City / 32 Highway
- Safety Features: Subaru EyeSight, AWD standard
If you live in an area with harsh winter weather, the Subaru Forester features one of the best all-wheel-drive systems on sale. Subaru’s EyeSight package is particularly notable, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking, earning it a top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
The engine that powers the Forester is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower—not the most powerful engine in its class, but one that gets the job done for everyday driving and weekend off-road exploits. Its fuel economy is commendable, up to 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, making it a great option for those looking to save fuel on costs. Moreover, the Forester is a great family hauler thanks to Subaru’s focus on visibility and a roomy cabin. The standard All-wheel-drive (Awd) system provides added peace of mind for drivers encountering rough roads or wintry weather.
#4. 2015 Mazda CX-5
- IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick+
- Engine & Performance: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 184 hp
- MPG: 26 City / 33 Highway
- Safety Features: Smart City Brake Support, Blind-Spot Monitoring
A sporty, fun-to-drive compact SUV with ideal safety features is an excellent value on the used car market. The Mazda CX-5 is a well-built, engaging vehicle that’s not designed for extreme off-roading. With its appealing looks, excellent fuel economy, and impressive performance, the CX-5 is one of the top choices in the busy compact SUV segment. It provides excitement with a 2.5L 4-cylinder, pumping out 184 horsepower but still achieving an impressive fuel economy up to 26-city/33 highway.
Typically, Mazda prioritizes safety, and the CX-5 is no exception featuring Smart City Brake Support, which automatically applies the brakes at low speed to avoid crashing into another vehicle, and Blind-Spot Monitoring, which alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spot. The CX-5 also scores well, being awarded the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ rating and having an excellent standard features list (with some more advanced items optional), making it a worthy pick for those looking for an enjoyable driving SUV who want to be safe.
#5. 2016 Nissan Rogue
- IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick
- Engine & Performance: 2.5L 4-cylinder, 170 hp
- MPG: 26 City / 33 Highway
- Safety Features: Around View Monitor, Forward Collision Warning
With comfortable seating and excellent safety features, the Nissan Rogue is an excellent family vehicle. Offering 170 horsepower from its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, the Rogue has sufficient acceleration while still achieving excellent gas mileage in town (26 mpg) and on the highway (33 mpg). Standard safety features in the Rogue include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, which can both aid in avoiding crashes.
A notable feature in the Rogue is the Around View Monitor, which uses a series of cameras to create a virtual top-view image of the area around the vehicle, simplifying parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. With roomy cabin space and a comfortable driving experience, the Rogue is a family-ready option, and its Top Safety Pick rating solidifies its safety chops.
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#6. 2014 Volvo XC60
- IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick+
- Engine & Performance: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder, 240 hp
- MPG: 24 City / 31 Highway
- Safety Features: City Safety, Blind Spot Information System
Volvo has never tried to hide its dedication to safety, evident in the XC60. The XC60 features a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0L, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency while achieving an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway. This SUV scored a Top Safety Pick+ thanks to Volvo’s City Safety system, which applies the brakes if a collision is predicted to be unavoidable.
The XC60 provides a sense of luxury, thanks to its well-appointed, spacious cabin and premium safety features such as the Blind Spot Information System. Beyond its seating and cargo capability, the XC60 is one of the top safety picks, offering a comfortable ride and strong performance.
#7. 2015 Ford Escape
- IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick
- Engine & Performance: 1.6L EcoBoost, 178 hp
- MPG: 23 City / 32 Highway
- Safety Features: Curve Control, Roll Stability Control
For those who want to balance their love of driving with family transportation needs, the Ford Escape offers a welcome solution. The Escape is powered by a 1.6L EcoBoost engine that makes 178 horsepower, with a respectable 23 cities /32 highway mpg. The sporty ride is supported by a simple-to-use infotainment system, stringent safety testing, and advanced safety features, including curve control and roll stability control, which aid stability on winding roads.
The Escape strikes a good balance between these qualities,with a roomy cabin, generous standard features, and respectable safety ratings. It is a sensible pick for buyers who want an enjoyable SUV without the inherent shortcomings of a sportier drive.
#8. 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
- IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick
- Engine & Performance: 2.4L 4-cylinder, 182 hp
- MPG: 22 City / 32 Highway
- Safety Features: Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
The Chevy Equinox is a versatile and well-rounded midsize SUV. The 2.4L 4-cylinder engine possesses 182 horsepower, making for a refined, confident drive. The Equinox boasts a roomy cabin, comfortable seats, and a straightforward infotainment system. For enhanced safety, the equinox features advanced technologies like Forward Collision Alert and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which can help keep drivers safer when reversing or driving in traffic.
The Equinox provides plenty of interior room, solid performance, and ideal blend of family-friendly features and affordability.
#9. 2016 Hyundai Tucson
- IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick+
- Engine & Performance: 2.0L 4-cylinder, 164 hp
- MPG: 23 City / 31 Highway
- Safety Features: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning
The Hyundai Tucson is a solid combination of style, safety, and efficiency in the 2016 model. A 2.0L 4-cylinder engine produces 164 horsepower, sufficient for daily driving, and respectable fuel economy of 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway. The Tucson earned a top Safety Pick+ award thanks to its advanced safety features, Automatic Emergency Braking, which can help prevent or mitigate collisions.
Beyond safety, the Tucson has a tech-savvy interior that’s both practical and spacious. The Tucson is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact SUV that balances practicality and modern features.
#10. 2015 Kia Sorento
- IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick
- Engine & Performance: 2.4L 4-cylinder, 191 hp
- MPG: 21 City / 29 Highway
- Safety Features: Hill-Start Assist, Rearview Camera
The seven-across Kia Sorento, which seats up to seven, is a comfortable ride for large Families. The 2.4L 4-cylinder engine produces 191hp, delivering a responsive and engaging drive while still achieving decent gas mileage (21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway). An excellent choice for families, the Sorento prioritizes safety features, like Hill-Start Assist and a rearview camera.
The Sorento is a good value in the midsize SUV segment, thanks to its long list of standard features and high safety ratings.
Conclusion
Safety is always at the top of any purchasing decision when it comes to a used SUV. These 2015-2016 models offer the perfect combination of safety features, reliability, performance, and value. Whether you want a small SUV like the Honda CR-V or a midsize ride like the Kia Sorento, all are protecting drivers. But like any used vehicle, check the history, condition, and maintenance records to ensure you are making the right choice for your safety and your wallet.
