Which compact SUV should you choose for safety?
I'm looking for a new compact SUV that's practical for the family, but I don't want an electric vehicle. Safety is very important to me.
Which model would you recommend?
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Hello Claude,
First, we invite you to check out the “Best Buys” section of the Car Guide to discover the various compact SUVs that consumers should consider. A safety rating on a scale of 10 is provided for each model.
A great resource is always the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which conducts numerous crash tests and annually recognizes the safest vehicles. For 2026, the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester have all earned the highest honor: a “Top Safety Pick+” award.
All three models received a “Good” rating (rather than just “Acceptable”) in the new moderate overlap front crash test, which also takes into account occupants in the second row. They also received a good rating in the frontal crash test with minor overlap and the new side-impact test, as well as a good or acceptable rating for headlight performance and collision prevention with other vehicles.
Their numerous driver-assistance features keep a close eye on things, although some can sometimes be intrusive or downright annoying. Take Kia’s active lane-keeping system or Subaru’s driver attention alert, for example. In the former case, you can still choose between active intervention or simple warnings. The Forester also has the advantage of offering the best visibility in its class, which boosts confidence behind the wheel.
Safety isn't just about crash tests, of course. A safe vehicle offers predictable handling and braking, as well as controls that don't distract the driver. With that in mind, it's worth noting that Mazda tops the list of automotive brands in the very first safety ranking published by the renowned American magazine Consumer Reports.
This result may come as a surprise, given that Mazda’s infotainment system is not very user-friendly and can sometimes be frustrating. In the new 2026 CX-5 (above), the company has completely revamped its approach, opting for a large, intuitive touchscreen with few physical controls outside of the steering wheel. Engineers have reworked the already rigid chassis to achieve better crash test results while enhancing both active and passive safety.
In conclusion, we recommend choosing one of the two Korean SUVs or the Forester if safety is a priority for you. If that’s what tips the scales, Hyundai and Kia offer better value for money than Subaru, as well as a more generous warranty.
