The 13 deadliest SUVs on the road, you won’t find any Subaru models here

In the unfortunate event of a crash, these models could prove to be the deadliest.

SUVs are the most popular vehicle segment because they offer ease of use, more cargo space and are larger than a car. You would think they would be safer in an accident. But that is not always the case.

In iSeeCars’ latest research, they identified SUVs with a fatal crash rate, i.e. the number of fatal crashes per mile traveled, that is at least twice as high as the average vehicle, with the four deadliest models more than four times higher are like the average.

The Hyundai Venue, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Tesla Model Y and Buick Encore GX are the four deadliest SUVs on U.S. roads, based on fatal crashes per mile traveled. There are seven more SUVs with a fatal crash rate at least twice the SUV average of 2.2.

In this report, I explain why there are no Subaru vehicles on the list of deadliest SUVs.

“New cars are safer than ever,” said Karl Brauer, iSeeCars Executive Analyst. “Thanks to advanced chassis design, driver assistance technology and a range of airbags surrounding the driver, today’s car models provide excellent occupant protection. But these safety features are offset by distracted driving and higher speeds, leading to rising accident and death rates. in recent years.”

Why are there so many SUVs on the list of deadliest models?

iSeeCars says SUVs have a natural advantage in safety, especially if they are larger and have a higher seating position. However, their higher center of gravity also means that a rollover accident is more likely, and when a vehicle rolls over, it significantly increases the chance of a fatal accident.

Most of these SUVs on the list are, as expected, small, but the Ford Bronco and Mercedes-Benz G-Class are two larger SUVs with more than twice as many fatal crashes as the average SUV (2.2) and well above the percentage for small vehicles (3.6).

The 13 most dangerous SUVs on the road

• Hyundai Location 19.9 – 6.3x
• Honda CR-V Hybrid 13.2 – 5.9x
• Tesla Model Y 10.6 – 4.8x
• Buick Encore GX 9.8 – 4.4x
• Buick Envision 8.0 – 3.6x
• Kia Seltos 6.8 – 3.1x
• Ford Bronco 6.6 – 3.1x
• Ford Bronco Sport 6.2 – 2.8x
• Toyota Venza 5.6 – 2.5x
• Hyundai Kona 5.1 – 2.3x
• Nissan pedals 5.1 – 2.3x
• Chevrolet Trailblazer 4.7 – 2.1X
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4.3 – 2x

“The popularity of SUVs has made them dominate today’s roads,” Brauer said. “That’s fine if you’re in an SUV, but if you’re in a smaller or lower vehicle, you’re probably at a disadvantage if you get confused with it. However, as this list confirms, many SUVs have a higher-than-average fatal crash rate, so don’t consider them a guaranteed solution to vehicle safety.”

Which SUVs are the safest you can buy?

You won’t find Subaru SUVs on the deadliest SUV list. The 2025 Subaru Outback, 2023 Subaru Forester, 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2024 Subaru Solterra SUVs have all earned the highest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Even with the IIHS’s new stricter requirements for better rear-seat passenger protection and improved pedestrian collision avoidance systems, Subaru’s SUVs are among the safest in a crash.

Subaru has two top winners for the 2024 model year that earned Top Safety Pick+ awards.

• Subaru ascent
• Subaru Solterra

Subaru has three next-tier winners for the 2024 model year that earn Top Safety Pick awards.

• Subaru Outback
• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru WRX

Where is the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Subaru Crosstrek?

The IIHS has yet to test the next-generation 2025 Subaru Forester compact SUV. I will bring the results as soon as the IIHS has completed its testing. Stay informed.

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and Forester earned the Top Safety Pick award. Subaru is updating its safety technology to meet the IIHS’s new criteria. Will the 2025 model year Subaru Forester and Crosstrek meet the stricter requirements? Stay informed.

Underscoring the continued evolution of safety standards, IIHS President David Harkey states, “There is still progress to be made in the protection vehicles provide their occupants, as evidenced by the introduction of the updated moderate overlap test.”

Every Subaru model in its lineup now comes standard with the automaker’s EyeSight safety technology. Read more about this in my report.

How good is EyeSight driver assistance safety technology, and why do you need it?

The new generation of EyeSight includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with full stop, lane departure warning, vehicle start warning, rear vehicle detection, blind spot detection, lane change and cross traffic assistance rear alert.

Bicycles and pedestrians are safer

Since many accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians occur around an intersection, the new vision sensor will help detect children and bicycles suddenly entering the road from the side and brake automatically.

The new safety technology uses Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system, which processes the recognized information and warns the driver first. The brakes are then activated to prevent collisions with crossing bicycles and pedestrians if necessary. In the event of an accident, the system helps to limit damage.

Subaru’s goal is safety

Subaru wanted to make EyeSight with automatic emergency braking a standard feature across its car lines. Subaru states, “Through these efforts, we aim to achieve zero fatalities in traffic accidents by 2030.” Read more from my report here.

Subaru Corporation says this equates to zero fatalities among Subaru vehicle occupants and people involved in collisions with Subaru vehicles, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Subaru also wants all of its vehicles to achieve the highest safety scores as determined by the IIHS, and EyeSight is a crucial technology. Subaru has confirmed that it has developed the technology to make this possible. As a result, the entire Subaru range of cars and SUVs will achieve the highest safety ratings, the automaker’s primary goal.

Here are two of my recent reports on real crashes involving a Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback. These reports provide first-hand accounts of how Subaru safety features saved lives in these accidents. Click on the links to read more about these amazing survival stories.

What happens if a truck crosses the median in front of you, crashes into your Subaru Outback and you have a life-threatening accident? Ashley suffered multiple injuries and could have died quickly. Read Ashley’s incredible survival story here.

What happens if a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek slides off the road, rolls three times and hits a tree? Did the driver sustain life-threatening injuries? She should have done that, but instead she walked away. Read Kenzi’s incredible survival story here.

I am Denis Flierl, Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My more than 30-year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in an advisory role at every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist testing new vehicles, has provided me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which can be found here. This way you as a reader are always well informed and up to date. Follow me on my X Subaru Report, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Subaru