3 Top Affordable Small SUVs With Super High Safety Ratings
There are several important things to consider when buying a new SUV. One of the most significant is the safety rating. This is especially important for small vehicles because they don’t always offer the most protection in crash situations. Luckily, there are some top affordable small SUVs on the market with super high safety ratings. Here are three. Funny enough, two of the three happen to be Honda models.
2023 Honda CR-V is one of the best small SUVs
Of course, the 2023 Honda CR-V is a crossover midsize SUV. However, the NHTSA considers it a small SUV. The latest Honda CR-V is a top small SUV because it is one of two in its class selected as a top safety plus pick. Not only does it mean the car excels in the various crash tests, but it means the vehicle offers optimal protection. This is also true because of the vehicle’s safety features.
The great thing is that the new CR-V isn’t just safe. This top small Honda offers great performance. According to Edmunds, the 2023 Honda CR-V has a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four with a maximum output of 190 horsepower and a torque of 179 lb-ft. It’s front wheel drive and uses a CVT. It accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.4 seconds. This Honda midsize SUV also has a hybrid option. The CR-V starts at $28,410.
2023 Honda HR-V
The 2023 Honda HR-V is a true small SUV and not a midsize. This top small SUV has a standard 2.0-liter inline- four under its hood with a maximum output of 158 horsepower and a torque of 138 lb-ft. Like the CR-V, this small Honda SUV uses a continuously variable transmission. The vehicle has both all-wheel and front-wheel drive configurations. However, this isn’t the fastest small SUV as it takes 9.4 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour.
The truly great thing about the latest Honda HR-V is that it’s a safe small SUV. In fact, it’s a top safety plus pick in the small category. The Honda HR-V isn’t the automaker’s most popular vehicle, but it should be a contender for this reason. It starts at $23,800.
2023 Mazda CX-5
The 2023 Mazda CX-5 may be the most exciting small SUV on this list. In fact, it’s a top affordable small SUV because many call it the safest non safe SUV. Meaning, it has an impeccable five star rating from the NHTSA but it’s not a safe vehicle in terms of design. One of the reasons the SUV stands out is because it has a certain flair that makes Mazda vehicles special. You can see this both from the outside of the car with its daring looks as well as on the inside with its modern cabin.
Performance wise, the 2023 CX-5 is also one of the fastest SUVs in its class. This top small SUV has a 2.5-liter inline-four with a maximum output of 187 horsepower. The base trim is all-wheel drive and it uses a six speed automatic transmission. However, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 has two turbocharged trims with maximum outputs of 227 hp. The fastest CX-5 accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.6 seconds. It starts at $26,700.
