Only One Small SUV Earned the IIHS’ Highest Safety Rating
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducts tests to provide consumers with the latest, most accurate information regarding vehicle safety. This information can help consumers make informed decisions on whether a vehicle is safe to purchase or not. Small SUV models may seem safe today, but only one small SUV earned the IIHS’ highest safety rating.
The IIHS says the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is currently the safest new small SUV
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested 20 different vehicles to see how they would fare in the event of an accident. According to CNN Business, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 was the only small SUV model that received a good safety score.
The IIHS uses three different ratings to categorize how vehicles perform in their safety test. The three different ratings are “good”, “acceptable” and “poor”. The Mazda CX-5 received the highest rating. Plenty of small SUV models received the “acceptable” rating and two vehicles received the “poor” rating.
One of the several tests conducted included a side crash test that simulated the impact of a midsize SUV traveling at 37 miles per hour. The test was developed because side-impact crashes were responsible for close to a quarter of passenger vehicle occupant deaths back in 2019.
Since side-impact crashes have been the cause of so many fatalities for vehicle occupants, you’d think today’s automobiles would be slightly better equipped for these types of accidents. The alarming truth is that the Mazda CX-5 was the sole vehicle to impress the IIHS enough to receive the “good” rating after extensive testing. “Acceptable” protection from bodily harm doesn’t sound very appealing when it comes to vehicle safety.
What safety features come standard on the 2021 Mazda CX-5?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with several advanced safety features. It includes Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane-Keep Assist.
The CX-5 also has plenty of additional advanced safety features available as well like the Adaptive Front Lighting System, and Driver Attention Alert. It can also feature Smart Braking Systems and Mazda Radar Cruise Control. The CX-5 isn’t the IIHS top safety pick for nothin’.
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-5 a good SUV?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a great all-around SUV. The CX-5 uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower. It gets 25 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway.
The CX-5 offers a refined cabin and luxury feel despite being very affordable. It starts at $25,370. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 isn’t just a good SUV, it’s a contender for the best compact SUV of the year. The CX-5 has been deemed safer than compact SUV royalty like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Are we witnessing a new legend in the making?
