Skip to main content

Honda is known for putting out safe and reliable SUVs. The Honda HRV has been a popular choice among people looking for something small and Super safe. Yet only two recent HRV models win safety awards. Here are the two small Honda SUVs you should consider if you are looking for something compact, versatile, and above all, safe. 

A black 2019 Honda HR-V against a white background.
2019 Honda HR-V | Honda

The 2019 Honda HR-V is one of the safest HR-Vs

If you were looking for a super safe Honda HR-V, You will want to consider the 2019 model. It is an insurance Institute for Highway safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick, meaning that it has good crashworthiness scores. In fact, the 2019 Honda HR-V has all good scores in major crash test categories, with the exception of the updated side crash test. Unfortunately, the 2019 HRV has a poor rating. It is worth noting that this new test is not part of top safety awards yet. 

While the 2019 Honda HR-V has good crashworthiness scores, it has less-than-stellar headlight ratings. There are three headlight variations available on the 2019 HR-V. The highest rates of these gets only an acceptable rating. The other two headlight variations receive marginal and poor ratings. 

The 2020 Honda HR-V is a Top Safety Pick

If you would like something a little bit newer than the 2019 model, the 2020 Honda HR-V is another SUV with a Top Safety Pick award. Like the 2019 HR-V, the 2020 model has all good crashworthiness scores except for the updated side crash test result, which is poor. 

Also like the 2019 Honda HR-V, the 2020 model year doesn’t have great headlights. Its ratings are the same as the 2019, with acceptable, marginal, and poor headlight ratings. 

The IIHS gives out awards to the safest vehicles 

The Top Safety Pick is the second-highest award that the IIHS gives out. SUVs. By testing vehicles and sharing the results, the IIHS allows consumers to be more aware of potential issues with their vehicles, and car manufacturers have more accountability. The IIHS’ tests have evolved to keep pushing safety standards higher, which is important for both car buyers and manufacturers.

Although a vehicle winning the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award is obviously a positive when you’re car shopping, not all vehicles with these awards are equal. The IIHS says, “These awards identify the best vehicle choices for safety within size categories during a given year. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford more protection than smaller, lighter ones. Thus, a small car that qualifies for an award might not protect its occupants as well as a bigger vehicle that doesn’t earn the award.”

If you’re in the market for a used small SUV, the Honda HR-V is certainly tempting. Just be sure to pay attention to which model year you get – 2019 and 2020 are the safest. Yet keep in mind that those updated side crash tests and headlight ratings aren’t great, and perhaps consider another SUV that has better ratings across the board.

Related

Just How Safe Is Your SUV’s Infotainment System?