What Are the Safest Toyota SUVs You Can Buy?
Toyota offers some of the best SUVs for the money. On top of the value they present, Toyota models are also among the most dependable. But you might be wondering, what are the safest Toyota SUVs?
2020-2021 Toyota RAV4
Not only is the RAV4 Toyota’s best-selling vehicle, but it’s also among the safest. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the RAV4 as a Top Safety Pick, the organization’s second-highest honor. Like the other models on this list, the RAV4 performed exceptionally well in the IIHS’ crash testings. The org’s testing identifies the safest vehicles by their size.
The 2020-2021 Toyota RAV4 models are part of the generation Toyota launched in 2019. Since its last redesign, reviewers have commended the RAV4 for its comfort and versatility. The RAV4 is available in various trims, including one that’s ideal for off-roading.
No matter which trim you pick, all RAV4s have a 203-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Like the other new Toyotas, the RAV4’s safety features make it more appealing. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and pedestrian detection.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime
The IIHS also recognized another member of the RAV4 family as one of the safest Toyota SUVs. Toyota released the 2021 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid as an all-new model over the summer. The RAV4 Prime has the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gas-version does, plus an electric motor. Together, the two power sources generate 302-hp.
Some reviewers have recommended the RAV4 Prime as a worthy alternative to the Tesla Model Y. The RAV4 Prime has an EPA rating of 94 mpg overall and an all-electric range of 40+ miles. IT also comes with an all-wheel-drive and is surprisingly quick, with a 0-to-60 rating of 5.7 seconds.
2021 Toyota Venza
The 2021 Venza is another brand-new Toyota hybrid that makes the list. So far, some reviewers have said that the Venza is bland, almost like driving a Camry. On the other hand, the Venza has impressed with its responsive steering and fuel economy. It has a four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that produce 219-hp.
On the inside, the Venza pleases with its Lexus-like interior design. It has room for five and lots of in-car tech. One downside, though, is that it’s below-average for cargo space.
2020 Toyota Highlander
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Now, its fourth generation, the Highlander remains one of Toyota’s most popular and safest models. It’s a pleasant ride that’s pretty quick for the midsize SUV class. All Highlanders feature a 295-hp 3.5-liter V6 and an eight-speed automatic. The regular Highlander has an EPA rating of up to 25 mpg overall; the hybridized version gets up to a combined 36 mpg.
In addition to its smooth ride quality, critics also recognize the Highlander for having one of the nicest interiors in the midsize SUV class. It can seat up to eight people, depending on the configuration. The Highlander is also fairly spacious, but its third-row is on the narrow side.
