Which SUVs are the most dangerous on the road? These thirteen models are a staggering five times more likely to have been involved in a fatal crash. Explore the 13 deadliest SUVs in my report and discover why Subaru models are conspicuously absent.
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In the unfortunate event of a crash, these models could prove to be the most lethal.
SUVs are the most popular vehicle segment because they offer utility, more cargo space, and are bigger than a car. You'd think that they would be safer in an accident. But that isn't always the case.
In the latest iSeeCars study, they identified SUVs with a fatal accident rate, which is the number of fatal accidents per mile traveled, at least two times higher than the average vehicle, with the four deadliest models over four times the average.
The Hyundai Venue, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Tesla Model Y, and Buick Encore GX are the four deadliest SUVs on American roads, based on fatal accidents per mile traveled. There are seven more SUVs with a deadly accident rate at least two times higher than the SUV average of 2.2.
In this report I'll explain why there are no Subaru vehicles on the deadliest SUVs list.
"New cars are safer than ever," said Karl Brauer, iSeeCars Executive Analyst. "Between advanced chassis design, driver assist technology, and an array of airbags surrounding the driver, today's car models provide excellent occupant protection. But these safety features are being countered by distracted driving and higher rates of speed, leading to rising accident and death rates in recent years."
Why are so many SUVs on the deadliest model list?
iSeeCars says that SUVs have a natural advantage in terms of safety, especially when they are larger and have a higher seating position. However, their higher center of gravity also means a rollover accident is more likely, and when a vehicle rolls over, it substantially increases the risk of a fatality.
Most of these SUVs on the list are small, as expected, but the Ford Bronco and Mercedes-Benz G-Class are two larger SUVs with over twice the fatal accident rate of the average SUV (2.2) and well above the rate for small vehicles (3.6).
The 13 Most Dangerous SUVs On The Road
- Hyundai Venue 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 Kicks 5.1 - 2.3x
- Chevrolet Trailblazer 4.7 - 2.1X
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4.3 - 2x
"The popularity of SUVs has them dominating today's roadways," said Brauer. "That's fine if you're in an SUV, but if you're in a smaller or lower vehicle, you're likely at a disadvantage if you tangle with one. However, as this list confirms, plenty of SUVs have a higher-than-average fatal accident rate, so don't think of them as a guaranteed fix for vehicle safety."
Which SUVs are the safest you can buy?
You won't find any 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 received top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Even with the IIHS's new stricter requirements for better protection for back seat passengers and improved pedestrian crash avoidance systems, Subaru SUVs are among the safest in the event of a crash.
Subaru has two 2024 model year top-tier winners who have earned Top Safety Pick+ awards.
- Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Solterra
Subaru has three 2024 model year next-tier winners earning Top Safety Pick awards.
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Impreza
- Subaru WRX
Where are the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Subaru Crosstrek?
The IIHS Still needs to test the next-generation 2025 Subaru Forester compact SUV. I will bring the results as soon as the IIHS completes its testing. Stay tuned.
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek and Forester earned the Top Safety Pick award. Subaru is updating its safety technology to comply with the new criteria set forth by the IIHS. Will the 2025 model year Subaru Forester and Crosstrek meet the more challenging requirements? Stay tuned.
IIHS president David Harkey underscores the ongoing evolution of safety standards, stating, "There's still progress to be made in the protection that vehicles provide for their occupants, as the introduction of the updated moderate overlap test shows."
Every Subaru model in its lineup now comes standard with the automaker's EyeSight driver assist safety technology. Find out more in my report here.
How good is EyeSight driver assist safety technology, and why do you need it?
The new generation EyeSight includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with a complete stop, lane departure warning, lead vehicle start alert, rear vehicle detection, blind-spot detection, lane change assist, and a rear cross-traffic alert.
Bicycles And Pedestrians Are Safer
Because many accidents with bicycles and pedestrians occur around an intersection, the new vision sensor will help detect children and bicycles entering the road suddenly from the side and automatically apply the brakes.
The new safety technology uses Subaru's EyeSight driver assist system, which processes the recognized information and first alerts the driver. Then, it applies brakes to avoid collisions with crossing bicycles and pedestrians when necessary. In case of an accident, the system helps to mitigate the damage.
Subaru's goal is safety
Subaru was committed to making EyeSight with automatic emergency braking a standard feature across all its car lines. Subaru states, "Through these efforts, we aim to achieve zero fatal road accidents in 2030." Find out more from my report here.
Subaru Corporation says this involves zero fatal road accidents among Subaru vehicle occupants and people involved in collisions with Subaru vehicles, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Subaru also wants every one 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 happen. As a result, the entire Subaru lineup of cars and SUVs will earn the highest safety ratings, the automaker's primary goal.
Here are two of my recent reports on real-life crashes involving a Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback. These reports provide firsthand accounts of how Subaru's safety features saved lives in these accidents. Click on the links to read about these amazing survival stories.
What happens when a truck crosses the center median in front of you, slams into your Subaru Outback, and you are in a life-threatening accident? Ashley sustained multiple injuries and could have died quickly. Read Ashley's incredible survival story here.
What happens when a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek slides off the road, flips three times, and hits a tree? Did the driver sustain life-threatening injuries? She should have but walked away instead. Read Kenzi's incredible survival story here.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Subaru
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