10 safest SUVs of 2016

Of the 10 safest SUVs, Japanese models account for 8, including the Honda Pilot, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4.

The SUV segment is gradually replacing sedans as the best-selling vehicle type in most markets. The strength of SUVs today lies in their ability to meet basic daily transportation needs, while also outperforming sedans in terms of off-road capability and cargo capacity.

To select the 10 safest SUVs, Autoevolution surveyed the 2016 versions of all models in the segment currently sold in the US market. The first criterion was the 5-star rating from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), followed by the rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Accordingly, the 10 safest SUVs in the US in 2016 are listed below, in alphabetical order.

1. Acura MDX

The mid-size luxury SUV received a "Good" rating in all of the IIHS's tests. The MDX, now in its third generation, starts at $43,000, offers seating for seven, and is one of Acura's best-selling models.

2. Acura RDX

Continuing with another model from the luxury brand that Honda is developing for the US market, the RDX is a smaller vehicle, positioned below the MDX, with a starting price of $35,400.

3. Honda CR-V

The Japanese automaker has been quite successful in tests and evaluations by various agencies, with another Honda model, the CR-V, making it into the top rankings. This popular compact SUV has 5 seats and starts at $23,700.

4. Honda Pilot

Honda's "big brother" also makes the list. Not only is it safe, the Pilot is also powerful with its 3.5-liter V6 engine, priced from $30,100.

5. Hyundai Tucson

The first Korean car to achieve a high safety rating is the Hyundai Tucson. Positioned in the same segment as the Honda CR-V, the Tucson attracts customers with its fresh design and numerous integrated technologies. Prices start from $22,700.

6. Lexus NX

As the newest addition to the Lexus family, the NX inherits many of the latest and most advanced technologies from the Japanese automaker. This compact crossover is developed from the Toyota RAV4 platform and has a starting price of $35,000.

7. Mitsubishi Outlander

Japanese cars dominate the list, with Mitsubishi's Outlander also making the list. It's a 7-seater, priced from $23,000.

8. Subaru Forester

Scoring top marks in both NHTSA and IIHS tests, the Forester demonstrates Subaru's tradition of safety. This five-seater starts at $22,400.

9. Toyota RAV4

Like its sibling, the Lexus NX, the Toyota RAV4 also receives high safety ratings. Prices start at $24,400.

10. Volvo XC60

The Volvo CX60 is the only non-Korean or non-Japanese brand to make it into the top 10. This compact luxury SUV also has 5 seats and is priced from $36,600.

According to VnExpress