Safest Electric SUVs with the Best Crash Test Ratings

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Speaking of modern trends in the automotive industry, electric vehicles have grown in popularity in recent years. This is due to their eco-friendliness, ease of maintenance, and low cost of charging and service. Electric SUVs, as the most promising segment of the automotive market, are taking off nowadays.

However, with more automobiles on the road and more complicated road infrastructure, there’s a special demand for safety. As a result, many electric vehicle manufacturers have implemented the use of new materials for the car body and impressive car features and options to improve safety. With AutoBidMaster’s help, let’s review the safest electric SUVs that offer top-notch protection and lead the crash test ratings today.

What You Should Know About the Crash Test Ratings of Electric SUVs

Generally speaking, electric vehicles have better safety features than gasoline-powered ones. As a rule, EVs have an electric battery installed under the body. It makes them more stable and safer than other types of automobiles by lowering the center of gravity.

At the same time, electric vehicles should undergo thorough inspections and checkups, including crash tests, just like their internal combustion engine counterparts. All this testing is essential for a vehicle to be named the safest electric car.

In the USA, there are a few recognized organizations and data sources involved in performing vehicle crush tests. As the most reputable ones, we can outline:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which strives to reduce the number of car crashes and injuries in car accidents as well as their negative impact. According to NHTSA data, the most frequent car crashes on US roads and highways refer to frontal and side collisions as well as rollovers. That’s why they run the proper car crash tests to cover the most problematic issues. To evaluate how well a vehicle has performed in crash tests, this organization uses a five-star rating system, which determines how likely the driver and passengers will be injured in a collision.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is involved in research on how it’s possible to make riding safer and lower the number of car accidents. The IIHS vehicle checkups cover two important aspects of road safety: how well the car’s safety features and its controllability can help a driver avoid accidents, and how well the automobile can protect people inside it during a crash. The organization bases the rating system on a scale of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. Their tests also include frontal and side crashes, but they additionally evaluate other factors such as roof strength and head restraints.

We’ve built our survey on these two sources of valuable automotive data and gathered a list of the safest EVs in the SUV market in terms of safety and crashworthiness.

What Electric SUVs Have the Best Crush Test Results

Car enthusiasts are aware that crash-tested vehicles with high results provide more protection in the event of a collision. That’s why one of the key factors to consider when buying a car is the safety rating. So, what are the safest electric SUVs? Let’s find out in the following chapters.

2023 Tesla Model Y

NHTSA rating: 5 stars

IIHS crashworthiness rating: good

This compact AWD electric SUV offers not only smooth driving but also top-notch safety. But if we speak about rollovers, this electric SUV model has a 9.7% risk of experiencing them. A list of safety features and equipment includes pre-collision and lane departure warnings, emergency braking, parking and blind spot sensors, etc. With all these features and an incredibly modern crash structure, the Tesla Model Y is the safest electric vehicle in the world. On top of that, with the Model Y you get an impressive single-charge range of 330 miles (ca. 531 km), the 2023 Tesla Model Y is a perfect option for electric SUV lovers.

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2023 Volkswagen ID.4

NHTSA rating: 5 stars

IIHS crashworthiness rating: good

Here, we have a top-notch electric SUV that was awarded the World Car of the Year in 2021. It’s available in three trim configurations: Standard, S, and S Plus. Depending on the version, they have 62 kWh and 82 kWh batteries. You can also choose between rear and four-wheel drives. The basic Volkswagen ID.4 Standard received a 62 kWh accumulator, providing a bit more than 200 miles (around 335 km), according to the EPA cycle.

Speaking of safety, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 in both transmission configurations, RWD and AWD, has excellent results in the NHTSA crash tests. The only drawback is that the dynamic brake support system doesn’t match the requirements. The IIHS has awarded this car the Top Safety Pick+, meaning it has received special recognition after the safety checkups and tests.

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2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

NHTSA rating: 5 stars

IIHS crashworthiness rating: good

The Hyundai Ioniq 5, a small four-door electric SUV, has gained a reputation as an affordable EV with a great range of 303 miles (ca. 488 km) on a single charge and decent safety features. The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a long list of equipment that makes rides better protected. It includes stability control to provide smooth driving, anti-lock brakes, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and other additional safety improvements.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 also has the 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and perfect crashworthiness results, but middle points for seat belts and child restraints. On the NHTSA tests, this model has lost one point for the frontal crash, but the overall car’s safety has received five stars. Making this model easily the safest electric SUV.

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2022 Mazda MX-30

NHTSA rating: 5 stars

IIHS crashworthiness rating: good

The MX-30 configuration was the first electric model in the Mazda car lineup. Although this compact SUV has a range of around 100 miles and can only produce 143 hp, it stands out as a leader when it comes to safety. Speaking of the powertrain, the basic Mazda MX-30 configuration has an e-Skyactiv engine and a 55-kWh lithium-ion battery.

The MX-30 received an impressive overall five-star rating from NHTSA. In particular, the car performed well, with top scores for both frontal and side crashes. However, it gained a four-star rating for rollover accidents due to its rollover risk, which reaches 11.60%.

Equipped with numerous standard safety features, including auto emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, pre-collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and much more, the MX-30 prioritizes safety on the road.With AutoBidMaster, get all the online auction perks and find your perfect used Mazda MX-30 car at a fraction of the price.

2023 KIA EV6

NHTSA rating: 5 stars

IIHS crashworthiness rating: good

This new KIA electric vehicle was launched as the first model to drive on the improved E-GMP modular platform. Implementing this platform allowed for several advantages, including increased interior space and the ability to provide a few different interior configurations.

In terms of battery options, the KIA EV6 offers choices between the 58.0 kWh and 77.4 kWh options. The EV6 with the larger battery boasts a range of up to 315 miles (510 km). The most upgraded car version, the EV6 GT, features a two-motor all-wheel drive system delivering 430 kW. This power allows for acceleration to 60 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds. Aside from that, you can expect a top speed of 160 mph (260 km/h). Moreover, the car supports high-speed charging, allowing it to charge up to 60 miles (100 km) of EV range in just 4.5 minutes.

Speaking of the car crash results, the 2023 KIA EV6 has a five-star overall rating, according to the NHTSA. The model received perfect overall results for the front and side collision tests. The rollover risk reaches 8.2%, which allows for the five-star rollover test results.

Regarding the KIA EV6 safety features, you can expect the forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems, dynamic brake support, and much more. All these options will make your driving experience positive and safe.Want to get this cool SUV? Check out the listing of used KIA EV6 cars available for sale at the AutoBidMaster online auctions, and you won’t be disappointed!

Volvo XC40 Recharge

NHTSA rating: 5 stars

IIHS crashworthiness rating: good

Here, we have the first model in Volvo’s lineup of fully electrified cars. The XC40 Rechange model stands out with its dynamic and sporty design and Scandinavian quality.

The XC40 Recharge has two electric motors, one on each axle, which in total provide 408 hp. The 78-kWh battery provides a considerable range of 250 miles (400 km). However, you may find recharging time quite significant. With the help of a home electric system, the battery is charged to 80% in 7.5 hours.

Speaking of safety, the Volvo XC40 Recharge showcased great crash test results. For example, the 2021 Volvo XC40 earned an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA. The model achieved flawless results in both front and side collision tests. However, the rollover risk reaches 15.5%, making the test result a bit worse compared to competitors. The IIHS granted the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Top Safety Pick+, as well as a “good” crashworthiness rating.Discover the used Volvo XC40 Recharge options available at the AutoBidMaster online auctions for sale. With us, you can have your favorite EV SUV at a fraction of the price, saving up to 40% of the vehicle’s cost on the second-hand car market.

2021 Tesla Model X

NHTSA rating: 5 stars

This SUV is great for those who need flexibility and seating. With plenty of cargo space and a range of up to 351 miles (560 km) on one charge, it’s practical and reliable in any weather. In addition, one of the fastest EVs on the market has an acceleration of 60 mph (100 km/h) that takes only 2.8 seconds.

The Tesla Model X comes with advanced safety features to keep you secure on the road. It includes collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Plus, it has eight airbags and a strong body structure to protect you in case of an accident. With its modern features like autopilot and smart summon, driving becomes safer and more convenient.

When we speak about safety, the Tesla Model X has impressive crash test results. For instance, the 2021 version received a top five-star rating overall from the NHTSA. It performed exceptionally well in both front and side collision tests. Its rollover risk reaches 9.3%, which is a great result. This makes the Tesla Model X one of the safest electric cars on the market right now.

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2022 KIA Niro EV

NHTSA rating: 5 stars

IIHS crashworthiness rating: good

The KIA Niro EV is an all-electric version of the Niro subcompact crossover launched by the Korean automaker in the 2017 model year. This is Kia’s first all-electric crossover and one of the first battery-powered SUVs for the non-premium market.

Speaking of the powertrain, the KIA Niro EV model is available in two battery configurations, particularly 39 kWh and 64 kWh. The first version with a less powerful battery has a range of up to 150 miles (250 km), while the second one stands out with a range of 180 miles (290 km). Each of the Niro EV versions is equipped with FWD only, making the car more maneuverable on the road.

When discussing car crash performance, the 2022 KIA Niro EV achieved a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Specifically, it received four-star scores for both front and side collision tests. Additionally, its rollover risk stands at 10.10%, contributing to its five-star rating in rollover tests.

In addition, the KIA Niro EV model is packed with safety features. For example, you can expect highway driving assistance, stability control, blind spot monitoring, front seat belt pre-tensioners, and much more.We invite you to check out the used KIA Niro EV auction lots available for bidding at AutoBidMaster. Find your favorite deals on our website and get comprehensive services from our team.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV

NHTSA rating: 5 stars

This model is the first electric crossover in the Chevrolet lineup, launched in 2021. The famous Chevrolet Bolt EV hatchback and Bolt EUV are built on the same platform and are technically highly unified. Moreover, they even have a similar design, including the car’s body shape and interior style.

The 2021 Bolt EUV model has a 65-kWh battery, which performs 200 hp and allows for 250 miles (402 km) of range. The drive for this model is front-wheel drive only. The battery system utilizes Chevy’s reliable active thermal management system, employing coolant to ensure the battery maintains its ideal operating temperature.

Chevy Safety Assist comes standard on the Bolt EUV and includes safety and advanced driver assistance technologies such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning, lane departure warning, distance keeper, IntelliBeam, and forward pedestrian braking. Adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert are also available for an additional fee.

In car crash performance evaluations, the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV attained a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It also received five-star ratings for both front and side collision tests. Yet, its rollover risk is recorded at 10.70%, contributing to its four-star rollover test rating. All these tests make the Chevy Bolt one of the safest electric SUV models on the market right now.

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2023 Audi e-tron

NHTSA rating: 5 stars

IIHS crashworthiness rating: good

This large four-door electric SUV from Germany is a constant leader in different ratings, including the safety one. To achieve such impressive results, engineers loaded the 2023 e-tron with a bunch of helpful safety features, including a blind spot monitor, parking sensors, pre-collision and cross-traffic warnings, and much more.

With the IIHS Top Safety Pick of 2022, the 2023 Audi e-tron has an impressive crashworthiness rating as well as decent crash avoidance and mitigation results. The NHTSA overall safety rating reaches the maximum five stars, making this EV a perfect choice for protected driving.

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Summing Up

When it comes to choosing a decent electric SUV with great safety features, the options available on the second-hand market are more advanced and affordable than ever before. The EVs we’ve covered are some of the safest electric vehicles that money can buy. If you want to drive safely, you should definitely get one of the safest EV SUV models that we added on our list. Also ClearVin offers fast and easy access to the original Dodge Window Sticker by VIN.

We at AutoBidMaster offer many options of used electric vehicles for sale. To join our community, register on the auction platform, upload a copy of your government-issued ID or passport, and submit a security deposit. Please contact us in case of any questions and requests concerning online auto auctions, and our team of professionals will lend you a hand. You can also call us at: +1 (503) 298-4300 (4:00 AM–4:00 PM PST, weekdays) to get assistance.