Are SUVs Safer Than Sedans?

SUVs. They dominate the current market. But are they worth it?

Are they more secure than other body styles? Specifically, are SUVs safer than sedans?

The United States has some of the most hazardous roads in the world. It’s vital to be prepared and ready for an incident.

This guide will compare SUVs and sedans in a few different ways.

In summary, SUVs are significantly safer in crashes. But it’s easier to avoid the collision in the first place with a sedan.

Safety: SUV vs. Sedan – Bottom Line Up Front

SUVs are larger, heavier, and taller than sedans. That much is clear. And in general, the bigger the vehicle is – and the further the occupants are from the impact point – the safer it is.

But there are more factors at play here. For example, the taller SUV is perhaps more prone to roll with sudden steering inputs. The increased weight and height also mean SUVs are more challenging to control vs. sedans.

So, regarding safety, which is better? Well, that really depends. Do you want prevention and avoidance, or would you prefer to trade agility for a buffer?

Which Is Safer If An SUV Crashes Into A Sedan?

Unfortunately, there would be very little contest in a head-on collision. The SUV would almost always be safer, offering its occupants significantly more protection.

Some reports say you’re up to ten times more likely to sustain a severe injury in a low-safety-scored sedan than in a top-of-the-range SUV.

That’s quite a lot.

The short seating of a sedan can also be a dangerous factor. Although modern engineering does its part to help avoid this, the sedan’s hood can dive underneath the other vehicle. This exposes the driver and passengers to the bulk of the other car and is much more precarious.

Are Heavier SUVs Safer Than Light Sedans?

The bulkier a vehicle is, the better it’s likely to protect its occupants in a crash. SUVs far outperform sedans in this field.

Many associated crash tests have been undertaken. The results? Injuries are far more likely in the lighter car.

The same can be said, of course, if you compare SUVs with larger vehicles like trucks or semis. Whichever has less weight is almost always worse off.

So, yes, in a collision, you’re much safer in an SUV than a passenger car.

What’s The Case For Sedan Safety vs. SUVs?

So, in a frontal collision, a sedan has no chance. Why, then, are they still quite popular with the masses? What’s the case for safety in a sedan?

It’s not a one-size-fits-all statement, but usually, sedans offer drivers improved car control compared to SUVs.

Car control is primarily related to how low the center of mass concept is. Of course, it also encompasses factors like suspension, steering, wheelbase, transmission, and body rigidity.

In general, the smaller and lighter a car is, the more control the driver has over it. As such, in sedans, it should be much simpler to brake and swerve to avoid collisions without spinning out. Smaller hatchbacks would offer even more of this.

Unfortunately, there are no statistics to officially back this assertion up. However, it would be intriguing to see how many SUVs are involved in collisions vs. the number of compact sedans.

Is An SUV Safer Than A Sedan?

In summary, how should you approach this hotly debated subject?

SUVs undeniably perform better in a collision. They offer the occupants much greater protection.

Sedans are usually easier to handle and may help prevent an accident.

Accidents always happen before you can blink, usually on streets that you’re familiar with. It’s impossible to predict whether you’ll want to escape and evade or just brace. Fight or flight.

For a more thorough look, chat with bodywork mechanics (not salespeople!) and crash investigators about the pros and cons of specific models. They’ll tell you about the types of cars they see most often and how bad the damage usually is.

When deciding between an SUV and a sedan, you should also consider other drivers. Remember, a road traffic incident might not be your fault. What would you do if a reckless, texting, drunk, or intoxicated driver came speeding the wrong way down the road?

If you’re in doubt or concerned about vulnerable others in your household (children, elderly relatives, etc.), go with the SUV. It’s the lower risk, lower reward option.

You might consider a sedan if you prefer to maintain a corporate executive-type appearance. That said, plenty of athletic SUVs out there might really slice the cheese for you.

Remember: all contemporary cars are as secure as houses compared to the days gone by. Whether you choose an SUV or a sedan, driving carefully and with constant road awareness is the best way to avoid injury to yourselves and damage to the car.