Are Small SUV Cars Safer For Driving Than Large SUVs In Nigeria? 

There are many reasons why most people consider buying smaller SUV cars. The significant reasons are that they are easier to handle and affordable compared to bigger SUV cars. But, are they really safe for driving? Not many have considered that.

For some who have considered if small SUVs are safe, the reality is that they are not safer than bigger ones. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, larger SUVs are safer than smaller ones.

Of course, smaller SUVs are attractive and affordable, but the line blurs at safety. The IIHS says, “a bigger, heavier vehicle provides better crash protection than a smaller, lighter one, assuming no other differences.”

This is because larger SUVs have more space around the passengers, allowing other vehicles in a collision more crush distance before it hits the passengers.

IIHS adds, “The part of the vehicle between the front bumper and the occupant compartment absorbs energy from crashes by crumpling.”

In addition, small SUVs are lighter than larger ones. “Heavier vehicles also tend to continue moving forward in crashes with lighter vehicles and other obstacles, so the people inside them are subject to less force.”

Being in a small SUV in an accident with a larger SUV means passengers are more at risk of incurring injuries.

For young drivers like teenagers, older, larger SUVs are safer for them than the new small SUVs. Many people buy smaller new SUVs for their children because it’s easier to handle. That isn’t entirely the case.

On that note, IIHS says that bigger and heavier vehicles are safer than small ones for young drivers even when the larger one is used, and the smaller one is new.

However, only one small SUV made the IIHS Safety List. The vehicle is no other than the 2022 Mazda CX-5. It has advanced safety systems and acceptable headlight standards in all models.