Safest SUVs 2011

Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are meant to be tough while being on the road. Traditionally, SUVs were intended to be used for off-road purposes only. However, as time passed, many different technologies were incorporated into these muscular machines. Along with a considerable amount of engine power, acceleration, load carrying and towing capacity; those manufactured today also come with the best safety features. Car experts believe that SUVs made by Volvo are the safest on the planet.

List of Safest SUVs

Volvo XC90 V8 AWD
Volvo cars and SUVs are definitely the best when it comes to safety of passengers. The 'V8 AWD' variant has a 4.4 liter 8-cylinder engine, producing 311 hp. Safety features include Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) anti-skid system, Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA), ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Roll Stability Control (RSC), pedestrian detection system, and many more impressive safety features from Volvo. This SUV is available at a base price of about $48,000.

Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTEC SUV
This Merc sports a 3.0 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine which gives out 210 hp of power. The most prominent features is its PRE-SAFE predictive occupant-protection system, which prepares the interiors for a possible collision before it occurs. The 4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) contributes to the vehicle's control on road. Features like the Brake Assist (BAS) help the driver in emergency conditions when brakes are required. The estimated base price for this SUV is believed to be around $50,500.

Subaru Tribeca 3.6R Touring
Automobiles made by Subaru are known for their trademarked 'Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive' system which aids in efficient traction. This vehicle is mounted with a 3.6 liter SUBARU BOXER 6-cylinder engine, which has a power of 256 hp. It has six airbags and rollover sensors as a standard feature. It comprises many safety features like Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Variable Torque Distribution (VTD), Brake Assist, and so on. The company claims the starting price to be around $36,500.

Ford Edge SEL
Ford is also reputed to have good safety features in its product offerings. The Ford Edge SEL has a 3.5 liter V6 engine which gives a power of 285 hp. The AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC) system aids in proper wheel control in case of a wheelslip. Its Personal Safety System consists of seatbelt and crash sensors. Whereas, its Safety Canopy system includes rollover sensors and passenger airbags. Other safety functions include Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, and four-wheel ABS. This is surely one safest SUV for children. The base price is reported to be about $30,500.

Volkswagen Touareg VR6 FSI Sport
The Volkswagen Touareg is a good example of how safe SUVs should be made. The body primarily consists of a safety cage, which is actually a setup of strong steel pillars, keeping the passengers safe during a rollover or a hit. The Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) is probably the best technology ever invented in vehicles. After the deployment of airbags, this system unlocks all doors, disconnects the battery terminal from the alternator, turns off the fuel pump, and turns off most electrical components. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system helps prevent oversteering or understeering in extreme maneuvering. It has a 280 hp 3.6 liter VR6 engine and the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. You may have to pay a starting price of about $44,450 for this variant of the Touareg.

These are some models from which you can shortlist the safest SUVs as per your budget and driving requirements and then go to the nearest car dealer for a test ride before buying one. All these vehicles have got good SUV safety ratings with regards to safety on road. There are many other SUVs which have top class safety features; some of which are the Audi Q7, Toyota Highlander, GMC Acadia, Lincoln MKX, and the Saab 9-4X.