Sport utility vehicles, or SUVs, have become increasingly popular over the years, as they offer spaciousness, versatility, and ruggedness that many other vehicle types cannot match. In addition, buying an SUV that ranks high for safety can help save you on insurance rates, as insurers take safety features and crash test ratings into account when setting premiums. If you’re concerned about financing, be sure to look into auto loans from Wells Fargo, LightStream, Captial One, and CarsDirect. Whether you’re buying new or from Schneider finance used trucks and SUVs, here are five SUVs that stand out for their safety features and ratings.

1. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a stylish and sporty SUV that has earned high marks for safety. It comes with a range of advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. In addition, it has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), thanks to its excellent crash test results.

2. Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that is available in electric, hybrid, and gasoline powertrain options. It boasts an impressive suite of safety features, such as forward collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and driver attention warning. The IIHS has given the Tucson a Top Safety Pick rating, making it one of the safest SUVs in its class.

3. Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport is a rugged and capable SUV that has been designed for off-road adventures. It features a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping system, and automatic emergency braking. The Bronco Sport has earned high ratings from both the IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), making it a top choice for safety-conscious buyers.

4. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is a versatile and well-equipped SUV that comes with a long list of safety features. It offers blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, and lane departure warning, among other features. The IIHS has given the Sportage a Top Safety Pick rating, while the NHTSA has awarded it a five-star overall safety rating.

5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a classic SUV that combines ruggedness with comfort and luxury. It has a range of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection. The Grand Cherokee has earned high ratings from the IIHS and the NHTSA, making it a safe and reliable choice for families and adventurers alike.

6. Honorable mentions: Land Rover, Buick, and Toyota
While the above five SUVs are standouts for their safety ratings, it’s worth noting that other SUV makes and models also offer excellent safety features and ratings. For example, Land Rover SUVs are known for their off-road capabilities and advanced safety technologies, while Buick SUVs are popular for their comfortable ride and modern amenities. Toyota SUVs, such as the RAV4 and Highlander, are also known for their reliability and safety features.

When shopping for an SUV, it’s essential to consider safety as a top priority. The Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Bronco Sport, Kia Sportage, and Jeep Grand Cherokee are all excellent choices for their advanced safety features and high crash test ratings. Remember that buying an SUV that ranks high for safety can help save you on insurance rates, making it a smart financial choice as well as a safe one.

Obtaining Financing and Auto Loans

For some, obtaining financing and auto loans is a crucial step in achieving ownership of their dream vehicle. So, if you’re concerned about financing a new vehicle, brand-new or used, you should look into the various financing options that are available to you. To do so, you’ll firstly want to evaluate your personal financial health—this includes reviewing your income, credit score, and existing debt. Your credit score is especially important as it opens doors to more optimal loan terms. Once your financial situation has been assessed, you can go ahead and explore different lending institutions, whether that’s a bank, credit union, or an online lender, to find the best offer. Be sure to take your time and shop around before settling, you want to compare rates and ensure you’re getting the most competitive deal. After selecting your lender, they will have you complete an application with personal and financial information—once approved, the lender will disburse the loan amount, and you can happily purchase your desired vehicle (perhaps one of the above mentioned choices)!