Today's SUV-consumers are driven toward finding safer vehicles - and that's helped steer auto manufacturers toward providing more options. However, the number of SUVs available can sometimes make finding one with the right safety features seem confusing. This auto-safety overview may help you find the right SUV for you and your family.
- Four-Wheel Independent Suspension - This feature allows each wheel to react individually to bumps in the road and increases the chances that all wheels will remain firmly planted on the ground. For instance, the Porsche Cayenne features independent suspension at all four corners. The set-up delivers handling similar to that of a sport sedan, with precise and responsive steering that could be vital during an evasive maneuver.
- Unibody Structure - A unibody offers a lower center of gravity and helps reduce body sway, which also helps keep all four wheels firmly on the ground. It also provides increased rigidity to help further enhance handling and to provide outstanding crash characteristics. SUVs feature rigid unibody construction. They use high-strength steel for 60 percent of the structure.
- Electronic Stability Control Systems (ESC) - ESC systems are designed to "take over" if a car's sensors detect a loss of control.
- Anti-Lock Disc Brakes - Many of today's cars are equipped with anti-lock brakes, but it's important to look for vehicles with disc brakes, since SUVs frequently carry heavy loads.
- Aerodynamics - Poor aerodynamics can generate lift under a vehicle, creating instability. The SUV behaves in a way similar to a sports car due to its streamlined shape.
- Airbags - Dual front airbags, a pair of side impact bags and curtain airbags are commonplace.
Many of today's SUVs come equipped with advanced safety features.
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