Top 10 Safest Small SUVs

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) released its list of safety winners in the small SUV category. To be awarded Top Safety Pick honors from the Institute, a vehicle must garner Good ratings in all three of the Institute’s tests: 40 mph frontal offset crash test, side crash test, and rear crash test/head restraint protection. All vehicles must be equipped with standard electronic stability control or include it as an available option. In alphabetical order, IIHS awarded the following small-class sport-utility vehicles Top Safety Pick honors for 2009:

Ford Escape Escape

Honda CR-V

Honda Element

Mazda Tribute

Mercury Mariner

Mitsubishi Outlander

Nissan Rogue

Subaru Forester

Toyota RAV4

Volkswagen Tiguan