Today, automobiles are fitted with complex but compelling safety features. This is because safety is among the major factors buyers consider before making a purchase. Aside from other features like weight and luxurious stylings, safety is essential.
If you're in the market for a family car, you're probably wondering, "is an SUV safer than a Sedan?" SUVs and sedans are a favorite among people who love going on road trips and traveling with company. While these two vehicles have plenty to offer, one has more to offer than the other in terms of safety.
Which One? Read on to find out!
Yes. While sedans aren't necessarily unsafe, SUVs are safer than them. The bigger and heavier build gives SUVs an edge over their counterparts. However, this isn't the case for all SUVs. Similarly, it's possible to find sedans that are just as safe as some SUVs.
Generally, SUVs like GAC MOTOR GS3 Power feature a more heavyweight structure thanks to the metal they're made from. These metals contribute to the car's build which absorbs impact better in the event of a crash or collision.
Research reveals that half of SUV passengers are more likely to survive a car crash compared to sedans. Also, 8 % of passengers are more susceptible to death in a crash involving a sedan than its counterpart. Lastly, in case of a head-on collision, the driver of an SUV is 7.6x more prone to survive compared to a sedan driver.
Why Are SUVs Safer?
The weight and size of an SUV are significant factors that add to its safety. A collision including a sedan and an SUV will most likely leave the sedan more damaged than an SUV.
They tend to have a more extensive surface area to distribute energy due to impact. These impacts include T bone, side impacts, and head-on. The large structure combined with the safety features helps shield passengers better.
Again, regarding size, you're not likely to be found under other vehicles in case of impact. On the other hand, sedans might run beneath trailers and trucks when there's a collision.
All the same, SUVs feature an elevated hood to guarantee it doesn’t run under other vehicles. Additionally, its reinforced frame and body give room for the inclusion of extra protective fixtures, such as the push bar at the front.
Not all SUVs are Entirely Safe
The COG of an SUV is elevated by its higher ride height. This escalates the chances of rolling over if you do specific fast maneuvers in case of a side impact. Sedans present a 3% risk of rollover, while SUVs have a 12 % risk.
Generally, SUVs have performed better than their counterparts in multiple safety tests. Nevertheless, they don't score well on rollover tests. These are usually instances where a car flips on the other side during a fast maneuver, accident, or sneaks past a sharp corner.
Since SUVs are heavy at the top, some navigations, like swift swerving to evade something, could result in it on its side or upside down. Also, side impact could leave your vehicle on its side.
Further, driving slowly on a banked terrain or steep slope could result in this unfortunate placement. However, SUVs can drive through numerous surfaces thanks to their vast ground clearance. That said, if the slope is slightly miscalculated, and the SUV tilts a bit too much, it will land on its side or flip over in more serious situations.
Finally, there are plenty of SUVs currently, and most of the downsides they had over smaller cars are being wiped out. This means, the issue of rolling over and landing on the side only involves previous SUVs with heavy and raised structures.
Sedans are Still Somewhat Safe
The safety gap between sedans and SUVs is diminishing thanks to the new technology in the current sedans. This, coupled with sedans` invulnerability to rolling over, they are catching up to SUVs fast regarding safety.
Moreover, sedans are lighter, which is an added advantage because collision and brake assist systems operate excellently on a light vehicle.
An automobile's safety is partly affected by the type of vehicle and the driver's cautiousness. For maximum safety, abide by the rules like not driving while drunk and using seat belts.
So, is an SUV safer than a sedan? Yes. Nonetheless, the margin is slowly getting thinner thanks to technological advancements.
