7 Safe Used SUVs for Albany Drivers

It’s been remarked before that no two drivers are alike, and what one driver looks for in a vehicle, another might overlook altogether. While attributes such as performance, comfort, storage, and towing can vary greatly depending on what make and model you choose, there’s one aspect of the purchasing process that should always take priority, particularly if you’re a family-oriented consumer looking at an SUV: safety. Speed and stereo systems are great, but there’s nothing more important than the peace of mind that comes from the knowledge that what you’re driving is structurally sound and can withstand an impact in the event of a collision. At DePaula Ford, we think of ourselves as much more than an Albany, NY, used SUV dealer. Instead, we see ourselves as a location that offers the community options that place safety and security at the forefront. Today we will look at seven used SUVs known for their safety.

#1 – 2020 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape debuted at a unique time in the industry’s history. As the design of the SUV gradually shifted from large to compact, the Escape was one of the first smaller SUV offerings. In 2020, there was a lot to be excited about as far as the Escape was concerned. Always a brand that has prioritized safety, Ford took the initiative to make a wide variety of features standard on the Escape as part of the Co-Pilot360 suite. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking was added, and vision was heightened thanks to the addition of a Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. While 2020 was a year of unpredictability, the Ford Escape represented some much-needed stability. Aside from receiving the coveted five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, the IIHS named the 2022 Escape one of its Top Safety Picks.

#2 – 2019 Mazda CX-5

SUVs and pickups have long been associated with domestic manufacturers. But as we’ve seen time and time again, some of the safest vehicles come to us from overseas. Mazda has constantly shown its talent for design and innovation in crafting stylish, safe, and accessible vehicles in recent years. The CX-5 is no exception. Providing the same qualities commonly associated with European brands, 2019 was a year in which praise for the CX-5 came from everywhere. A five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA was complimented by an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and even a 10Best award from Car and Driver.

#3 – 2021 Toyota RAV4

Toyota’s reputation for dependability and quality is matched by the brand’s tireless dedication to safety. There’s much more to safety than driver-assistance features. This was exemplified in the design of the RAV4’s interior for the 2021 model year. By applying ergonomics to the layout, Toyota placed an increased focus on the mechanics of how the human body moves when it’s behind the wheel and optimized performance and well-being while doing so. It’s the small things that sometimes make all of the difference. Toyota continued to put its customers first, as Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and other advanced driver-assist features are standard on the 2021 RAV4.

#4 – 2021 Honda CR-V

One of the most popular compact SUV options, the CR-V, is Honda’s flagship in its fleet of family-oriented vehicles. Honda has never taken shortcuts when it comes to safety; year after year, it has proved to be one of the leading manufacturers in providing its drivers with peace of mind. The 2021 model year was no different, as NHTSA crash-testing once again proved that the CR-V was an excellent choice for the populace. Valuable safety and driver-assistance features are accessible via Honda’s Sensing suite. Equipped with such items as a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and a Road Departure Mitigation System, the 2021 Honda CR-V adds peace of mind when you are out on the roads.

#5 – 2020 Ford Explorer

The best-selling SUV of all time, the Ford Explorer, arrived long before the SUV craze was in full swing. As the flagship SUV of the Ford fleet, few vehicles in its class have received higher acclaim and distinction than the Explorer. While much has changed in the SUV market in the time since the Explorer first debuted, the commitment to excellence and quality has remained unchanged. The 2020 model year saw the Explorer add more standard safety and driving assistance features than ever before. Already the recipient of another five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, the 2020 Explorer also benefited from Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Evasive Steering Assist, and even Active Park Assist 2.0 to eliminate parallel parking worries. The SUV craze can be credited to the Explorer, and once again, the Blue Oval raised the stakes in terms of offering more to consumers.

#6 – 2020 Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade first hit the market for the 2020 model year. Replacing the discontinued Sante Fe XL, the Palisade became the Korean manufacturer’s new three-row SUV. With notable shoes to fill, Hyundai placed a great deal of emphasis on the vehicle’s safety. Hyundai, which has completely shed its old reputation as an “economical car brand,” has positioned itself as a brand with an eye for safety and sustainability. Like many of the other vehicles on our list, the 2020 Palisade was given a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go come standard across all trim levels of the 2020 Palisade, as does stability control to give drivers an advantage when embracing less-than-favorable road conditions. Side, knee, front, and overhead airbags are installed to ensure that drivers have complete and total protection in the event of a collision.

#7 – 2018 Lexus RX

If one wants to illustrate just how vast the SUV market has grown in recent years, look no further than the Lexus RX. The SUV has earned its stripes as the ideal family vehicle, but the luxury brands haven’t let the segment pass them by and have put their own stamp on the vehicle. Receiving high marks during the 2018 model year, the Lexus RX puts just as much emphasis on safety as it does on luxury. A suite of driver-assist features known as Lexus Safety System+ includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control powered by radar and cameras, and Lane Departure Alert with
Lane Keep Assist. Altogether, these systems resulted in the vehicle being named an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Staying Safe in Albany and Everywhere Else

For a great many drivers, safety is the top priority when shopping for a used SUV. While there are many used vehicles currently on the market, some are safer and more reliable than others. Choosing the ideal SUV can sometimes seem difficult, especially with so many makes and models on the road today. At DePaula Ford, you’ll find selection, service, and prices that you can’t find anywhere else. We’ll help you pick what vehicle works best for you and affords you the peace of mind that comes with staying safe while on the road in Albany or anywhere else your travels take you.