Are SUVs Safer Than Cars? Here's What the Experts Say

Expert Insights on SUV vs. Car Safety!

With so many vehicles on the road today—from compact sedans to towering SUVs—many drivers and families wonder: Are SUVs actually safer than cars? At Victory Auto Body and Paint in Burbank, California, we work on all types of vehicles and see firsthand how different models perform after accidents. While safety depends on many factors, there are some clear differences between SUVs and cars worth considering when choosing your next ride.

1. Size and Weight Matter in a Crash
One of the biggest reasons people believe SUVs are safer is their larger size and heavier weight—and they’re not wrong. In a multi-vehicle crash, larger vehicles like SUVs tend to fare better simply due to physics.

• Heavier vehicles transfer more crash energy to the lighter vehicle
• Larger frames offer more protection in certain types of collisions

Fact: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) confirms that occupants of heavier vehicles generally experience lower fatality rates in crashes compared to smaller vehicles.

2. Higher Driving Position Improves Visibility
SUVs give drivers a higher seat position, offering better visibility over traffic. This helps many drivers anticipate road hazards and avoid potential accidents. That increased line of sight can be a valuable advantage, especially in congested urban areas like Burbank.
However, it’s important to note that higher doesn’t always mean safer—increased visibility should be matched with responsible driving habits.

3. More Advanced Safety Features in Modern SUVs
Many newer SUVs come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including:

• Forward collision warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane departure alerts
• Automatic emergency braking

While these features are also found in newer sedans, SUVs often offer more comprehensive safety packages, especially in mid-size and full-size models.

4. Rollover Risk: A Known SUV Drawback
One area where SUVs can fall short is in their higher center of gravity, which increases the risk of rollover accidents.

• Sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers at high speeds can be more dangerous
• Older SUV models were especially prone to rollovers

Fortunately, modern SUVs now include electronic stability control and anti-rollover technology, which have significantly reduced this risk in recent years.

5. Sedans Still Have Safety Advantages
Don’t count cars out—sedans often offer:

• Better handling and cornering at high speeds
• Lower rollover risk
• Shorter stopping distances due to lighter weight

If you’re comparing equally equipped sedans and SUVs, the difference in overall safety may come down to how the vehicle is driven, not just its category.

Conclusion: It Depends on What You’re Looking For
So, are SUVs safer than cars? The answer is: it depends.
​If you want mass, visibility, and family space, an SUV may give you more peace of mind. If you prefer agility, efficiency, and a lower rollover risk, a sedan might be the better option.

At Victory Auto Body and Paint, we repair both SUVs and cars with expert precision. No matter what you drive, we’re here to help keep you safe and get you back on the road. Stop by our Burbank location for a free estimate today!