Power, style and speed are attributes you would look for in a vehicle, right? However, one of the priorities when driving is the integrity of each passenger. Therefore, safety in an SUV should be your priority when thinking about buying one.
Currently, these sport utility vehicles have great technology, efficiency and an automotive design designed to protect you. But, which is the safest and ideal SUV for you?
In this interesting article we bring you the safety systems designed to protect you and your loved ones, from the brakes to the cabin. In addition, we bring you a range of impressive, very safe and advanced models.
ABS anti-lock braking system
This is one of the main safety factors of a vehicle. The anti-lock braking system, better known as ABS, which stands for Anti-lock Brake System, prevents the SUV’s wheels from locking.
This, in the event of sudden and unexpected braking, preventing possible skidding. In other words, the ABS operates efficiently, improving braking in situations of skidding or skidding of the vehicle.
This property of the braking system allows you to have greater control over the steering, which will help you avoid collisions.
It is important to mention that some systems include brake assist as an additional safety feature in your SUV. It detects the pressure, speed or force you generate on the brakes.
In certain conditions, this assistant is useful for providing more powerful braking that activates the ABS system more quickly. In addition, it makes it easier compared to vehicles without anti-lock brakes.
It also contributes to a reduction in braking distance by eliminating the delay caused by not braking in time or hard enough.
Technology for greater protection
Among the technological elements created to protect you on board an SUV is the electronic stability control or ESC.
This is an advanced system that assists the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle during strong evasive maneuvers that could result in rollovers. Through ESC, it is possible to detect skidding on both the front and rear wheels.
It works by identifying vehicle destabilization in curves or due to surface changes. In other words, in situations of oversteer or understeer, as well as sudden leaning of the SUV, the vehicle will automatically activate the brakes on one wheel only.
In this way, the incidence of accidents or traffic accidents caused by swerves or rollovers will be minimized. More safety technology in your SUV? Yes, it exists and it is available for you. We tell you about it.
- Hill Start Assist is capable of preventing the car from rolling backwards when you press and release the brakes on an inclined surface.
- TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring is part of the technology designed for your protection. You can see on a screen the amount of air in each tire, avoiding possible inconveniences.
- The Lane Centering System is another assistant that helps you stay in your lane by detecting lane markings. It uses a front camera that monitors the SUV’s position.
It also warns and corrects the trajectory when the driver tends to drift unintentionally.
- The Fatigue Detector is capable of alerting the driver when it detects a different driving behavior. If this system perceives, through unusual behavior, signs of fatigue, it will suggest taking breaks to rest.
Air bags
Air bags, or commonly known as Airbags, are located in different areas of the SUV. They inflate and are ejected in case of vehicle crashes. How do they work? We explain.
A control unit sends the inflation order with a propellant gas to the bags. When the airbags, which are microperforated in some areas, inflate, the impact is cushioned.
Airbags inflate by releasing nitrogen. They are essential to cushion the impact of passengers against hard surfaces in the passenger compartment: the dashboard, steering wheel or windshield, windows, among others, avoiding the risk of fractures or major damage.
They also work for the rear occupants, and there are even side bags that prevent impacts against the doors.
It is important to understand that the operation of the airbags is 100% effective when the seat belt is properly fastened.
On the other hand, you should remember that it is not recommended to place the child seat rear-facing in the front seat on the driver’s side of the SUV. If the vehicle is equipped with an air bag in that location, it could injure the infant when activated; some vehicles have a control to deactivate it manually, near the glove box; while other systems are automatic when calculating the pressure on the seat, if the weight corresponds to that of a baby, the system deactivates the air bag.
Seat belts
Seat belts are ideal at all times. They provide restraint to the occupants and prevent them from bouncing around at all times. Do you know the new designs of these belts? We tell you about their features to improve performance.
Belts with height adjustment
This is a belt that allows changing the position of the shoulder strap, adjusting to the size of a person. This property could be effective in encouraging passengers to use the belt, as it provides greater comfort for the shoulder and neck area.
Seat belt pretensioner
These are mechanisms that retract the belt fractions of a second before impact, to eliminate the passenger’s space. Thus, each occupant will have better restraint against the seatback.
Rear center shoulder belts
These additional belts are ideal for older children and children in booster seats who usually sit in the center rear position.
Energy management functions
Energy management functions provide added safety by allowing the belts to give a little during the dispersion of forces in a collision. This prevents the belt pressure from concentrating excessively on the chest and pelvis area, causing physical injury.
Other essential safety factors also include ISOFIX systems. Do you know them?
These are special anchorages for quick installation of child safety seats. If you plan to transport them safely, these are ideal to provide total safety in an SUV.
Space and habitability
The body of the vehicle is the element with the largest volume, designed to provide you with adequate space when driving. In addition, it provides comfort and functionality to each passenger, as well as a safe cabin.
In this sense, you have a variety of elements that make your trip more practical, getting what you want without the need to be distracted. For example, there are SUVs with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel and multimedia control buttons.
Head restraints, an element present in the seats, are superior safety extensions. They stop rearward movement of the head during a collision and reduce the likelihood of neck injury.
Head restraints are manually adjustable according to the size of the person, although some automatic head restraints are available.
Some models to consider for 2022
You already know the key elements of protection for you to approach the best SUV with total confidence. And for you to choose correctly we bring you three models that you will surely love, with great power, safety and high visual impact.
Each one of them represents a functional and advanced alternative to take care of yourself, in addition to giving you another level of driving experience. Get ready to meet them this 2022.
Audi Q5: More than an SUV
The Audi Q5 is an SUV that combines sportiness with elegant details to show off in urban spaces. It has horizontal lines in the rear and front that enhance its imposing bearing and offer greater visual amplitude.
This SUV has a 7-speed S-Tronic transmission and represents a very safe vehicle for you and your family. It has 19-inch wheels and 5-arm double diamond design in graphite gray contrast. What other details does it have?
- 3-zone automatic air conditioning
- 10.1-inch high-resolution color screen
- 360° surround camera system
- Electrically adjustable, heated, anti-glare and power folding exterior mirrors with memory
The Audi Q5 is versatile in its driving, very refined and equipped with exclusive finishes in high quality materials. Currently, it is possible to drive a jewel like this in versions with semi-hybrid engines, in addition to offering several benefits.
For example, the Audi Q5 – 45 TFSI MHEV Quattro Advanced has a powerful 4-cylinder in-line engine with light hybridization system (12V on-board electric network).
It has turbocharged air induction and TFSI fuel injection, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and other amazing features.
- Parking system
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360° surround camera system with zenithal view
- Start assist system
- Audi Keyless Go (Start / Stop button)
- Audi Keyless Access
- Audi Drive Select (6 Driving Modes)
JEEP RENEGADE
In addition to the best Off-Road look, the Jeep Renegade features a stunning front end that showcases the redesigned traditional seven-slot grille.
The new Renegade has a front bumper with an angle of attack of 31.3°. This property allows greater ability to tackle any obstacle on any terrain.
It is the best companion for adventure, giving you a combination of smart technology with modern colors and innovative materials.
- New center console design
- Storage spaces
- U-Connect Touch multimedia system with 5-inch color display and Bluetooth connectivity
- Second-row 60/40 split fold-folding second-row seats
- Side-impact door bars
- EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution)
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
- BAS (Brake Assist)
- HSA (Hill Start Assist)
- TC (Traction Control)
- ERM (Electronic Rollover Mitigation)
- Seat belts
- LATCH system (child seat anchorage)
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
FIAT PULSE
A young and unique style to merge with your personality. This is the new Fiat Pulse, a sporty compact utility vehicle ideal for going out with friends, enjoying urban rides or going off the beaten path. Do you know the safety of the Fiat Pulse? We’ll tell you about it.
- Four airbags / Two front and two side airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Advanced Traction Control (TC+)
- Hill start assist (Hill Holder)
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- ISOFIX® child seat restraint system
- Five three-point seat belts, adjustable front seatbelts
- Rear parking camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Security alarm