These 10 SUVs Have the Most Occupant Fatalities per Mile
Bottom line: Big, burly SUVs aren’t automatically safer – ten of them top the list for the most deaths per mile driven. Below we break down why they rank so poorly and what that means for shoppers.
These 10 SUVs Have the Most Occupant Fatalities per Mile – Safety Risks Unveiled
Image: These 10 SUVs Have the Most Occupant Fatalities per Mile – Safety Risks Unveiled – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Most of the models on the list are full‑size, boxy trucks turned family haulers. Their high ride height and massive frames look impressive, but the extra weight can make crash dynamics more severe for occupants.
- Chevrolet Suburban – classic, boxy, three‑row
- Ford Expedition – muscular front end, large windows
- GMC Yukon – premium styling, bold grille
- Dodge Durango – sportier silhouette, aggressive headlights
- Lincoln Navigator – upscale chrome, plush interior
- Cadillac Escalade – imposing presence, distinctive LED lighting
- Jeep Grand Cherokee – rugged, off‑road cues
- Toyota Land Cruiser – utilitarian, utilises a ladder frame
- Nissan Armada – simple, utilitarian design
- Ford Explorer – midsize, crossover look
Performance & Mileage
These SUVs favor power over fuel efficiency. Large V8 or turbo‑charged V6 engines give them the torque needed to move heavy bodies, but the trade‑off is poor mpg numbers, which also means more weight to protect in a crash.
Price & Rivals
All ten sit in the $50k‑$80k price range, competing with each other and with newer crossovers that promise better safety ratings. Their high price doesn’t translate into better occupant protection, which is the key takeaway for buyers.
Quick Reference Table
| Model | Engine | Mileage (city/hwy) | Price (USD) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Suburban | 5.3 L V8 | 15/20 mpg | $58,000 | 3‑row seating, towing capacity, rear‑camera |
| Ford Expedition | 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 | 16/22 mpg | $62,000 | Power‑folding seats, Pro Power Onboard, advanced safety suite |
| GMC Yukon | 5.3 L V8 | 14/19 mpg | $60,500 | Premium leather, magnetic ride control, surround‑view camera |
| Dodge Durango | 3.6 L V6 / 5.7 L V8 | 17/25 mpg (V6) | $55,000 | All‑wheel drive, Uconnect infotainment, adaptive cruise |
| Lincoln Navigator | 3.5 L Twin‑Turbo V6 | 16/22 mpg | $78,000 | Luxury interior, Revel audio, Co‑Pilot360 |
| Cadillac Escalade | 6.2 L V8 | 14/20 mpg | $77,000 | OLED display, magnetic suspension, Super Cruise |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 3.6 L V6 / 5.7 L V8 | 18/25 mpg (V6) | $51,000 | Off‑road modes, Selec‑Terrain, advanced driver assists |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | 5.7 L V8 | 13/18 mpg | $85,000 | Full‑time 4WD, crawl control, premium interior |
| Nissan Armada | 5.6 L V8 | 13/18 mpg | $53,000 | Power‑adjustable seats, rear‑seat entertainment, safety shield |
| Ford Explorer | 2.3 L EcoBoost I‑4 | 20/27 mpg | $48,000 | Hybrid option, SYNC 4, blind‑spot monitoring |
FAQ
- What is the fuel economy of the Chevrolet Suburban? The Suburban averages about 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.
- Is the Ford Expedition safer than the Dodge Durango? Both rank high for fatalities per mile, but the Expedition offers a more comprehensive safety suite, which can make a difference.
- Should I avoid large SUVs because of these stats? Not necessarily. Look for models with recent top safety ratings from IIHS or NHTSA, and consider newer crossovers that blend size with better crash protection.
If you’ve driven any of these models, share your experience in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
