This time, we’ll be presenting a ranking of the safest crossover SUVs on sale in Japan as of May 2024 ( Reiwa 6 ). The data was compiled based on the “Automobile Assessment” published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims’ Aid (NASVA). We’ll be presenting the rankings, including models that have received the “Five Star Award,” the highest rating for safety performance.
Top 15 Safest Crossover SUVs
The current models of minicars released as of May 2024 are ranked in order of NASVA’s overall ranking of vehicle safety performance. The Crosstrek received the highest score in the 2020 vehicle safety performance ranking, earning the Five Star Award. This is due to the high performance of EyeSight. Incidentally, this is the top score among all vehicle models.
| Ranking | Car name | Car name | Evaluation year | Overall car safety performance score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st place | Subaru | Impreza Crosstrek |
2023 | 193.53 points / 197 points |
| 2nd place | Toyota | Crown Crossover |
2023 | 188.39 points / 197 points |
| 3rd place | Mazda | CX-60 | 2023 | 186.77 points / 197 points |
| 4th place | Subaru | Solterra | 2022 | 186.16 points / 199 points |
| 5th place | Honda | ZR-V | 2023 | 185.41 points / 197 points |
| 6th place | Subaru | Legacy Outbank |
2021 | 185.02 points / 190 points |
| 7th place | Lexus | RX | 2023 | 184.52 points / 197 points |
| 8th place | Lexus | NX | 2023 | 183.28 points / 197 points |
| 9th place | Nissan | X-Trail | 2023 | 180.34 points / 197 points |
| 10th place | Toyota | Corolla Cross | 2022 | 179.68 points / 199 points |
| 11th place | Toyota | Harrier | 2020 | 177.68 points / 190 points |
| 12th place | Honda | Vezel | 2021 | 177.04 points / 190 points |
| 13th place | Mitsubishi | Outlander | 2021 | 176.77 points / 190 points |
| 14th place | Toyota | Yaris Cross | 2020 | 175.70 points / 190 points |
| 15th place | Nissan | Kicks | 2021 | 172.31 points / 190 points |
1. Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek received the highest rating, the Five Star Award, in the third round of the 2023 Automotive Safety Performance Report. It received an overall rating of 193.53 points (out of 197), achieving a score of 98%.
Subaru’s new Crosstrek receives NASVA’s highest rating, the Five Star Award
SUBARU announced the price of the new CROSSTREK ( Japanese model) on December 1, 2022. The car will be released in December 2022 as the successor to the SUBARU XV, with the name unified globally as CROSSTREK .
Subaru Crosstrek exterior design
The high hood position, which gives the impression of thickness, expresses strength. Furthermore, the sharp front grille bar and LED headlights create a front mask with a light and bold image. Subaru is the first to adopt “full LED high and low beam lamps + LED cornering lamps.” The higher grade models are equipped with 18-inch aluminum wheels. A total of nine exterior colors are available, including the new colors Offshore Blue Metallic and Oasis Blue.
Subaru Crosstrek interior design
The multi-layered structure of the multi-materials makes the most of the texture of each material, resulting in a simple yet expressive instrument panel design. The upper surface of the center console has been raised to create a sense of envelopment and a high-quality feel, while also improving operability. In addition, the ingenious storage facilities have been enhanced to create an interior that is easy to use. Fabric (silver stitching) is available for the higher grades. Tricot (silver stitching) is used for the standard grades. Genuine leather seats are also available as a manufacturer-installed option.
Large 11.6-inch center information display
The car features a large 11.6-inch center information display, which is one of the largest in its class , and also significantly enhanced smartphone connectivity. This has evolved into an infotainment system that can be used seamlessly in the same way as your everyday smartphone.
New generation EyeSight adopted. Top-class safety equipment is included.
Performance has been improved by adopting a triple camera (stereo camera unit + wide-angle monocular camera) . The new stereo camera unit has a significantly wider angle of view, approximately twice that of the previous model. The image recognition software and control software have been improved to enable recognition over a wider and farther range. A new monocular camera has been adopted that has a wider angle than the new stereo camera and can recognize motorcycles and pedestrians. The range of situations in which pre-crash braking can be applied has been expanded, achieving the best performance of any EyeSight model to date.
Subaru Crosstrek specs
The 1.6L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC gasoline engine used in the XV has been discontinued, replaced with a 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC direct injection engine “FB20 type” + motor-assisted “e-BOXER” model.
| Specifications | Crosstrek |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,480mm |
| Overall width | 1,800mm |
| Overall height | 1,580mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670mm |
| engine | 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC direct injection engine “FB20 type” + motor assist “e-BOXER” |
| Maximum power | 107kW (145ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 188Nm (19.2kgm) / 4,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output | 10kW (13.6ps) |
| Motor Max Torque | 65Nm (6.6kgm) |
| transmission | CVT (Lineartronic) |
| Drive system | AWD |
| battery | Lithium-ion battery (4.8Ah) |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 16.4km/L |
For more details, please refer to this article.
2. Toyota Crown Crossover
It is being developed as a new global model in the ” New Generation Crown Series .” It uses the “Newly Developed TNGA Platform. ” The meter uses a “large 12.3-inch full LCD digital meter.” It uses an instrument panel design arranged like an island, known as ” island architecture . ” It also uses the latest ” Toyota Safety Sense .”
About the Toyota Crown Crossover exterior
This 16th generation model continues the legacy of the 15th generation, and instead of the traditional sedan style of the past, it adopts a new crossover SUV style design with a coupe-like rear. The front features horizontally aligned headlights with daytime running lights . The Crown emblem continues to be used . The rear features thin, sharp LED rear combination lamps that extend horizontally. The body color adopts a modern two-tone roof color. The drive system is FF-based, and all vehicles are equipped with a hybrid system . The platform is a newly developed platform based on TNGA. The chassis has been honed at the Nürburgring, and the technology that has greatly advanced the vehicle’s performance in terms of “running, turning, and stopping” is inherited.
21-inch aluminum wheels and four-eye LED headlights are featured on the G LEATHER grade and above.
About the Toyota Crown Crossover interior
The interior will be more luxurious than the 15th generation, and will likely feature an instrument panel design that more fully integrates the display audio. The meter will feature a large 12.3-inch full LCD digital meter . The navigation system will be a Connected Navigation system . A digital inner mirror and Toyota’s first drive recorder (front and rear) will also be installed. In-car Wi-Fi will be available as an option for the display audio .
The interior is standardized, so no matter which model you drive, you’ll think, “That’s a Crown!” The instrument panel has an island-like design called ” island architecture ” that integrates the display audio. The meter uses a ” large 12.3-inch full LCD digital meter .” The navigation system is “Connected Navigation .” It also features a ” digital inner mirror ” and Toyota’s first “drive recorder (front and rear) . ” In-car Wi-Fi is available as an option for the display audio .
The next-generation “Toyota Safety Sense” is adopted, which has improved functionality compared to the previous model. It can also detect oncoming vehicles moving straight when turning right and pedestrians crossing the road after turning right or left . Advanced driving assistance technology “Toyota Teammate” The latest advanced driving assistance technology developed based on Toyota Motor Corporation’s unique autonomous driving concept of driving together, the “Mobility Teammate Concept,” is also adopted in the MIRAI. AI technology centered on deep learning is also incorporated,
Toyota Crown Crossover Specifications
| Specifications | New Crown 2.4 Turbo Hybrid |
New Crown 2.5 Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,930mm | 4,930mm |
| Overall width | 1,840mm | 1,840mm |
| Overall height | 1,540mm | 1,540mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850mm | 2,850mm |
| engine | Inline 4-cylinder 2.4L direct injection turbo engine + motor |
Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THS II) |
| Maximum power | 200kW (272ps) / 6,000rpm |
137kW (186ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 460Nm (46.9) / 2,000-3,000rpm |
219Nm (22.5kgm) / 3,600rpm |
| Front motor maximum output |
61kw (82.9ps) | 88kW (119ps) |
| Front motor maximum torque |
292Nm | 202Nm |
| Rear motor maximum output |
61kW (59ps) | 40kW (54.4ps) |
| Rear motor maximum torque |
169Nm | 121Nm (12.3kgfm) |
| transmission | Direct Shift-6AT | Electric continuously variable transmission |
| battery | Nickel-metal hydride battery 5Ah |
Nickel-metal hydride battery 5Ah |
| Drive system | 4WD (E-Four Advanced) |
4WD (E-Four) |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people |
| Vehicle weight | 1900-1920kg | 1750-1790kg |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 15.7km/L | 22.4km/L |
For more details, please refer to this article.
3. Mazda CX-60
On February 2, 2024 , the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims’ Aid (NASVA) announced the results of an evaluation of Mazda’s automobile safety performance, and announced that the Mazda CX-60 had received the highest rating, the Five-Star Award .
Exterior design
Based on Mazda’s “Kodo-Soul of Motion” design philosophy , the CX-60 features a deeply sculpted front fascia with an aggressive rear end. Eye-catching details include vertically stacked headlights and L-shaped daytime running lights. Unlike the FWD-based CX-5, the CX-60 is built on a front-engine, RWD-based platform, allowing for a longer hood and sexier proportions. Because the CX-60 is rear-wheel-drive, it boasts a minimum turning radius of 5.4 meters, 0.1 mm shorter than the CX-5. Other details include sporty window lines, LED lights with vertical intakes in the front bumper, side gills, and a more prominent rear overhang. The design is inspired by Japanese aesthetic principles, such as the concept of “horse,” which refers to the “serene and dignified beauty of empty space.” For the profile, designers drew inspiration from Japanese calligraphy, and a new reflective white hue accentuates the sculpted body lines.
The interior has a high quality feel, the highest level among Japanese cars!
The CX-60 ‘s interior features intriguing details on fabric upholstery showcasing Japanese craftsmanship , and premium materials such as maple wood, nappa leather, woven Japanese fabrics, and chrome details set it apart from its rivals. Mazda also used “MUSUBU,” a textile-binding technique that inspired the stitching around the instrument panel .
It employs an interesting driver personalisation system that incorporates an autonomous driving position guide that uses cameras to detect the driver’s eye position and then inputs the driver’s eye height to automatically adjust the seat, steering wheel, head-up display and door mirrors.
Large 12.3-inch center information display
The interior features a full TFT-LCD digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a head-up display that is three times larger than that of the CX-30.
Top-class safety equipment is provided
This is the first model to feature the Driver Abnormality Response System (DEA) , which detects abnormalities such as seizures or sudden illness in the driver and helps to avoid accidents or mitigate damage if an accident does occur . It also features a Driver Personalization System that assists in adjusting the driving position . It also features Driver Monitoring, which detects drowsiness and warns the driver, and Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS), a follow-up driving function and steering assist function .
The Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS) now includes night-time pedestrian detection. It also incorporates the latest features such as TJA (Traffic Jam Assist), FCTA (Front Cross Traffic Alert), DM (Driver Monitoring), and TSR (Traffic Sign Recognition System).
For more details, please refer to this article.
4th place: Subaru Solterra
The e-Subaru Global Platform was jointly developed with Toyota as a platform exclusively for BEVs. The Solterra is Subaru’s first globally launched BEV. Packed with the new value of BEVs and the unique Subaru values of “enjoyment and peace of mind” that we have cultivated over many years, the vehicle is environmentally friendly yet can be used with the same peace of mind as the previous Subaru SUV lineup . It boasts a range of over . It is equipped with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 71.4 kWh. Rapid charging technology allows the battery to be charged to 80% in under an hour.
Adopts a dedicated BEV platform based on the e-TNGA concept
The car uses the e-TNGA BEV platform, jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru. It incorporates the unique requirements of a BEV (battery electric vehicle) , and the platform has a low center of gravity and high rigidity, giving it the smooth, responsive driving performance and off-road capability of a full-fledged SUV that makes it appealing not just as a BEV, but as a car in its own right.
We have focused on performance that allows customers to drive safely and with peace of mind, just like other SUBARU vehicles, even when switching from a conventional vehicle. From a practical standpoint, we aimed to ensure a long driving range, especially in winter, and achieve the world’s top level battery capacity retention rate (90% after 10 years), making it a BEV that can be used safely and for a long time.
The vehicle features a lightweight, highly rigid body structure that uses hot-stamped and high-tensile steel plates for the main structural components. It also features an e-Axle that integrates the motor, transaxle, and inverter. It also features an Electricity Supply Unit (ESU) that combines charging and power distribution functions. It also features Subaru’s X-MODE AWD technology (a first for Toyota in an AWD vehicle) .
Subaru Solterra exterior
The exterior features a seamless hexagonal grille that expresses the energy efficiency of a BEV. The horizontal axis of the body that starts from the grille, and the dynamic fenders that jut out from the inside, assert the strength of an SUV. The overall length is 4,690mm, the overall width is 1,860mm, the overall height is 1,650mm, and the wheelbase is 2690mm. The thin, high-capacity battery pack is placed flat under the floor. After seeing the actual photo, I felt that the Toyota RAV4 has a similar size, structure, and atmosphere , but the Subaru-like hexagonal grille, headlight and taillight design, and STI color scheme all felt very Subaru-like. The interior color scheme also gave the impression of an Outback.
Subaru Solterra interior
The interior has an open feel, with a low-profile instrument panel and top-mounted meters (a first for a Subaru) located at the top of the instrument panel and viewed from above the steering wheel. The multimedia system uses a connected navigation system that utilizes cloud-based map information to obtain real-time traffic and parking availability information. In addition to standard navigation functions, it also supports BEV-specific functions such as mobility assistance, display of charging facilities, and display of available driving range. The voice recognition function can also be used to operate the wipers and air conditioning. A “dial-type shift” is used for intuitive and simple operation . As there is no transmission or propeller shaft, the rear seat floor is almost fully flat, ensuring a more spacious interior for the rear seats. A ” digital key ” is also used , which allows users to lock, unlock, and start the system without having to operate the screen if they are carrying a smartphone .
About Subaru Solterra specs
| Specifications | Solterra |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,690mm |
| Overall width | 1,860mm |
| Overall height | 1,650mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850mm |
| motor | AC synchronous motor |
| Front maximum output | 150kW (2WD) 80KW (4WD) |
| Rear maximum output | 80KW (4WD) |
| System Maximum Output | 150kW (2WD) 160KW (4WD) |
| Drive battery | Lithium-ion 71.4kWh |
| Drive system | Front-wheel drive system Four-wheel drive system |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.7mm |
| WLTC mode driving distance per charge |
487km to 567km |
For more details, please refer to this article.
5th place: Honda ZR-V
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims’ Aid (NASVA) announced the results of their evaluation of the automobile safety performance of Honda’s new “ZR-V” on May 10, 2024, announcing that the car had received the highest rating of the “Five Star Award.”
ZR-V exterior
The exterior features a horizontal beltline and flowing proportions, with a longer wheelbase for a low, firm stance. The vehicle’s size is easy to handle and allows for nimble driving around town, while still providing ample interior space and practicality for enjoying a variety of activities, including weekend leisure. In terms of driving performance, the vehicle features a more agile and responsive engine and a newly adopted independent rear suspension, aiming to achieve both ease of handling, refined driving, and the joy of driving. The body measures 4,580mm in length, 1,800mm in width, 1,630mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,735mm.
ZR-V interior
The interior employs an instrument panel that stretches freely to the left and right, creating a spacious feel. The functional and precise finish of each component accentuates the beauty of the design, aiming for a high-quality interior space that is one class above the rest. A high-deck center console separates the driver’s seat from the passenger seat, creating a more personal space.
ZR-V specs
| Specifications | New ZR-V e:HEV |
New ZR-V Z |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,570mm | 4,570mm |
| Overall width | 1,840mm | 1,840mm |
| Overall height | 1,620mm | 1,620mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,680mm | 2,680mm |
| engine | 2.0L inline 4 DOHC i-VTEC + motor (i-MMD) e:HEV |
1.5L direct injection VTEC TURBO engine |
| Maximum power | 104kW (141ps) / 6,200rpm |
131kW (178ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 182Nm (18.6kgm) / 4,500rpm |
240Nm (24.5kgm) / 1,700-4,500rpm |
| Motor maximum output | 135kW (184PS) / 5,000-6,000rpm |
– |
| Motor Max Torque | 315Nm (32.1kgf･m) / 0-2000rpm |
– |
transmission |
Electric continuously variable transmission |
CVT + paddle shift |
| Drive system |
2WD (FF)/ Real Time AWD |
2WD (FF)/ Real Time AWD |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people |
| WLTC mode fuel economy |
22.0km/L – 22.1km/L (2WD) 21.5km/L – 21.7km/L (4WD) |
14.5km/L – 14.6km/L (2WD) 13.9km/L (4WD) |
For more details, please refer to this article.
6. Subaru Legacy Outback
Subaru has completely redesigned the new Legacy Outback, with reservations opening in Japan on September 2, 2021. The car will be officially announced on October 7, 2021, and released on December 2, 2021.
Subaru Legacy Outback exterior
Subaru has completely redesigned the new Impreza Sport and G4 Sedan , and they went on sale on October 25, 2016. They have adopted the next-generation platform, the Subaru Global Platform (SGP). With this full model change, the new Legacy Outback also adopts the next-generation platform, the Subaru Global Platform (SGP). The body dimensions are 4,870mm in length, 1,875mm in width, 1,675mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,745mm.
It is equipped with the next-generation EyeSight system, which is equipped with a wide-angle monocular camera in addition to a stereo camera. A smart rearview mirror with a built-in camera in the shark fin antenna has been adopted, improving safety performance while ensuring the luggage room’s loading capacity. The body color is available in an exclusive Cashmere Gold Opal color. The Limited EX genuine leather seat equipped vehicle has been given seat ventilation/cushion length adjustment mechanisms to improve product appeal. A new special edition vehicle, the Limited EX “Active x Black”, has been added.
Subaru Legacy Outback interior
The interior features a 12.3-inch full LCD meter. The navigation system is equipped with a large 11.6-inch full HD display. The HMI (Human Machine Interface) allows for easy operation in the same way as a smartphone. It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Triple camera (stereo camera unit + wide-angle monocular camera)
The EyeSight driver assistance system has been updated, and now features a triple camera (stereo camera unit + wide-angle mono camera) that adds a wide-angle mono camera to the dual cameras . Improved performance. The new stereo camera unit has a significantly wider field of view, roughly twice that of the previous model. Improved image recognition and control software allow for wider and farther range recognition. The system has been changed to a windshield-mounted system, and a lens hood has been added to prevent accidental contact with the lens. The wide-angle mono camera has a wider field of view than the new stereo camera when driving at low speeds, and a new mono camera has been adopted that can recognize motorcycles and pedestrians. The range of situations in which pre-crash braking can be implemented has been expanded, achieving the best performance of any EyeSight model to date. The vehicle also features a Smart Rearview Mirror and the connected service SUBARU STARLINK .
Subaru Legacy Outback specs
| Specifications | Legacy Outback |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,870mm |
| Overall width | 1,875mm |
| Overall height | 1,675mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,745mm |
| engine | Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder 1.8L DOHC direct injection turbo “DIT” |
| Maximum power | 130kW (177ps) / 5,200-5,600rpm |
| Maximum torque | 300Nm (30.6kgm) / 1,600-3,600rpm |
| transmission | Reartronic |
| Drive system | AWD Symmetrical |
| WLCT mode fuel economy | 13km/L |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
For more details, please refer to this article.
summary
Drivers want to be careful and prevent accidents, but humans can be distracted at times, so it’s good to have a car to help them. Even if you’re careful, there’s still a chance you could collide with an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian, so collision safety features are also necessary to protect yourself. We hope this information will be helpful when purchasing a car.
For more details, please refer to this article.
