Every year, the automobile industry churns out new and enhanced SUV and crossover models. Though it is great to have more choice and variety, a broad array of options can make the process of choosing difficult for buyers. However, if your top priority is to accommodate your family safely—or even ensure your safety as an individual—in the car, then there is a specific list of options that you can look at. If you’re concerned about financing, be sure to look into auto loans from Wells Fargo, LightStream, Captial One, and CarsDirect.

Read on to know about some of the safest SUVs and crossovers that have entered the market recently:

1. Subaru Crosstrek

This is one of the safest SUVs that you can drive on and off the road. It is equipped with cruise control, automatic emergency braking, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and high beams that make it safe to drive at night. The CVT-equipped model has a superior crash-prevention score. There is also the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid that has all the safety features of the standard Subaru Crosstrek, along with the Starlink Safety and Security Feature (on a subscription basis) that offers emergency roadside assistance, vehicle alerts, and more.

2. Mazda CX-5

Mazda is a trusted automobile manufacturer that continues to outdo itself year after year. Apart from being extremely stylish internally and externally, the SUV also boasts excellent driving dynamics and a turbocharged engine. Its 2021 model has an improved collision-avoidance technology and increased torque for engines.

3. Cadillac XT6

This is the newest seven-seater SUV which, like all other crossovers on this list, has an excellent driver assisting system in place. Apart from standard equipment like collision alert, emergency automatic braking, blind-spot detection, and other safety alerts, it also has a front pedestrian alert with automatic braking; a display system on the front windshield that replicates the information present on your car’s dashboard so that you can keep your eyes on the road; and front, side, and rear cameras to help you avoid dashing into nearby objects while parking. The XT6 earns a spot among the best safety-rated SUVs with excellent marks in IIHS’s frontal car crash survival tests.

4. Lexus NX

This model is Lexus’s first compact SUV after its RX, GX, and LX models. There are many reasons why it is one of the best safety-rated SUVs. Some of them include automatic emergency braking for pedestrian detection; and lane, road sign, and steering assist systems; adaptive cruise control; and automatic high beams. The Lexus NX features on the list of the IIHS 2021 Top Safety Picks and also has a good score in front crash prevention.

5. Acura RDX

This luxury crossover is one of the best safety-rated cars known for its driver-assistive features. It also features adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and collision mitigation braking, among others. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the RDX an overall five-star rating, and a good score for frontal, rollover, and side crash survival as well.

6. Hyundai Nexo

What makes Nexo one of the best and safest SUVs is that it uses hydrogen fuel to power its electric motor. Its features include automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, lane centering assist, and driver attention warning. It has good scores in six of IIHS’s crashworthiness tests and also fares well in its front crash prevention tests.

Obtaining Financing and Auto Loans

For some, obtaining financing and auto loans is a crucial step in achieving ownership of their dream vehicle. So, if you’re concerned about financing a new vehicle, brand-new or used, you should look into the various financing options that are available to you. To do so, you’ll firstly want to evaluate your personal financial health—this includes reviewing your income, credit score, and existing debt. Your credit score is especially important as it opens doors to more optimal loan terms. Once your financial situation has been assessed, you can go ahead and explore different lending institutions, whether that’s a bank, credit union, or an online lender, to find the best offer. Be sure to take your time and shop around before settling, you want to compare rates and ensure you’re getting the most competitive deal. After selecting your lender, they will have you complete an application with personal and financial information—once approved, the lender will disburse the loan amount, and you can happily purchase your desired vehicle (perhaps one of the above mentioned choices)!