The 2022 Mazda CX-5 is a good SUV with great safety ratings. In fact, the IIHS gives the CX-5 its highest honor, the Top Safety Pick+ award. To get this prestigious safety award, an SUV must have good crash test ratings in all major categories. It also has to have superior or advanced safety systems and acceptable or good headlights standard on all models.

On top of that, the Mazda CX-5 has a good rating for its updated side crash test. Unlike the old side crash test, vehicles in the updated test strikes a 4,200 pound barrier at 37 mph. Previously, it hit a 3,300 pound barrier at 31 mph. This is important because it simulates what happens in crashes with today’s vehicles, which tend to be larger and heavier than before.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 only has an acceptable side crash test result
Watch 2021 Volvo XC40 updated side IIHS crash test

Unfortunately, the 2022 Volvo XC40 didn’t perform as well on the updated side crash test as the 2022 Mazda CX-5. Although it’s also a Top Safety Pick+ winner, the XC40 only has an acceptable rating for the updated side crash test. This test isn’t part of the consideration for the Top Safety Pick+ and Top Safety Pick awards yet, so it doesn’t keep the XC40 from the top safety award.

It’s also worth noting that in addition to its less-than-perfect updated side crash test result, the 2022 Volvo XC40 has a poor rating for its seat belt reminders. In addition, it has just an acceptable rating for its car seat LATCH system. These may be factors you want to think about if you’ll be buying your new SUV for your family.

The 2022 Audi Q3 doesn’t have a great updated side crash test
Watch 2021 Audi Q3 updated side IIHS crash test

The 2022 Audi Q3 also doesn’t have a good updated side crash test rating. It’s also not a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ winner. It has an acceptable rating, which makes it not as safe as the 2022 Mazda CX-5. To further make the new updated side crash test more like an actual car accident, the IIHS has changed the honeycomb barrier that the vehicle hits.

The IIHS says, “Like real SUVs and pickups, the new barrier tends to bend around the B-pillar between the driver and rear passenger doors. This creates depressions in the front and rear doors of the struck vehicle. The occupant space can be compromised this way even if the vehicle has a strong B-pillar.”

If you’re in the market for a new SUV, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 may be your best choice. And, surprisingly, the Mazda CX-5 may be an even safer choice than some luxury SUVs.