When shopping for a new vehicle, especially if you’re a parent, commuter, or cautious driver, safety is often the number-one concern. And one of the most common questions people ask is: Should I buy an SUV or a sedan? While SUVs have surged in popularity over the past two decades, largely due to their size, higher seating position, and perceived safety, the real answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Bigger doesn’t always mean safer.
A new study by Therman Law explores this question in depth by examining crash data and vehicle types, comparing SUVs and sedans to determine which vehicle is truly safer. Using data compiled from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the firm set out to break down how vehicle choice impacts your chances of being involved in a crash, and how likely it is to be fatal.
SUVs Offer More Protection, But Come With Greater Risk
SUVs indeed offer more physical protection in many crash scenarios. Their heavier weight and higher ground clearance provide greater impact absorption in head-on or side-impact collisions. For that reason, many families opt for SUVs, believing they offer superior protection for passengers, particularly children.
However, that protection comes at a cost. Due to their high center of gravity, SUVs are much more prone to rollovers, which are among the deadliest types of motor vehicle crashes. Rollover crashes have a higher fatality rate than any other kind of accident. Even with improvements in SUV design over the years, like electronic stability control, rollover risk remains a concern, especially for inexperienced drivers or those in regions with icy or winding roads.
What the Data Says: SUVs Lead in Fatal Crashes
According to Therman Law’s analysis of NHTSA data, light trucks, a category that includes SUVs, crossovers, and pickups, were involved in more fatal accidents in 2022 than any other vehicle type nationwide. Passenger cars, which include sedans, came in second.
In Illinois alone, the breakdown of fatal crash involvement closely mirrored national trends. Of the 1,853 vehicles involved in fatal accidents across the state in 2022:
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740 were light trucks/SUVs
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648 were passenger cars/sedans
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217 were large trucks
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135 were motorcycles
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83 were specialty vehicles
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10 were buses
That means SUVs were involved in nearly 40% of fatal crashes in Illinois, a sobering statistic that challenges the assumption that they’re inherently safer.
So… Are Sedans Safer?
On paper, sedans are smaller and offer less physical protection in a crash. However, their lower center of gravity makes them significantly less likely to roll over, and they generally offer better maneuverability, especially in tight spots or sudden emergencies.
Sedans also tend to perform better in crash avoidance scenarios, meaning they may help you avoid a crash in the first place. They often come with better braking systems and are easier to control, which can make a major difference when quick reflexes are needed. Combine that with generally better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs, and it’s clear that sedans still have a strong case.
The bottom line is this: SUVs may offer more protection during a crash, but sedans are statistically less likely to be involved in one. That may sound like a paradox, but it’s rooted in a real trade-off: size vs. control, protection vs. prevention.
Fatalities Are Still Far Too Common
Beyond the SUV vs. sedan debate, the broader issue is clear: vehicle fatalities remain a major public health issue. In 2022 alone, 42,514 people died in motor vehicle accidents nationwide, and 1,268 of those occurred in Illinois.
That’s more than 100 deaths per day in the U.S. due to traffic accidents. And while many factors contribute to those numbers, speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving, the type of vehicle involved is increasingly being recognized as a major component of crash severity.
“Vehicle type plays a significant role in crash outcomes,” Therman Law states. “Light trucks, including SUVs, are the most common vehicles involved in fatal crashes, while smaller cars tend to absorb more impact in collisions. Understanding these risks is crucial for improving road safety and reducing preventable deaths.”
Other Overlooked Factors: Color, Features, and Driver Behavior
While vehicle size and type matter, they’re far from the only safety considerations. According to Therman Law, vehicle color can also affect crash rates. Studies show that darker-colored vehicles, like black or dark blue, are more likely to be involved in accidents due to lower visibility. Conversely, white, yellow, and other light-colored vehicles tend to be easier for other drivers to spot, especially in low-light or poor weather conditions.
Built-in safety technology also plays a growing role in reducing risk. Features like blind spot detection, rear-view cameras, lane-departure warnings, and automatic emergency braking can all significantly lower the likelihood of a crash. And of course, driver behavior, such as following speed limits, avoiding distractions, and staying sober, will always be the most important factor in preventing accidents.
The Verdict: Safety Is About the Full Picture
So, which is safer: an SUV or a sedan? The answer depends on what kind of safety you value most. If you’re looking for crash survival, an SUV might be your go-to. But if you’re more focused on avoiding the crash altogether, a sedan could be your best bet.
Therman Law urges drivers to weigh all factors, not just vehicle type, but also their driving habits, the features of the car, and how they use it day to day. A cautious sedan driver with a modern, well-maintained vehicle might be far safer on the road than a reckless SUV driver with outdated safety tech.
At the end of the day, knowledge is power, and making an informed choice could be what keeps you and your loved ones safe.
