The Best Midsized SUVs Under $35,000 With Key Safety Features

Affordable SUVs With Key Active Safety Features

Automotive safety experts believes that all vehicle models should come stock with safety features such as forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning (BSW).

Unfortunately however, not all vehicle makers provide these key safety features on the more-affordable base trims. As such, analysts at Consumer Reports have recently revised their listing of midsized SUVs under $35,000 with the focus on finding models that come standard with FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, and BSW to help consumers match affordability with safety.

However, do not mistake affordability with a lack of other features---all of the chosen models scored well in past CR road tests and evaluations of reliability.
Please note the following safety feature abbreviations used:

• FCW---forward collision warning
• BSW---blind spot warning
• AEB---automatic emergency braking

Related Article: Consumer Reports Car Analysts Recommend These Compact SUVs Stocked With Popular Standard Safety Features

BEST MIDSIZED SUVS UNDER $35,000 WITH SAFETY FEATURES

2021 Kia Telluride---Price Range: $32,190 - $44,390; CR MPG: Overall 21 mpg / City 14 / Hwy 30 mpg; Rated #1 of 14 tested midsized sport-utility vehicles. Comes standard with FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection and BSW.

Rated analysis:
• One of the best three-row SUVs CR analysts tested.
• Having outstanding reliability.
• Comes with a 291-hp V6 paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
• ‘Possesses a roomy interior comes with positive features including one-touch fold/slide second-row seats.
• Has a towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

2021 Ford Edge---Price Range: $32,750 - $43,600; CR MPG: Overall 22 mpg (with the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine) / City 15 / Hwy 31 mpg; Rated #3 of 12 tested midsized sport-utility vehicles. Comes standard with FCW, City-speed AEB with pedestrian detection, Highway-speed AEB, and BSW.

Rated analysis:
• Possessing improved acceleration and fuel economy.
• Carrying the Co-Pilot 360 system.
• All 2021 models get Ford’s new Sync 4 infotainment system, which includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

2021 Mazda CX-9---Price Range: $34,160 - $46,805; CR MPG: Overall 22 mpg / City 15 / Hwy 32 mpg; Rated #4 of 14 tested midsized sport-utility vehicles. Comes standard with FCW, City-speed AEB with pedestrian detection, Highway-speed AEB, and BSW.

Rated analysis:
• Engaging to drive with a responsive 227-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder mated to a smooth six-speed automatic transmission.
• 22 mpg overall in tests.
• Though second-row seating is generous, the third row is tight.
• Dial-controlled infotainment system may take time to master, but is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• Above-average reliability.

2021 Nissan Murano---Price Range: $32,810 - $45,910; CR MPG: Overall 21 mpg / City 15 / Hwy 29 mpg
Rated #4 of 12: Midsized sport-utility vehicle. Comes standard with FCW, City-speed AEB with pedestrian detection, Highway-speed AEB, and BSW.

Rated analysis:
• Comes with a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a continuously variable transmission.
• The standard Safety Shield 360 system also includes rear cross traffic warning, and rear automatic braking.
• Has a punchy, refined 3.5-liter V6 paired with a continuously variable transmission.
• The cabin is quiet and well-finished, and has an upscale feel to it, and the rear seat is quite roomy and easy to get in and out of. Rear and side visibility are hindered, however.
• Handling isn’t very sporty, with overly light steering that reduces driver confidence. The ride is steady and absorbent on the standard 18-inch tires but less so on the 20-inch tires found on the Platinum trim.

2021 Toyota Venza---Price Range: $32,670 - $40,000; CR MPG: Overall 37 / City 31 / Hwy 42 mpg; Rated #5 of 12 Midsized sport-utility vehicles. Comes standard with FCW, City-speed AEB with pedestrian detection, Highway-speed AEB, and BSW.

Rated analysis:
• As a new all-wheel-drive hybrid SUV positioned between the RAV4 and Highlander.
• The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric drive, shared with the RAV4 Hybrid, yields a combined output of 219 hp.
• The Venza rides comfortably and handles soundly, but tire and engine noise can be pronounced, and the controls are very distracting.
• High-end Limited versions are available with a dimmable electrochromic glass roof.

For more details and specs of the vehicles, readers are encouraged to visit ConsumerReports.org for unparalleled reviews of cars and how they compare in model by model comparison studies. And not just for their car reviews, but their tire recommendations as well such as: Consumer Reports Analysts Recommend Against Buying These Tires and these Best Rated High Performance Car Tires of 2021 Including Winter Swap Outs.

And finally…

For more about great car deals that save money, be sure to check The Best SUVs Under $30,000 Recently Revised by Consumer Reports reported earlier.

COMING UP NEXT: Who Makes the Best Toyota---US or Japan?

Timothy Boyer is Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily automotive-related news.