"In the Trade-Off Between Weight and Fuel Economy, Safety Tech Tips the Scale" Edmunds Daily

In the Trade-Off Between Weight and Fuel Economy, Safety Tech Tips the Scale

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Life is a series of trade-offs, and lately more and more drivers have been trading the size, comfort and safety of large SUVs for the fuel economy of smaller vehicles . But for many accustomed to the high perch and higher sense of security afforded by an SUV, downsizing to a smaller car can leave them feeling vulnerable.

But you can have the best of both worlds, according to Forbes Autos' "Safest Vehicles for Downsizing" list , and safety technology can make the difference even though it may add a few pounds and cost a few mpg. While the Forbes Autos list includes such not-so-small vehicles as the BMW X3 and Honda Element, along with sedans such as the BMW 3 Series and Volvo's S40 and compacts like the Volkswagen Jetta/Rabbit and Subaru Impreza, the one thing the 10 vehicles have in common is a curb weight of under 4,000 pounds (except for the X3, which is a hair over at 4,012).

Overall weight has steadily increased for passenger vehicles over the last decade. According to Forbes Autos, the average weight of "light-duty" vehicles rose from 3,221 pounds in 1997 to 4,144 pounds in 2007. Ironically, part of that weight gain comes from safety equipment that has been added over the past 10 years, some of which was federally mandated. But in balancing weight, fuel economy and safety, certain technology is crucial, the article contends.

Forbes Autos narrowed the list by including only passenger cars and crossovers less than 180 inches long and excluding vehicles with less than a four-star crash rating from NHTSA and an Acceptable rating from IIHS in front and side crash tests, as well as incorporating Informed for Life's SCORE rating that uses additional elements such as weight and rollover ratings.

On the safety front, the list nixed vehicles without electronic stability control and side-curtain airbags as standard or optional equipment. IIHS statistics found that side-curtain airbags reduce the risk of fatalities in side-impact crashes by 37 percent, and the organization points out that side-curtain airbags are even more crucial in smaller vehicles since they are lower and lighter than many other vehicles on the road, which puts passengers at greater risk.

So if you're in search of better gas mileage and in the market for a smaller vehicle, adding safety technology could cost you a few more mpg, but could also save your life.