I don't think Exploders are any more dangerous than anything else- certainly not as far as gas tanks and tires are concerned. Yup, I'd also roll a Pinto w/o a rear bumper. No problem!
I also agree that it is better to have a small, light, agile vehicle and avoid the collision in the first place. HOWEVER, that is predicated by the need to have a driver who's head isn't up their asss.
If piling into something else is inevitable, perhaps it is a good thing to surround oneself with more mass. I mean, good for the perpetrator of the "accident"- not anyone else.
Not defending SUVs though.