When you think about family rides safety is key and midsize SUVs are super popular for folks looking for a mix of space utility and top-notch safety features. But with all the choices out there how do you figure out which midsize SUVs really shine when it comes to keeping you and your loved ones safe?
In this guide we’ll take a look at some of the safest midsize SUVs you can find today using crash test scores and info from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
Why Midsize SUVs
Midsize SUVs are often the go-to choice for families, offering ample cargo space, comfortable seating, and a higher driving position. However, safety should be the primary deciding factor when selecting a vehicle that’ll be responsible for transporting loved ones.
Benefits of a Safe Midsize SUV
- Lower Insurance Costs – Vehicles with high safety ratings often enjoy reduced insurance premiums.
- Peace of Mind – Advanced driver-assistance features help prevent accidents and mitigate injuries.
- Better Resale Value – Safest models often maintain strong demand in the used car market.
Key Safety Features to Look For
Today’s midsize SUVs are packed with cutting-edge safety technology. Here are the most important features to keep an eye on:
1. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Helps stop or slow the SUV if a collision is imminent.
- Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keeping Assist – Ensures the vehicle stays within its lane.
- Adaptive Cruise Control – Maintains a safe distance from the car ahead.
- Blind Spot Monitoring – Alerts you to vehicles in adjacent lanes.
2. Structural Integrity & Airbags
- Crash-Tested Platform – A robust frame with strategic crumple zones reduces impact forces.
- Multiple Airbag Arrays – Includes front, side, curtain, and sometimes knee airbags.
- Reinforced Roof – Protects occupants in rollover scenarios.
3. Child Safety & Convenience
- Easy-to-Access LATCH Points – For quick installation of child seats.
- Rear Seat Reminder – Ensures you don’t forget children or pets in the back.
- Surround-View Cameras – Makes parking and reversing safer.
Top 5 Safest Midsize SUVs (Midsize SUV Safety Ratings)
Using data from IIHS crash tests, NHTSA star ratings, and real-world owner reviews, here are the top 5 safest midsize SUVs:
1. 2025 Subaru Outback
IIHS Ratings: Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Rating: 5 stars overall
Highlights:
- EyeSight Driver Assist with lane centering and AEB.
- Standard Symmetrical AWD for superior traction.
- Reinforced Subaru Global Platform enhances crash protection.
Potential Drawback: Less towing capacity than some competitors.
2. 2025 Toyota Highlander
IIHS Ratings: Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Rating: 5 stars overall
Highlights:
- Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) includes pre-collision system and dynamic radar cruise control.
- Excellent side-impact protection.
- Reliable V6 or hybrid powertrains with consistent performance under duress.
Potential Drawback: Tight third-row seating for taller passengers.
3. 2025 Honda Pilot
IIHS Ratings: Top Safety Pick in higher trims with LED headlights
NHTSA Rating: 5 stars overall
Highlights:
- Honda Sensing suite (adaptive cruise, collision mitigation).
- Rigid chassis design optimized for frontal and side impact.
- Advanced airbag systems including side curtain airbags with rollover sensor.
Potential Drawback: Higher trims are required for full ADAS features.
4. 2025 Mazda CX-9
IIHS Ratings: Top Safety Pick+
NHTSA Rating: 5 stars overall
Highlights:
- SkyActiv chassis with high-tensile steel for robust crash protection.
- i-Activsense driver aids, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Known for precise handling, helping avoid accidents.
Potential Drawback: Smaller cargo area vs. some rivals.
5. 2025 Ford Explorer
IIHS Ratings: Top Safety Pick on certain trims
NHTSA Rating: 5 stars overall
Highlights:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 includes pre-collision assist and lane-keeping system.
- Robust body structure with improved side-impact ratings.
- Available AWD for enhanced stability in poor weather conditions.
Potential Drawback: Some lower trims lack advanced features like adaptive cruise control.
Additional Contenders with High Safety Scores
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Top Safety Pick+ with advanced front crash prevention.
- Generous standard ADAS features like lane-follow assist.
2025 Kia Sorento
- Improved crash structure in newer models.
- Kia Drive Wise safety suite includes highway driving assist.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse
- 5-star NHTSA rating for front and side crash tests.
- Teen Driver mode enhances safety for novice drivers.
Understanding IIHS & NHTSA Ratings
Think of NHTSA and IIHS like two different watchdogs keeping an eye on things, each with their own strengths. NHTSA is part of the federal government and makes sure that safety rules are followed. They run the NCAP star rating program, keep track of recalls and defects through SaferCar, and gather big data on crashes and defects. So if you want legal info about recalls or crash stats across the country, NHTSA is the go-to authority.
On the other hand, IIHS is a nonprofit research group mostly supported by insurance companies. They focus on testing but in a more detailed way. IIHS has come up with tough evaluations, like how cars perform in small overlap front crashes, roof strength, and ratings for headlights and child seats. They also hand out awards like the Top Safety Pick and do research on insurance losses. Their methods are often seen as stricter, which makes them great for understanding how vehicles hold up in real-world crashes.
So which one is more trustworthy? Both are, just in different ways. NHTSA is the big name for recalls and overall crash data, while IIHS is respected for its tougher crash tests and safety research aimed at helping consumers. If you’re after info on recalls and crash stats, NHTSA has the more extensive and up-to-date databases. But for detailed performance in crash tests, insurance loss rates, and specific safety research, IIHS and HLDI offer more in-depth data. Use NHTSA for legal stuff and recalls and go with IIHS when you want solid insights on how cars compare in terms of crash safety.
Here’s a quick rundown of what each rating means in this system:
IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Tests include: Small overlap front (driver & passenger), moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, head restraints.
- Top Safety Pick+ is awarded to vehicles that excel in all major crash tests and offer effective front crash prevention and good or acceptable headlights.
NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- Rates vehicles on a 5-star scale based on frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance.
- A 5-star rating is the highest, indicating excellent crashworthiness.
By combining results from both organizations, buyers get a comprehensive view of how well an SUV handles different collision scenarios.
How to Maximize Safety in Your SUV
Just remember that even the safest midsize SUV can have problems if it’s not taken care of or driven the right way. So keep these extra tips in mind to make sure you stay safe in your SUV:
- Keep Tires in Good Condition – Worn or underinflated tires compromise braking and cornering grip.
- Follow Recommended Service Intervals – Ensures that brake systems, suspension, and ADAS sensors remain functional.
- Avoid Overloading – Exceeding payload capacity can destabilize the SUV, lengthening stopping distances.
- Use the Right Child Safety Seats – Properly install and secure seats for infants, toddlers, and young children.
- Leverage Safety Tech – Features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control only help if they’re activated.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Midsize SUV for Safety
When you look at safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA plus the latest driver-assistance tech, the safest midsize SUVs for 2025 are the Subaru Outback, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and Ford Explorer. There are also solid choices like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and Chevrolet Traverse that do pretty well on safety too.
As you check these out, think about other things that matter to you like the price, how much room is inside, fuel efficiency, and the tech features. Taking one for a spin can really help you feel how comfy the seats are, how well you can see outside, and how easy the driver-assistance systems are to use—all super important for a safe ride.
In the end, picking the right midsize SUV means finding something that checks all the safety boxes, has great crash-test ratings, and is reliable so you can hit the road with confidence alongside your family.
If you found this post helpful, you might also like “Top 10 Longest-Lasting SUVs You Can Buy Today | Ultimate Guide.” Be sure to explore other sections of our site for in-depth car reviews, expert buying guides, and the latest industry insights. There’s plenty to keep you informed! Take a look around, and don’t forget to bookmark us for future updates.
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