When it comes to family transportation, safety is paramount, and midsize SUVs stand out as a popular segment for buyers seeking a balance of space, utility, and advanced safety features. But with so many models on the market, how do you determine which midsize SUVs truly excel in keeping you and your passengers safe?
In this guide, we break down the safest midsize SUVs available today, drawing on crash test results, real-world owner feedback, and data from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and automotive safety experts.
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
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
Even the safest midsize SUV can fall short if not maintained or driven correctly. Consider these additional steps:
- 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
Based on IIHS and NHTSA ratings, combined with advanced driver-assistance features, the safest midsize SUVs for 2024 are the Subaru Outback, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and Ford Explorer. Models like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and Chevrolet Traverse also score high in safety.
When considering these options, weigh other factors like price, interior space, fuel efficiency, and tech features. A test drive can provide insight into seat comfort, outward visibility, and user-friendly ADAS interfaces—all crucial elements of a safe driving experience.
Ultimately, the right midsize SUV offers a comprehensive safety package, high crash-test scores, and real-world reliability so you and your family can travel with confidence.
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