What is the Safest SUV? 2025's Top-Rated Models by Safety Experts

Safety is a priority anytime you get on the road. Finding a quality SUV is essential for safety-conscious buyers and families with kids, so let's answer the question, “What is the safest SUV?” based on crash tests and safety ratings.

Why SUV Safety Matters

According to 2022 statistics, cars caused more motor deaths than SUVs and pickups, hinting at the advanced safety features of SUVs. Finding a safe SUV is an important part of making sure everyone in your vehicle is protected when you drive. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) both offer safety criteria to help you choose the perfect vehicle for protecting your family.

How SUV Safety is Actually Measured

A great way to find out if an SUV is safe is to look at the IIHS Top Safety Picks+ and the NHTSA five-star rating system. IIHS chooses top safety picks by conducting various crash prevention tests, including a small overlap front test, a moderate overlap front test, an updated side test, and a pedestrian front crash prevention test.

The NHTSA gives vehicles a rating based on frontal crash tests, side barrier crash tests, side pole crash tests, and rollover evaluations. We chose cars for our list based on which vehicles earned a high NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ because these certifications are evidence-based, while many marketing claims are not.

The Safest SUVs by Category - 2025 Winners

The following 2025 SUVs were safety picks for IIHS and NHTSA. Regardless of the size and cost you're looking for, there are safe SUVs that can fit your needs.

Small SUVs

Small SUVs are great for budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize safety, especially if you have young kids.

Jeep Compass

• Starting Price: $26,900

• Key Safety Features: Blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, active lane management, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic braking

Honda HR-V

• Starting Price: $25,400

• Key Safety Features: Honda Sensing suite, collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, lane keep assist

Mazda CX-30

• Starting Price: $25,195

• Key Safety Features: Smart brake support, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention alert

Hyundai Tucson

• Starting Price: $28,705

• Key Safety Features: Forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, blind-spot monitor, safe exit warning

Midsize SUVs

Midsize SUVs offer a little more space for growing families, but it's important to consider the seating capacity. Two-row SUVs are great for small families, but three rows are better for large families and those that love to travel with friends.

Chevrolet Traverse

• Starting Price: $40,700

• Key Safety Features: Chevy Safety Assist, blind zone steering assist, front pedestrian and bicycle braking, read cross traffic braking, automatic emergency braking, safety alert seat

• Seating Capacity: Up to 8

Kia Telluride

• Starting Price: $36,390

• Key Safety Features: Auto emergency braking, blind-spot collision warning, highway driving assist, cross-traffic collision avoidance

• Seating Capacity: 7 to 8

Mazda CX-90

• Starting Price: $38,045

• Key Safety Features: Smart brake support, blind spot monitoring, road keep assist, traffic support, vehicle exit warning, driver monitoring

• Seating Capacity: 6 to 8

Ford Mustang Mach-E

• Starting Price: $37,995

• Key Safety Features: Driver assist, lane keeping system, hands-free highway driving

• Seating Capacity: 5

Large SUVs

Large SUVs provide plenty of space for families of all sizes, along with impressive towing capabilities.

Chevrolet Tahoe

• Starting Price: $59,000

• Key Safety Features: Insection automatic emergency braking, enhanced automatic parking assist, blind zone steering assist, adaptive cruise control

• Towing Capacity: 8,400 pounds

Audi Q7

• Starting Price: $60,500

• Key Safety Features: Drive assistance, top view camera, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning

• Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

Nissan Armada

• Starting Price: $57,520

• Key Safety Features: Off-road technology, forward collision warning, blind spot intervention, cameras from all angles

• Towing Capacity: 8,500 pounds

Luxury SUVs

Luxury SUVs offer the most advanced and upscale features so you can experience safety in style.

Chevy High Country Suburban

• Starting Price: $62,000

• Premium Safety Features: intersection automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, rear cross traffic braking, side bicyclist alert, available blind zone steering assist with trailering, Super Cruise® hands-free driving

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

• Starting Price: $84,945

• Premium Safety Features: Active driving assist, available hands-free driving assist, night vision camera with pedestrian and animal detection, intersection collision assist and traffic sign recognition, drowsy driver detection

Mercedes GLE

• Starting Price: $63,000

• Premium Safety Features: Active brake assist, adaptive high beam assist, imminent collision preparation, crosswind assist, emergency call service, 360 security system

Must-Have Safety Features in 2025

Safety technology has advanced greatly in recent years. In addition to essential seat belts and airbags, 2025 vehicles also must have backup cameras, rear seat belt reminders, and automatic emergency braking. However, having additional safety features, such as pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alerts, and blind spot monitoring, can further improve vehicle safety. Advanced driver assistant features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane centering, are also becoming increasingly popular.

To verify that an SUV's safety features are effective before buying, look for acceptable ratings from NHTSA and IIHS testing. These ratings can confirm that an SUV excels when it comes to safety, so don't just take the brand's word for it.

Safety Red Flags to Avoid

If safety is a priority for your next vehicle, steer clear of SUVs with the following:

• No Top Safety Pick awards

• Missing standard safety features

• Poor headlight ratings

• Brands with concerning safety records

Vehicles with these red flags can be less predictable when it comes to road safety, so stick with SUVs that have advanced safety features instead.

Quick Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Next SUV

When trying to decide what is the safest SUV, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Check IIHS/NHTSA ratings

• Step 2: Choose a size that fits your family's needs

• Step 3: Verify safety features

• Step 4: Test drive safety systems

If you're ready to buy a safe SUV, stop by Vern Laures Auto Center in New Hampton, Iowa to test drive some quality vehicles today.