If you’re in the market for a safe and reliable midsize SUV, then you have come to the right place! With so many options out there, it can be hard to choose the best one. It’s important to factor in criteria such as crash-test ratings, accident avoidance technologies, and general driving experience.
Luckily, the experts have done all the hard work so that you don’t need to; the article reviews the top 10 safest midsize SUVs. Read on for an in-depth look at each of them and find out which one is right for you!
Criteria for evaluating Safest Midsize SUVs for Families
Shopping for the right family SUV is an important and sometimes daunting task. You want something that’s reliable, affordable, and most of all safe. When it comes to safety, there are two main resources you should turn to: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both of these organizations provide ratings that can help you evaluate midsize SUVs, but another factor iSeeCars have considered here is the accident avoidance system and standard safety features on the vehicle. So you can make an informed decision on which one is best for your family.
Collision Avoidance System and Standard Safety Features
Although crash test ratings hold significant importance, the ideal scenario would be for an SUV to avoid an accident altogether. To take this into account, iSeeCars has also taken into consideration the presence of an accident avoidance system and standard safety features in the vehicle.
NHTSA Ratings
The NHTSA provides five-star ratings for vehicles in several categories: Overall Rating, Frontal Crash Rating, Side Crash Rating, Rollover Rating, and Side Pole Star Rating. The Overall Rating combines the other four ratings into one score that helps you easily compare vehicles. The higher the overall rating number is out of five stars, the better the vehicle’s safety performance. The NHTSA also provides specific information about each vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in different types of crashes as well as its resistance to rolling over in an accident. This information can be particularly helpful when comparing similar models from different manufacturers.
IIHS Ratings
The IIHS takes a slightly different approach by issuing three possible ratings: Good, Acceptable, or Poor. These ratings are based on performance in crash tests such as head restraints/seats; roof strength; side impact protection; headlights; and crash prevention technologies like automatic emergency braking (AEB). The IIHS also has additional tests such as child seat anchors (LATCH) ease-of-use ratings and front crash prevention tests that are not conducted by the NHTSA but are still important criteria when considering your purchase decision.
Fortunately, iSeeCars.com has done the legwork for us by compiling a list of the safest midsize SUVs based on NHTSA and IIHS scores. Let’s take a look at these models and see what makes them stand out.
2023 Toyota Highlander
| iSEECARS Safety Score: 10/10 | Overall Score: 8.9/10 |
The Toyota Highlander is well-known as one of the best Midsize SUVs for safety. Not only does it have a perfect five stars on all federal crash tests, but it also comes standard with equipment like Traction Control System that helps keep you safe in variable weather conditions.
In addition, the Highlander features advanced driver-assist technology options like Adaptive Cruise Control that’s designed to keep you at safe distances from other vehicles on the road. It also has Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Departure Alert Systems to help alert drivers when they stray into an adjacent lane of traffic or are in danger of crashing while switching lanes. It has earned top scores of five stars in NHTSA crash tests and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Included as a standard feature in the 2023 Highlander is the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, encompassing the following technologies:
Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control.
Lane departure alert with steering assist.
Lane tracing assist.
Road sign assist.
Automatic high beams.
2023 Honda Pilot
| iSEECARS Safety Score: 10/10 | Overall Score: 8.7/10 |
When it comes to safety ratings, the Pilot leaves no doubt as the most reliable option available. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Honda Pilot an impressive 5-star rating for overall vehicle safety, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) granted the SUV their highest rating of ‘Top Safety Pick’.
Every aspect of the Honda Pilot has been designed with safety in mind, from its leading edge front bumper to its standard active safety features such as lane observation warning and forward collision warning. When combined, these features make it an ideal car for families looking to get around town safely and securely.
All Pilot models are equipped with the following standard features to ensure safety:
Collision Mitigation Braking System
Road Departure Mitigation System
Forward Collision Warning
Lane Departure Warning
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe
| iSEECARS Safety Score: 10/10 | Overall Score: 8.5/10 |
Another popular SUV option is the Hyundai Santa Fe. This model has earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests but did not meet all criteria to earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating this year due to its headlights being rated “Poor” by IIHS – but it still managed to receive an overall score of “Good” from IIHS overall. Standard features include blind spot monitoring with a rear cross-traffic alert system, lane keeping assist system, lane following assist system, adaptive cruise control with stop & go technology as well as forward collision avoidance assist system which will apply brakes automatically if necessary.
The combination of these awards ensures that you and your family will enjoy safe travels no matter where you plan to go. With such a strong reputation in your corner and a wealth of amenities, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an ideal choice when it comes time to hit the road.
Top standard safety features:
blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, LED headlights with automatic high beams, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-following assist, driver-attention monitoring
2023 Ford Explorer
| iSEECARS Safety Score: 10/10 | Overall Score: 8.5/10 |
The Ford Explorer provides exceptional strength and stability along with plenty of cargo space for family trips or vacations. This model also earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests but did not meet all criteria required by IIHS to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating due to its headlight ratings being “Marginal” or “Poor” depending on the trim level chosen.
Standard features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist system, blind spot information system, reverse sensing system, auto high beam headlamps as well as post-collision braking systems which will help reduce the severity of any potential collisions.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder
| iSEECARS Safety Score: 10/10 | Overall Score: 8.4/10 |
The Nissan Pathfinder is a versatile SUV that’s perfect for families. It features ample seating space, a powerful V6 engine, and nimble handling despite its size. When it comes to safety, the Pathfinder doesn’t disappoint either – it was redesigned in 2017 to include extra airbags, automatic emergency brakes, forward collision warning with intervention technology, and sturdy body construction. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rates the Pathfinder as 5/5 stars overall front crash safety rating and side crash safety rating respectively. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ranks this vehicle as a top safety pick because of its impressive scores on crash tests including frontal moderate overlap test and side impact test. In short, if you’re looking for an SUV with plenty of room and great safety features, the Nissan Pathfinder is an excellent option to consider.
2023 Mazda CX-9
| iSEECARS Safety Score: 10/10 | Overall Score: 8.4/10 |
The Mazda CX-9 offers an all-around great driving experience. Its turbocharged engine provides strong performance and its dynamic chassis ensures a nimble ride. For families in need of a reliable, roomy car with plenty of safety features, the CX-9 is an excellent choice. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2020 CX-9 received an overall five-star rating; one of just a few mid size SUVs out there to earn this distinction. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also found that it scored highest across many categories during its crash tests, earning it one of their “Top Safety Pick” awards. Its airbag protection system, anti-lock brakes and traction control further add to the security of driver and passengers alike.
2023 Volkswagen Atlas
| iSEECARS Safety Score: 10/10 | Overall Score: 7.6/10 |
The Volkswagen Atlas is a midsize SUV that truly stands out in its class. It was given an overall perfect five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest available score, making it one of the safest midsize SUVs according to their research. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave it “Good” ratings in all six crash tests, with the Top Safety Pick Plus designation awarded due to its impressive performance in front crash prevention and headlights testing. As technology advances, so too does the Volkswagen Atlas – offering features such as blind spot warning, sensors for front and rear parking assistance, plus lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control for a truly safe investment. Overall, the Volkswagen Atlas is a vehicle that you know puts your family’s safety at the very top of its list of priorities.
2023 Subaru Ascent
| iSEECARS Safety Score: 10/10 | iSEECARS Overall Score: Pending |
With seating for up to eight people, the Subaru Ascent is a great option if you’re looking for a safe and spacious midsize SUV. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it 5-star overall ratings, which is the top score across all categories including frontal collision, side-collision, and rollover. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gave the Ascent a “Good” rating, and named it a Top Safety Pick+ for 2022 model year. Not only is the Ascent great in terms of safety, but it also offers an impressive list of driver assist systems such as lane keeping assist, blind spot detection and cross-traffic alert. All this combines to make the Subaru Ascent an excellent choice for those seeking ideal protection during their on-road travels for families.
2023 Honda Passport
| iSEECARS Safety Score: 10/10 | iSEECARS Overall Score: Pending |
The Honda Passport is a top contender in the midsize SUV class, boasting impressive safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This SUV is equipped with advanced driver-assist technologies such as lane departure warning, auto high beams and forward collision warning, giving drivers a heightened sense of security and peace of mind on their travels. Additionally, the Honda Passport has achieved an impressive 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and earned Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS. All these features make this model one of the best choices if you’re looking for a safe yet powerful midsize SUV!
2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
| iSEECARS Safety Score: 10/10 | iSEECARS Overall Score: Pending |
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is making a statement as one of the safest SUVs available. It’s a great choice for families that are looking for plenty of interior space and style, plus excellent safety ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Atlas Cross Sport an overall 5-star safety rating, their highest score possible. And in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests, the vehicle received its highest marks in six categories including driver-side small overlap front and roof strength tests. Whether you’re taking the kids to school or on a weekend getaway, you can be sure that this SUV is packed with the latest advances in safety technology including Active Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a family SUV or just need extra cargo space on your daily drives these 10 safest midsize SUVs offer great protection when you are out on the road. You can feel confident that these vehicles have been tested thoroughly by both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) so that you can make informed decisions about your next car purchase! With their range of sizes and dependable performance options there is sure to be something here that meets your needs!
Also Read: Top 7 Compact SUVs Recommended By Consumer Reports
