10 Midsize SUVs That Offer The Best Safety Ratings

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Mid-size,

three-row SUVs
cater to families seeking the capability of a minivan with the rugged look and performance of an SUV. Whether you’re embarking on an extended road trip or simply running errands, safety is essential, no matter the task at hand.

The modern mid-size SUV segment—whether standard, luxury, or ‘luxury-lite’—is popular for its ability to combine key features that make them so versatile. These vehicles can tow up to 5,000 pounds, accommodate over 100 cubic feet of cargo, and withstand potential accidents with resilience.

In some cases, they go a step further by preventing accidents altogether, with features like automatic emergency braking, crash avoidance systems, and lane-keeping assist. In this guide, we’ll showcase ten mid-size SUVs that excel in crash-test safety ratings, helping to give you peace of mind when shopping for a vehicle that prioritizes the protection of you and your loved ones.

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In order to give you the most accurate and up-to-date vehicle safety information possible, we’ve relied on data sourced from the NHTSA and IIHS. New model pricing information has been sourced from various automakers and used vehicle pricing has been sourced from Kelley Blue Book.

10

2025 Subaru Ascent

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

2025 Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition Premium in black driving in snow
Subaru

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is a can-do SUV that has a surprisingly powerful four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower. It might not have the fastest acceleration on the list with a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of 6.8 seconds, but it can tow 5,000 pounds with a CVT.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA investigations: 0
  • Awards: IIHS 2024 “Top Safety Pick+”

Subaru has made safety a paramount factor in their cars. Their patented EyeSight safety system is standard across all Ascent models. This includes lane keep and lane follow assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking.

Crash Test Video

9

2025 Mazda CX-70

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: N/A

Front dynamic shot of the 2025 Mazda CX-70
Mazda

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

X/5

Rollover

4/5

The Mazda CX-70 is basically the CX-90 without the third row and some different body cladding. It features either an inline six-cylinder engine or a PHEV powertrain that also has an onboard charging capability. It also comes with standard all-wheel drive and an off-road mode.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA investigations: 0
  • Awards: IIHS 2024 “Top Safety Pick+”

There are some big differences in features depending on which trim you choose. However, no matter what trim you get, you’re going to be safe, rest assured, thanks to i-ACTIVESENSE. This features adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, road keep assist, and vehicle exit warning.

Crash Test Video

8

2025 Honda Pilot

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

2025 Honda Pilot, blue, front quarter view
Honda

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The

Honda Pilot
is the only SUV they offer with three rows. They’ve made it a good one, however, as they offer so many different trims and variations that there is something for everyone. There is even an off-road TrailSport that relies on Acura’s patented SH-AWD system.

  • Recalls: 1 (one fuel system issue for the filler and pipe cap)
  • NHTSA investigations: 0
  • Awards: IIHS 2024 “Top Safety Pick+”

Unfortunately, the fuel system issue has plagued every Honda recently, and the Pilot is no exception. Honda Sensing is the name of their safety features, and every Pilot comes with it, standard. This features automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Just to name a few.

Crash Test Video

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7

2025 Kia Telluride

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

Everybody’s favorite mid-size three-row SUV is back for another year with no changes to the 2025 model. It comes in ten different trim levels, starting around $37,805 with the most expensive coming in at $55,100. It comes with one naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V-6 that helps it pull up to 5,500 pounds, and up to eight total passengers.

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  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA investigations: 0
  • Awards: IIHS 2024 “Top Safety Pick+”

A unique feature the Kia Telluride offers in this crowded segment is the Blind-Spot View Monitor. This uses the mirror in the side mirror to illuminate your blind spot on the gauge cluster. It also won IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ for the 2024 model year.

Crash Test Video

6

2025 Mazda CX-90

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Rear shot of the 2025 Mazda CX-90 in Artisan Red Paint
Mazda

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The

Mazda CX-90
is Mazda’s newest flagship model that comes in six, seven or eight-passenger variants. The top-of-the-line Turbo S Premium Plus features a center console for the second row, as well as a heated and ventilated option.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA investigations: 0
  • Awards: IIHS 2024 “Top Safety Pick+”

Like the CX-70, the Mazda CX-90 comes with a suite of standard safety features. The CX-90 also won IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ for midsize SUVs. It only scored one ‘acceptable’ score for the headlights, depending on the trim level.

Crash Test Video

5

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

2024 Nissan Pathfinder, front quarter view
Nissan

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The Nissan Pathfinder is a criminally underrated option in the mid-size three-row segment. It offers some of the most capabilities for slightly less money in comparison to some on this list. For example, the Premium trim level, featuring the 3.5-liter V-6 engine, can tow a whopping 6,000 pounds. It also features a premium interior and features like a Bose premium sound system.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA investigations: 0
  • Awards: IIHS 2024 “Top Safety Pick+”

It’s also considered reliable by J.D. Power, with the 2025 model year scoring 82 out of 100. Quality and reliability scored 81 out of 100, with the driving experience also scoring a high 83. Depending on what trim and drivetrain, you can achieve up to 27 miles per gallon on the highway as well.

Crash Test Video

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4

2025 Toyota Highlander

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Head-on shot of the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE
Toyota

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The Toyota Highlander has been a favorite in the mid-size segment, as it has been the only model for a long time to offer a hybrid option. While it might not be standard on all models, new for 2025, the XSE and platinum trim receive the all-wheel drive treatment. Standard models get an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while the more premium versions get a 12.3-inch one.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA investigations: 0
  • Awards: IIHS 2024 “Top Safety Pick”

Standard safety features for the Highlander include lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection, among others. It also scored 82 out of 100 overall on J.D. Power’s reliability rating. The highest score it received was 92 out of 100 for resale value, with reliability trailing to 81 out of 100.

Crash Test Video

3

2025 Hyundai Palisade

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

2025 Hyundai Palisade rear
Hyundai

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

N/A

Rollover

4/5

Hyundai really struck gold with the Palisade. It is by far the most capable, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and its patented HTRAC all-wheel drive drivetrain. The Calligraphy comes with a bevy of features like a heads-up display and gorgeous leather-trimmed seats.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA investigations: 0
  • Awards: IIHS 2024 “Top Safety Pick”

Opting for the higher trim levels, you’ll receive the surround view monitoring system, parking sensors, and their unique blind-spot view monitoring system. The 2025 Palisade received 83 out of 100 from J.D. Power with 85 out of 100 for reliability.

Crash Test Video

2

2025 Volkswagen Atlas

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

Front 3/4 shot of a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas
Volkswagen

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

4/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

The Volkswagen Atlas might often be overlooked, but it shouldn’t. It offers an impressive number of features while still maintaining its Volkswagen’s simplicity, just on a larger scale. It comes with a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine compared to the six-cylinder previously. It offers 269 horsepower with 273 pound-feet of torque.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA investigations: 0
  • Awards: IIHS 2024 “Top Safety Pick”

Standard safety features on the Atlas include blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and emergency braking. More autonomous features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are optional.

Crash Test Video

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1

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5/5

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Summit Reserve in white parked outside of house
Jeep

NHTSA Crash Ratings

Overall Frontal

5/5

Overall Side

5/5

Rollover

4/5

This generation’s Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in so many different variations that potentially no two are alike. This generation also features the ‘L’ model with an extended cab and three rows of seats. More standard models feature an infotainment screen, but the upper trims are where the options flourish. You can opt for massage chairs, heated second-row seats, second-row entertainment screens. The options are endless.

  • Recalls: 0
  • NHTSA investigations: 0
  • Awards: IIHS 2023 “Top Safety Pick+”

It’s also one of the few vehicles on this list to offer an optional night vision camera for the gauge cluster. Not to mention, it is also one of the few vehicles to offer hands-free driving for the upper trim levels, among other safety features.

Crash Test Video

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