Whereas early SUVs have been principally vehicles with hatches and restricted attraction for anybody who wasn’t focused on off-roading, nowadays, SUVs are kind of the default car for most individuals. Whether or not we’re speaking about subcompact crossovers that will as properly be lifted hatchbacks or a real body-on-frame off-roader, the individuals simply love their SUVs. That stated, greater would not essentially imply safer, particularly when you do not be sure everybody inside wears their seatbelts. In any case, if the driving force of this truck hadn’t been sporting their seatbelt, they’d in all probability be lifeless. As a substitute, they survived a fall off a 300-foot cliff.
It is also vital to keep in mind that greater SUVs are extra harmful to others. Their tall, upright hoods do not simply restrict visibility. They additionally make it much more possible that you will kill somebody when you do hit them. And because the driver of the three-ton field of metal that killed them, their dying will likely be in your arms and your conscience.
Nonetheless, some new SUVs are safer than others. And whereas the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration does carry out its personal crash exams, the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security remains to be one of the best supply of security data. As our mates over at Shopper Studies reminded us, the IIHS additionally just lately launched its ultimate replace for the 12 months, which implies we now have the total checklist of the most secure vehicles the IIHS examined in 2025. For those who’re out there for a protected, new SUV, you are going to need one which earned both a Prime Security Choose or Prime Security Choose+, which is famous subsequent to every automotive on the checklist, together with any mannequin 12 months modifications that will influence that SUV’s security score. Now, let’s check out which vehicles made the checklist.
Small SUVs
Whether or not you are in search of the smallest crossover in the marketplace or one thing that is nonetheless compact however a bit extra spacious, you have got an abundance of choices within the compact and subcompact segments. Some land on the extra luxurious finish of the spectrum, just like the Acura ADX, BMW X3, Genesis GV60, and Lexus NX, whereas choices such because the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester are going to be extra targeted on providing good worth in your cash. Nonetheless, you could be shocked at simply how luxurious your mainstream choices are after they’re totally loaded. Moreover, you have got a number of electrical choices right here, together with the electric-only Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Toyota bZ4X/Subaru Solterra twins.
- Acura ADX (TSP)
- BMW X3 (TSP+, if constructed after April 2025)
- Genesis GV60 (TSP+)
- Honda HR-V (TSP+)
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 (TSP+)
- Hyundai Kona (TSP+)
- Hyundai Tucson (TSP+)
- Kia Sportage (TSP+, 2026)
- Lexs NX (TSP+, 2026
- Mazda CX-30 (TSP+)
- Mazda CX-50 (TSP+)
- Nissan Rogue (TSP, 2026)
- Subaru Forester (TSP, 2025, excluding Wilderness trim; TSP+, 2026)
- Subaru Solterra (TSP+)
- Toyota bZ4X (TSP+)
- Toyota Corolla Cross (TSP)
Midsize SUVs
Transferring up a phase tends to offer you extra space for each individuals and their stuff, however it’s additionally the place you begin to see third-row seating begin to change into obtainable. And except you might want to tow one thing notably heavy, these are usually the largest SUVs most consumers are going to wish. The overwhelming majority of consumers are nonetheless going to be restrained by worth, however you additionally now have the choice of shopping for just about any powertrain mixture you need. Whether or not you are in search of , old style naturally aspirated V6, a fuel-efficient hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or one thing totally electrical, you have got loads of choices right here. Together with the choice to provide your cash to one of many worst males on the planet in change for a Tesla (one thing Jalopnik doesn’t suggest).
- Chevrolet Traverse (TSP)
- Ford Explorer (TSP+)
- Ford Mustang Mach-E (TSP+)
- GMC Acadia (TSP)
- Honda Passport (TSP+)
- Honda Pilot (TSP)
- Hyundai Ioniq 9 (TSP+, 2026)
- Hyundai Palisade (TSP, 2026)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (TSP+, if constructed after Nov. 1, 2024)
- Kia EV9 (TSP+)
- Kia Sorento (TSP+, 2026)
- Kia Telluride (TSP+)
- Mazda CX-70 (TSP+)
- Mazda CX-90 (TSP+)
- Nissan Murano (TSP+)
- Nissan Pathfinder (TSP+)
- Subaru Ascent (TSP)
- Tesla Mannequin Y (TSP+)
- Volkswagen Atlas (TSP+, 2026)
- Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (TSP+, 2025 and 2026)
Midsize luxurious SUVs
For those who’re out there for one thing a bit extra luxurious than what the mainstream midsizers provide, don’t be concerned. There are many luxurious SUVs that earned a Prime Security Choose or Prime Security Choose+ award. That features the Germans, in fact, however BMW and Mercedes-Benz aren’t the one luxurious automakers that know methods to construct a protected SUV. Acura, Buick, Genesis, Infiniti, Lexus, Lincoln, and Volvo additionally make appearances on this checklist, and similar to earlier than, you have got loads of powertrain choices, too, together with EVs. The Lexus NXÂ will in all probability be essentially the most dependable alternative right here, however do not sleep on the Acura MDX or the BMW X5, both.
- Acura MDX (TSP)
- Audi Q5 Sportback (TSP+)
- Audi Q6 E-Tron (TSP+)
- Audi Q6 Sportback E-Tron (TSP+)
- BMW X5 (TSP+)
- Buick Enclave (TSP+)
- Genesis GV70 (TSP+, if constructed after April 1, 2024)
- Genesis Electrified GV70 (TSP+)
- Genesis GV80 (TSP+)
- Infiniti QX60 (TSP, 2025 and 2026)
- Lexs NX (TSP)
- Lincoln Nautilus (TSP+)
- Mercedes-Benz GLC (TSP+)
- Mercedes-Benz GLE (TSP+, with non-obligatory front-crash prevention)
- Volvo EX90 (TSP+, 2025 and 2026)
- Volvo XC90 (TSP+, if constructed earlier than December 2024)
- Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid (TSP+)
Massive SUVs
Whereas the variety of SUVs that earned not less than a Prime Security Choose in different segments might look a bit overwhelming at first, when you’re searching for one thing actually huge, the checklist is far more restricted. You must also know that the Audi Q7 is fairly outdated and due to get replaced quickly. For those who prefer it in a check drive, that does not imply it is mistaken to purchase a Q7, however it does imply you will get a a lot brisker design when you look ahead to the brand new one to go on sale. In the meantime, the Infiniti QX80 is principally a extra luxurious model of the surprisingly aggressive new Nissan Armada. For those who desire an electrical powertrain, although, you are going to need to take a look at the Rivian R1S. Alternatively, even when you aren’t particularly in search of an EV, the Rivian could also be price test-driving if the others really feel too gradual or aren’t off-road-ready sufficient in your wants.
- Audi Q7 (TSP+)
- Infiniti QX80 (TSP+)
- Nissan Armada (TSP+)
- Rivian R1S (TSP+, if constructed after August 2024)
