When you are shopping for a new SUV, horsepower numbers and touchscreen sizes might catch your eye first.
But when real life happens — when a distracted driver runs a red light or you get caught in a blinding storm — safety is the only thing that matters.
That is why finding one of the safest SUVs for 2025 and 2026 is more important than ever.
And the good news is, the newest SUV models are smarter, stronger, and better crash-tested than anything that came before them.
This is your full real-world guide to the safest small, midsize, and electric SUVs coming for 2025 and 2026 — based on real crash-test scores, real-world safety tech, and real buying advice.
If you want to drive smarter and protect your family better, this is where to start.
Why SUV Safety Matters More Than Ever in 2025 and 2026
New SUVs are loaded with more airbags, crumple zones, and driver-assist tech than ever before.
But with faster roads, bigger vehicles, and more distracted drivers, safety standards are only getting tougher.
Buying the right SUV today can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy tomorrow.
- IIHS and NHTSA crash tests are now harder to ace than ever.
- New side-impact tests focus on protecting backseat passengers.
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like emergency braking and lane-keep assist are becoming must-haves, not luxuries.
Choosing a top-rated SUV means stacking the odds in your favor before you even turn the ignition.
How Crash Testing Really Works (Quick Real-World Overview)
Two main organizations perform crash tests on SUVs in the United States:
IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Private non-profit funded by the insurance industry
- Awards Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ honors
- Tests include small overlap front crash, side impact, roof strength, head restraints, and more
NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- Federal government agency
- Issues 5-star safety ratings based on frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance
Top Priority:
Look for SUVs that score Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and/or a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA for maximum protection.
Safest Small SUVs for 2025 and 2026
If you want something easier to park, more fuel-efficient, and still serious about protecting your family, these compact SUVs are leading the way.
2025 Honda CR-V
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ (expected 2025)
- NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
- Key Safety Features: Standard Honda Sensing (collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control)
Honda continues to make the CR-V one of the best all-around safe bets.
Excellent crash scores, smooth driver-assist features, and a strong real-world safety record.
Best For:
Small families and commuters needing a safe, practical daily SUV.
2025 Subaru Forester
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ (expected 2025)
- NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
- Key Safety Features: Standard Subaru EyeSight (adaptive cruise, lane centering, pre-collision braking)
The Forester has long been a safety leader, and the 2025 version is no exception.
Subaru’s standard AWD also gives extra confidence in bad weather.
Best For:
Drivers in snowy states and outdoor adventurers who value crash safety and traction.
2025 Toyota RAV4
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick (expected 2025)
- NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
- Key Safety Features: Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (pre-collision with pedestrian detection, full-speed adaptive cruise)
The RAV4’s sturdy build and strong crash-test history make it one of the best compact SUVs for long-term family safety.
Best For:
Families who want legendary reliability plus strong crash protection.
2025 Mazda CX-5
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ (expected 2025)
- NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
- Key Safety Features: Advanced Smart City Brake Support, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert
Mazda builds some of the strongest crash structures in the business, and the CX-5 blends that safety with luxury-level quality.
Best For:
Drivers who want upscale design plus top-tier crash protection.
Safest Midsize SUVs for 2025 and 2026
If you need more space for growing kids, gear, or road trips, these midsize SUVs bring serious protection without feeling like a full-size truck.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ (expected 2025)
- NHTSA: 5-star overall rating (pending)
- Key Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard
Toyota finally built a three-row SUV with real third-row space — and loaded it with top safety tech.
Expect excellent crash-test performance based on its Highlander roots, but with more backseat occupant protection.
Best For:
Big families who want serious crash safety plus Toyota’s long-term durability.
2025 Kia Telluride
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
- NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
- Key Safety Features: Highway Driving Assist, Safe Exit Assist, forward collision avoidance
The Telluride continues to dominate safety rankings while delivering style, comfort, and strong value.
Best For:
Families who want luxury touches with no compromise on crash protection.
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ (new generation)
- NHTSA: 5-star overall rating (pending)
- Key Safety Features: Hyundai SmartSense suite (forward collision-avoidance, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance)
The new, boxier Santa Fe brings more space, off-road capability, and a tougher crash cage — while still being easy to live with in the city.
Best For:
Active families who need adventure-ready crash protection.
2025 Subaru Ascent
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
- NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
- Key Safety Features: Subaru EyeSight standard, DriverFocus distraction mitigation system
The Ascent brings Subaru’s safety-first mentality to a true three-row family hauler.
Excellent crash test scores and standard AWD make it a standout for harsh climates.
Best For:
Families needing three rows and snow-ready safety without a giant SUV footprint.
Safest Electric SUVs for 2025 and 2026
Electric SUVs are improving rapidly in crash safety — here are the safest options if you are ready to plug in.
2025 Tesla Model Y
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
- NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
- Key Safety Features: Tesla Autopilot standard (lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, forward collision warning)
The Model Y combines extreme structural strength (due to battery pack rigidity) with excellent real-world crash survival rates.
Best For:
Early EV adopters who prioritize range and crash-tested strength.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
- NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
- Key Safety Features: Highway Driving Assist 2, blind-spot view monitor
The Ioniq 5’s crash protection is among the best of any EV, and its fast charging and practical space make it a family-friendly choice.
Best For:
Families ready to switch to EVs but not willing to sacrifice crash protection.
2025 Kia EV6
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
- NHTSA: 5-star overall rating
- Key Safety Features: Forward collision avoidance, safe exit assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance
Sharing its platform with the Ioniq 5, the EV6 adds sportier driving and the same excellent crash test results.
Best For:
Buyers wanting a sportier EV without sacrificing family protection.
Best Safety Tech Features to Look for in 2025 and 2026 SUVs
Not all safety tech is created equal.
Here are the features that really make a difference:
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Stops the car if you fail to react to an obstacle.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Warns you when it is unsafe to change lanes.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Watches for cars when you are backing out of parking spots.
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist: Prevents drifting out of your lane.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains safe distance from traffic automatically.
- Surround View Cameras: Make parking and low-speed maneuvering safer.
More and more of these features are becoming standard across major brands like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, and Mazda.
Real-World Tips for Prioritizing SUV Safety
When comparing SUVs, keep these real-world tips in mind:
- Crash test scores first: Always prioritize Top Safety Pick+ or 5-star ratings.
- Check backseat protection: IIHS now tests rear-seat crash safety separately.
- Test drive safety tech: Make sure features like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise work smoothly.
- Buy newer: Safety standards improve constantly — newer models outperform older ones even within the same generation.
- Factor in child seat compatibility: If you have kids in car seats, check ease of installation (LATCH ratings matter).
Buying smarter today means protecting your family better tomorrow.
Final Thoughts: Safer SUVs for a Safer Drive
Buying an SUV with flashy screens and heated seats is nice.
Buying one that protects your family in a worst-case scenario? That is priceless.
The safest SUVs for 2025 and 2026 combine proven crash structure strength, advanced driver-assist tech, and real-world everyday usability.
Whether you choose a reliable Honda CR-V, a rugged Toyota Grand Highlander, a stylish Hyundai Ioniq 5, or another top pick — you will be driving smarter, safer, and better prepared for whatever life throws your way.
Stay tuned at BidForAutos.com — where we bring you the smartest, safest real-world car advice for the road ahead.
