10 Midsize SUVs With The Most Impressive Safety Ratings In Recent Years

Midsize SUVs have become some of the most popular vehicles on the market. This vehicle class includes some of the most useful, versatile, and economical SUVs available to you. Many midsize SUVs now come with three rows of seats, large cabins, good towing figures, and impressive safety ratings.

Is safety important to you? It's typically one of the most important factors in buying a vehicle. A high safety rating makes a vehicle much more attractive to buyers, especially if the shopper has a family to carry in that vehicle. The growth of SUVs brings us to some of the safest midsize SUVs that you can buy and drive every day. These SUVs should be some of the top choices when you’re looking for the right vehicle to drive.

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10 Sedans With The Most Impressive Safety Ratings In Recent Years

There are many sedans in the new car market, but these are among the safest.

Safety ratings were sourced from the IIHS and NHTSA, while the powertrain specifications and general vehicle information were sourced from various automakers using 2025 model-year vehicles.

Acura MDX

Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+

Acura

The 2025 Acura MDX is one of the safest midsize SUVs you can drive and enjoy. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA to be one of the best choices you can drive and enjoy. This SUV has a full package of driver-alert features that make it easier for you to enjoy the drive.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

Engine	3.5-liter V6
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Horsepower	290 hp
Torque	267 lb-ft
Driveline	AWD
Fuel Efficiency	19/25 mpg
Towing Capacity	5,000 pounds

This Acura is a well-rounded luxury midsize SUV that has a small third row and an awkward infotainment interface. Otherwise, it's practical and good value, giving you the style, features, and comfort desired.

Pros

Chic design
Happy on a twisty road
Easier-to-use infotainment system than previous models

Cons

Not a fuel-efficiency star
Third row is small
Class leaders have more impressive interior qualities

Nissan Pathfinder

Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+

Nissan

If you want a midsize three-row SUV with impressive towing figures and top safety scores, you’ll be glad to drive the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder. This SUV is a well-rounded model with lots of passenger space and above-average fuel economy ratings.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

Engine	3.5-liter V6
Transmission	9-speed automatic
Horsepower	295 hp
Torque	270 lb-ft
Driveline	4WD
Fuel Efficiency	20/23 mpg
Towing Capacity	6,000 pounds

Nissan ensures the Pathfinder can tow more than most of the models in its class, making it more capable than others. The Pathfinder comes with a full package of impressive driver-assist features to give you the alerts and warnings that will keep you out of trouble.

Pros

Handsome exterior styling
Roomy and quiet interior
Good max tow rating

Cons

Rock Creed Edition looks rugged but isn’t
Steep pricing for upper trims
The front seats feel a bit stiff

Volvo XC90

Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+

If you want advanced engine technology and an SUV that comes from the brand that began adding safety items to vehicles, the 2025 Volvo XC90 is the right midsize SUV for you. The XC90 achieves the highest safety ratings when tested by the IIHS and NHTSA.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder PHEV
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	455 hp
Torque	523 lb-ft
Driveline	AWD
Fuel Efficiency	26/27 mpg (32 miles electric range)
Towing Capacity	5,000 pounds

This Volvo SUV is an excellent pick when looking or a luxury midsize SUV that has the style and features desired. The elegant styling of the XC90 is eye-catching and makes for an excellent welcome into an impressive vehicle with tons of features and space for the whole family.

Pros

Looks that are aging gracefully
Plush designer cabin
Refined powertrains

Cons

Infotainment interface needs more physical buttons
Undersized third row
Rivals’ six-cylinder engines beat Volvo’s fours in fuel economy

2025 Volvo XC90 Wheels TopSpeed

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Lincoln Aviator

Safety Rating: N/A

Lincoln

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator hasn’t been fully crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received a five-star rating from the NHTSA in the side crash test and four stars in the rollover test. It’s expected to achieve the top safety scores from both organizations once fully tested.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

Engine	3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Horsepower	440 hp
Torque	510 lb-ft
Driveline	4WD
Fuel Efficiency	18/26 mpg
Towing Capacity	8,700 pounds

This Lincoln SUV is one of the most powerful and capable models in the midsize SUV class, giving you impressive towing figures and an excellent cabin that makes every passenger comfortable during the drive.

Pros

Fancy cabin appointments
Handsome outward appearance
Gutsy turbocharged powertrain

Cons

Could be more fuel-efficient
Ford underpinnings dilute its prestige
Some rivals offer better value

Kia Sorento

Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+

Kia

The latest version of the Kia Sorento is a practical, versatile, and useful midsize SUV for families looking for a great three-row SUV that offers excellent value and a ton of features. The Sorento earned the highest rating of Good in all four IIHS crash tests and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

Engine	2.5-liter 4-cylinder
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	191 hp
Torque	181 lb-ft
Driveline	FWD
Fuel Efficiency	23/31 mpg
Towing Capacity	2,000 pounds

Every version of this Kia SUV has a full package of safety features, making it one of the top choices in the class. The only downside to the Sorento is the low towing capacity using the base engine, but you can still pull a small trailer when you need to.

Pros

Two engine choices
Agreeable road manners
Practical interior

Cons

Some rivals offer more third-row space
Maximum towing capacity is less than rivals
Off-road gear is only available in the top model

Genesis GV80

Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+

Genesis

The 2025 Genesis GV80 is one of the most well-rounded luxury midsize SUVs available to you. It has excellent safety scores, an elegant cabin, confident handling, and a smooth ride. This SUV has been updated with new exterior and interior styling.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

Engine	3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	375 hp
Torque	391 lb-ft
Driveline	AWD
Fuel Efficiency	16/22 mpg
Towing Capacity	6,000 pounds

This Genesis SUV is a serious challenger to the rest of the well-established luxury SUV class. It has impressive safety scores and a full package of advanced driver systems that alert you when issues arise while you’re behind the wheel.

Pros

You get a lot more for less money
Beautiful inside and out
Big-boned SUV that drives smoothly on any road

Cons

Gas-only powertrains in a hybrid world
No third row is offered with turbocharged four-cylinder engines
Tight third-row seats

CX-30 in red color front 3/4 action shot

10 Vehicles That Put Safety Ahead Of All Else

While many vehicles have received outstanding safety awards, here are the 10 that received the highest award available.

Audi Q7

Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+

Audi

Not only will you find one of the most impressive cabins in the 2025 Audi Q7, but you’ll also drive one of the safest midsize SUVs on the market. This Audi hits the top scores for safety and comes with an amazing package of safety features for warnings and intervention.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

Engine	3.0-liter turbocharged V6 mild hybrid
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	335 hp
Torque	369 lb-ft
Driveline	AWD
Fuel Efficiency	18/23 mpg
Towing Capacity	7,700 pounds

If you want a luxurious midsize SUV that shows off the brand’s best qualities, this Audi is the right choice for you. This SUV has an elegant interior design and lots of tech features, ensuring you have a great ride in the Q7.

Pros

Engaging road manners
Premium interior
Packed with desirable tech

Cons

Third row is tight for adults
Cargo space isn’t as generous as some rivals
Premium price tag

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+

Mercedes-Benz

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class comes with a surround-view parking camera system, forward collision warning, front and rear sensors, driver-attention monitoring, and a hands-free park assist feature. These features help keep you safe while in this SUV.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

Engine	2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder mild hybrid
Transmission	9-speed automatic
Horsepower	255 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft
Driveline	AWD
Fuel Efficiency	19/26 mpg
Towing Capacity	7,700 pounds

This Mercedes-Benz SUV is sophisticated and spacious, making it a great pick for an upscale crossover with standard AWD and an available PHEV powertrain. This luxury midsize SUV has three comfortable rows of seats and gives you the desired performance during your drive.

Pros

Luxurious and refined interior
Excellent voice controls
Wide range of engine choices

Cons

Big wheel options affect ride quality
Third-row seats
Options send the price skyward

Hyundai Palisade

Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick

2025 Hyundai Palisade front

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade narrowly misses out on the plus being part of the rating from the IIHS. This still makes it a top choice among the safest SUVs. The NHTSA awarded the Palisade five stars, which means this is a safe and impressive SUV.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

Engine	3.8-liter V6
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	291 hp
Torque	262 lb-ft
Driveline	AWD
Fuel Efficiency	19/24 mpg
Towing Capacity	5,000 pounds

If you want a three-row midsize SUV that is meant to be a valuable and practical choice, this Hyundai SUV could be the right choice for you. For 2025, the Palisade receives minor tweaks to the trim and feature lineup.

Pros

Attractively styled cabin
Generous standard features package
Numerous options for near-luxury amenities

Cons

Impractically narrow door storage pockets
Wind noise seeps through the doors
Unimpressive fuel efficiency

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What Is The Safest SUV For New Drivers?

We are helping a friend with a new driver who needs a super safe SUV. Brands like Toyota and Hyundai keep popping up, but we want your opinion on this. According to safety and general reliability, what is the best SUV for a new driver?

Kia Telluride

Safety Rating: Top Safety Pick+

Kia

The 2025 Kia Telluride is one of the most well-rounded SUVs in the class. It brings a winning combination of practicality, value, and elegance. The Telluride impresses all around, reaching top rankings and safety scores in its class.

Most Popular Powertrain Specifications

Engine	3.8-liter V6
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	291 hp
Torque	262 lb-ft
Driveline	AWD
Fuel Efficiency	18/23 mpg
Towing Capacity	5,000 pounds

Kia provides the Telluride with an impressive package of safety features to warn you of any issues. It comes with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, traffic-sign recognition, and much more.