As the SUV market expands in 2025, safety remains a top priority for manufacturers and buyers alike. With families, commuters, and eco-conscious drivers all relying on SUVs for daily transport, crashworthiness and active safety tech have never been more important.
Fortunately, several models now offer high crash-test ratings and robust standard safety features, making them reliable choices for those who prioritize protection.
The following ten SUVs have earned U.S. News Safety Scores of 9.7 or higher, along with excellent crash ratings from trusted agencies like IIHS and NHTSA. Here’s a detailed look at why these vehicles stand out in safety.
1. Lincoln Aviator – Luxury Meets Full-Spectrum Safety
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator exemplifies safety in a luxury midsize SUV. Scoring 9.7/10, it comes nearly fully loaded with safety features, lacking only a head-up display. In crash tests, the IIHS awarded the Aviator Good ratings across the board, and NHTSA granted it five stars in side crash tests and four in rollover.
Drivers benefit from standard blind-spot monitoring, intersection assist, pedestrian detection, evasive-steering assist, and lane-centering adaptive cruise control. The Aviator is ideal for buyers who want an upscale vehicle without compromising on safety, a rare balance of opulence and accident prevention.
2. Mazda CX-70 PHEV – Efficient and Exceptionally Safe
Mazda’s all-new 2025 CX-70 PHEV is not just a plug-in hybrid marvel; it’s also a fortress of safety. With a U.S. News Safety Score of 9.7/10, it boasts a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and scored five stars in NHTSA’s frontal crash testing.
The CX-70’s standard safety list is extensive, including stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, driver-attention monitoring, rear-seat alert, and lane-keeping aids. Its athletic design and plug-in hybrid efficiency are matched by proactive features that make it a standout for eco-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on crash protection.
3. Genesis GV60 – Electric Elegance with Robust Protection
The 2025 Genesis GV60 continues to offer excellent value in the electric luxury crossover segment, and safety plays a big part in that appeal. Scoring 9.7/10 in safety, it boasts five-star overall ratings from NHTSA (with four stars in the frontal crash test) and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.
Features like forward and reverse automatic braking, junction-turning detection, park assist, and cyclist detection all come standard. The GV60 is particularly compelling for EV shoppers looking for a stylish yet protective ride with a wide range of driver-assistance technologies included.
4. Mazda CX-90 PHEV – Three Rows of Confidence
If you need space and safety in equal measure, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV delivers both. With a 9.7/10 U.S. News Safety Score, it received five stars overall from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.
This plug-in hybrid SUV comes standard with a host of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Its three-row layout makes it a prime choice for families, while its excellent crash prevention systems ensure peace of mind whether you’re driving through busy city streets or cruising on long highway trips.
5. Cadillac XT5 – Subtle Yet Secure
The Cadillac XT5 may not top every luxury list, but it holds its own when it comes to safety. Its U.S. News Safety Score of 9.7/10 is backed by a five-star NHTSA rating and strong IIHS crash scores.
The XT5 includes standard features such as a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, forward automatic braking, and a Teen Driver system for added parental control. While it lacks some of the performance flash of rivals, its trustworthy safety credentials make it a solid and sensible option for those prioritizing protection over pizzazz.
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6. Mazda CX-50 – Rugged Yet Reassuring
Stylish and sporty, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 doesn’t skimp on safety. It scores 9.7/10 and is a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with top crash test ratings and a five-star overall NHTSA score. Mazda adds value with driver-focused features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring, all standard.
The new hybrid variant matches the gas version in crashworthiness. With its off-road flair and urban agility, the CX-50 offers a secure drive for adventurers and commuters alike, proving that style and safety don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
7. Cadillac Lyriq – Electric Utility With Assurance
Cadillac’s 2025 Lyriq may not be a household name in EVs yet, but its safety ratings are nothing short of stellar. With a 9.8/10 Safety Score, five-star ratings across all NHTSA crash tests, and strong IIHS marks, the Lyriq ensures confidence on the road.
Standard features include intersection assist, forward and reverse pedestrian detection, side cyclist detection, and the Safety Alert Seat. With generous technology packed in and performance upgrades for 2025, the Lyriq delivers both substance and style, making it a prime candidate for anyone seeking a luxury EV that doesn’t compromise safety.
8. Honda Prologue – Reliable and Road-Ready EV
The 2025 Honda Prologue continues Honda’s tradition of dependability, now with a greener twist. It scores 9.8/10 and earns a five-star NHTSA overall safety rating. Though the AWD version earned just four stars in rollover testing, the FWD model received five.
The Prologue includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and pedestrian detection as standard. Though IIHS ratings for 2025 remain incomplete, prior models scored Acceptable to Good in all tested areas.
Spacious and well-equipped, the Prologue is a strong contender in the EV space, with safety that’s built into its very foundation.
9. Buick Encore GX – Small But Seriously Safe
Don’t let its compact footprint fool you; the 2025 Buick Encore GX is a subcompact SUV with big safety credentials. Scoring 9.8/10, it boasts a five-star NHTSA rating and Good crash test scores from the IIHS, plus a Superior rating in crash prevention.
Safety highlights include forward collision warning, Teen Driver controls, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. While the base engine may underwhelm, the Encore GX delivers where it counts: keeping you and your passengers protected.
It’s a smart choice for city dwellers and first-time SUV buyers who want affordability without sacrificing peace of mind.
10. Hyundai Ioniq 5 – The Safest of the Bunch
With a perfect U.S. News Safety Score of 10/10, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 sets the benchmark for EV safety. A Top Safety Pick+ winner from IIHS, it earned Good scores in crashworthiness and five-star results in side and rollover tests from NHTSA.
While its front crash avoidance scored only Acceptable, the Ioniq 5 makes up for it with features like cyclist detection, traffic sign recognition, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Updated styling and new tech round out its appeal, making this one of the most well-rounded, family-friendly EVs on the road today.
Safety shouldn’t be a guessing game, and with these 10 top-rated SUVs, it doesn’t have to be. From luxury models like the Lincoln Aviator and Genesis GV60 to eco-friendly picks like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Honda Prologue, each of these vehicles backs up its good looks and performance with verified crash-test results and comprehensive safety tech.
Whether you’re hauling kids, commuting solo, or exploring the back roads, you can drive with confidence knowing these SUVs are built to protect. When lives are on the line, these are the crash ratings and vehicles you can actually trust.
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