If safety is a top priority for your family when selecting a new vehicle, a recent study could be an invaluable resource.
The Texas Law Dog has compiled a list of the Top 10 Safest Vehicles for Families, featuring nine SUVs and one minivan. Honda stands out as the only brand with multiple entries on the list.
The vehicles evaluated in the study were initially sourced from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
A composite safety score was calculated using several factors: crash rates per 1,000 vehicles, total interior volume, seating capacity, the number of child seats supported, and the child seat safety score.
The child seat safety ratings were based on IIHS rankings, which range from Good+ (extra LATCH positions) to Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor.
Additionally, the study provided price details for each vehicle to give potential buyers a better context for their decision.
Below are the top results, along with insights from the study’s researchers:
1. Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 leads the pack with a composite safety score of 91.32, making it the top choice for family safety. It has a low crash rate of 0.7554 per 1,000 cars, a spacious interior with 144.10 cubic feet, and seats seven adults.
Additionally, it accommodates five child seats, all rated Good+ for safety. Priced at $61,695, the Audi Q7 combines luxury and safety.
The Audi Q7 earns the highest composite score in the study, setting the standard for family safety.
Its crash rate is among the lowest, and the vehicle offers ample interior space and exceptional child seat safety. Though it comes with a premium price tag, the Audi Q7 delivers both luxury and reliability for families.
2. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot secures the second spot with a composite score of 86.64. It offers the second most spacious interior among the top cars, with 158.40 cubic feet, making it an ideal option for larger families.
This SUV seats up to eight passengers and supports four child seats with a Good+ safety score. Despite a higher crash rate of 1.6 per 1,000 cars, the Pilot remains a solid choice for its roomy interior and family-friendly features, priced at $48,485.
The Honda Pilot ranks as the second safest vehicle for families, boasting an impressive interior space that accommodates larger groups.
With seating for up to eight and child seat configurations rated Good+ for safety, it is a versatile and reliable option.
While its crash rate is slightly higher than the Audi Q7’s, its affordable price point and family-oriented features make it a standout contender.
3. Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent ranks third with a composite score of 85.76. It stands out for its affordability, with the lowest average price among the top three at $42,765.
The car offers ample space, providing 153.50 cubic feet for seven passengers and supports three child seats with a Good+ safety score.
With a crash rate of 0.7883 per 1,000 cars, it strikes a balance between safety and cost-effectiveness, making it an excellent choice for families.
The Subaru Ascent earns its position as the third safest vehicle for families, offering a strong combination of affordability and safety features.
Its spacious interior comfortably accommodates seven passengers, while the Good+ safety score for three child seats further enhances its family-friendly appeal.
With one of the lowest price points in the top three and a commendable crash rate, the Subaru Ascent provides a practical and reliable option for budget-conscious families.
4. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade takes the fourth place, having some of the lowest crash rates in the top 5 at just 0.1057 per 1,000 cars.
This SUV offers an expansive interior of 155.30 cubic feet and seats up to eight passengers.
Priced at $41,406, the second lowest in the top 5, it accommodates three child seats with an Acceptable safety score, highlighting its commitment to family safety at an affordable price.
The Hyundai Palisade stands out in fourth place with an exceptionally low crash rate, reflecting its superior safety credentials.
Its expansive interior space is perfect for families, comfortably seating up to eight passengers.
Although the child seat safety score is rated as Acceptable, the Palisade’s affordability and spacious design make it an appealing choice for families seeking value without compromising on safety.
5. INFINITI QX60
Rounding out the top five, the INFINITI QX60 combines luxury with safety, having a composite safety score of 83.28. It supports three child seats with a Good+ safety score.
The QX60 offers 140.60 cubic feet of interior space for seven passengers. Having a crash rate of 0.9 per 1,000 cars, it is a premium choice for families seeking both luxury and safety, priced at $46,725.
The INFINITI QX60 earns fifth place as a premium option for families prioritizing both luxury and safety.
Its refined interior design accommodates seven passengers, while the Good+ child seat safety score underscores its family-friendly focus.
Although its interior space is slightly smaller than some competitors, the INFINITI QX60’s balanced crash rate and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice for those seeking an upscale yet safe vehicle.
6. Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey secures the sixth spot with a composite safety score of 80.46. It offers the most spacious interior on the list at 163.60 cubic feet, making it the ideal choice for families needing extra room.
The Odyssey seats up to eight passengers and supports four child seats with a Good+ safety score. Priced at $45,700, it remains a practical option for larger families even with a higher crash rate of 2.8 per 1,000 cars.
The Honda Odyssey takes sixth place, offering unparalleled interior space among the top vehicles on the list.
With the ability to seat eight passengers and a Good+ safety score for four child seats, the Odyssey is a prime choice for families requiring extra room.
While its crash rate is higher compared to other top contenders, the vehicle’s practicality, versatility, and reasonable pricing make it a standout option for large families seeking comfort and safety.
7. Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 earns a composite safety score of 80.32, and ranks seventh, notable for having the lowest crash rate on the list at just 0.0061 per 1,000 cars.
Priced at $38,220 (the lowest on the list), it offers the least interior volume at 129.70 cubic feet and seats five passengers. It supports two child seats with a Good+ safety score, making it a compact yet safe option for smaller families.
The Mazda CX-50 secures the seventh position, standing out for its exceptionally low crash rate, making it one of the safest options for families.
With the smallest interior volume on the list, it provides seating for five and supports two child seats, both rated Good+ for safety.
Despite its compact size, the CX-50 offers a solid combination of affordability and top-notch safety features, making it an excellent choice for smaller families.
8. Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is recognized for its advanced safety features and has a composite safety score of 79.08, ranking it eighth.
With the third least crash rate of 0.04 per 1,000 cars, it provides a spacious interior of 152.70 cubic feet and seats seven passengers.
Priced at $48,490, it supports two child seats with an Acceptable safety score, reflecting Tesla’s commitment to innovation and safety.
The Tesla Model Y takes the eighth spot, renowned for its cutting-edge safety features and innovative design. It offers a spacious interior and seats up to seven passengers, while its crash rate ranks as one of the lowest on the list.
Though it only accommodates two child seats with an Acceptable safety score, the Model Y’s reputation for safety and technological advancements makes it a standout option for families.
9. Acura MDX
The Acura MDX ranks ninth with a composite score of 78.96. This premium SUV offers a comfortable interior volume of 139.10 cubic feet and seats seven passengers.
Priced at $64,275, the most expensive on the list, it supports three child seats with a Good+ safety score, combining luxury with family safety.
The Acura MDX takes the ninth position, offering a blend of luxury and safety. With a spacious interior that accommodates seven passengers, it is designed for families who value comfort and elegance.
Though it is the most expensive vehicle on the list, the MDX’s combination of premium features and a Good+ safety score for three child seats positions it as a reliable choice for families seeking both sophistication and security.
10. BMW X1
Rounding out the top ten, the BMW X1 has a composite safety score of 77.63. It offers a compact interior of 138.20 cubic feet and seats five passengers.
Priced at $46,195, it supports two child seats with a Good safety score. With the second lowest crash rate of 0.02 per 1,000 cars, the BMW X1 is a reliable choice for smaller families seeking a safe, compact SUV.
The BMW X1 wraps up the list in tenth place, offering a compact yet comfortable interior and a solid safety record. It seats five and supports two child seats with a Good safety score.
With one of the lowest crash rates on the list, the X1 presents a safe and reliable option for families who need a compact SUV without sacrificing safety features. Its price point and efficient design further enhance its appeal for smaller families.
For families prioritizing safety, the insights provided by this study highlight some of the most secure options available, ensuring peace of mind and protection on the road.