For parents, ensuring the safety and well-being of their loved ones is paramount. Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents remain a significant threat to Canadian families, particularly for children.
In 2020 alone, Transport Canada reported 1,658 fatalities and 149,473 injuries from road collisions nationwide. These alarming figures highlight the ongoing dangers on the road and the necessity of prioritizing vehicle safety to protect those who matter most.
Choosing a vehicle with advanced safety features and strong crash protection is a crucial step in reducing these risks. Modern driver assistance technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring, help prevent accidents or lessen their impact.
Additionally, crashworthiness ratings from institutions like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide valuable insights into a vehicle’s ability to protect passengers in different crash scenarios.
By selecting top-rated safety picks, families can gain greater peace of mind, knowing their SUV offers a secure environment for their most precious passengers.
To identify the top 10 safest SUVs for families, we evaluated key safety factors, with crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) playing a central role. These tests assess how well a vehicle protects its occupants in various types of collisions.
Additionally, we prioritized SUVs equipped with advanced safety technologies, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring, which help prevent accidents and improve driver awareness.
Beyond crash test performance and safety features, we considered a vehicle’s overall crashworthiness, structural integrity, and recognition from authoritative organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. Models earning Top Safety Pick+ or 5-Star Safety ratings stood out as top contenders.
Ultimately, our rankings highlight SUVs that offer a well-rounded combination of advanced safety systems, superior crash protection, and industry recognition, ensuring maximum security for families on the road.
10. Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson stands out as a compact SUV with a strong emphasis on safety. Standard features such as forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning help prevent accidents, while its rigid body structure and seven airbags provide protection in the event of a crash.
Its impressive safety ratings further reinforce its reliability, with the IIHS awarding it the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK+ for 2023 and the NHTSA giving it a perfect 5-star overall rating. Higher trims enhance safety even further with features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit warning.
Beyond its safety credentials, the Tucson offers outstanding value with Hyundai’s industry-leading warranties, including a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
It delivers a smooth ride, a well-designed interior, and user-friendly technology, all at an affordable price. Combining safety, comfort, and practicality, the Tucson is an excellent choice for families seeking a reliable and budget-friendly SUV.
9. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice for families prioritizing safety, thanks to its extensive suite of standard and available driver assistance features. Its i-Activsense system includes essential technologies like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning to enhance driver awareness and prevent accidents.
Higher trims take safety even further with features such as a 360-degree camera system, rear cross-traffic alert, and Mazda’s innovative Night Vision system, which uses infrared technology to detect pedestrians and large animals in low-light conditions.
In addition to its advanced safety features, the CX-5 has earned top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as one of the safest SUVs in its class.
However, safety isn’t its only strength—the CX-5 also delivers an engaging driving experience with precise steering and responsive handling. Inside, its refined cabin, high-quality materials, and strong reliability ratings make it a well-rounded option for those seeking both protection and comfort on the road.
8. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester stands out as a top choice for family safety, thanks to Subaru’s strong commitment to driver and passenger protection. At the core of its safety features is the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-keeping assist.
These advanced systems help prevent accidents by enhancing driver awareness and response to potential hazards.
In terms of crash protection, the Forester has earned top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation for safety. Its reinforced body structure and advanced safety cage provide excellent occupant protection in the event of a collision.
Standard safety features such as a rearview camera, advanced front airbags, and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system contribute to greater stability and control, especially in challenging road conditions.
For added security, the Forester offers optional safety technologies like blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking, all of which help drivers navigate busy roads with confidence.
Beyond safety, the Forester excels in practicality, with a spacious interior, generous cargo capacity, and excellent outward visibility. Its standard all-wheel drive ensures reliable traction in various weather conditions, making it an ideal SUV for active families.
7. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a top choice for families, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features as standard. The Honda Sensing system includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, helping to prevent accidents before they happen.
Higher trims enhance safety even further with features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, providing additional driver awareness in busy traffic situations.
Beyond its advanced safety technologies, the CR-V has earned top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, securing a “Top Safety Pick+” designation and a perfect 5-star overall score. Its strong construction and advanced safety cage provide excellent crash protection.
In addition to safety, the CR-V excels in practicality, offering a spacious and adaptable interior, user-friendly technology, and a comfortable ride. With Honda’s well-earned reputation for reliability and strong resale value, the CR-V is a smart, long-term investment for families seeking both security and convenience.
6. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander stands out as a top-tier choice for family safety, offering a robust suite of advanced driver-assist technologies and outstanding crash test performance. At the core of its safety features is Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which comes standard across all trim levels.
This system is designed to enhance driver awareness and help prevent accidents, making the Highlander a reliable option for families prioritizing security on the road.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ includes essential technologies such as the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
These features work together to monitor the surroundings, alert the driver to potential hazards, and even intervene when necessary. The Highlander’s impressive safety record is further reinforced by top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, confirming its ability to provide superior protection in the event of a collision.
Beyond its safety capabilities, the Highlander offers additional innovations like an available digital rearview mirror, which enhances visibility by eliminating blind spots. It also excels in reliability and practicality, with a spacious and comfortable interior that accommodates families with ease.
Paired with strong engine options and available all-wheel drive, the Highlander delivers a well-rounded driving experience. Combining safety, durability, and versatility, it remains a top contender for families seeking a secure and dependable SUV.
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5. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride stands out with its advanced safety features, ensuring maximum protection for families on the road. A unique highlight is the Driver Talk system, which amplifies the driver’s voice through the rear speakers, making communication with passengers easier without distractions.
In addition to this innovative feature, the Telluride is built with a rigid body structure and an advanced airbag system, earning it the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.
Safety technologies like Safe Exit Assist, which prevents passengers from opening doors into traffic, and Rear Occupant Alert, which reminds drivers to check for children or pets in the back seat, further reinforce Kia’s commitment to family safety.
Beyond safety, the Telluride delivers exceptional value with its competitive pricing and Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Inside, it offers a spacious and well-designed cabin, providing ample room for families to travel comfortably.
With a combination of top-tier safety features, a practical and luxurious interior, and long-term reliability, the Telluride proves to be an outstanding choice for those seeking a secure and family-friendly SUV.
4. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer stands out in the midsize SUV category with its Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite, a comprehensive package of advanced driver-assist features. Designed to enhance driver awareness and reduce the likelihood of collisions, this system includes essential technologies such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
These features work together to provide greater confidence on the road, making the Explorer a reliable choice for families prioritizing safety.
Reinforcing its strong safety reputation, the Explorer has earned high ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Its performance in rigorous crash tests has secured multiple accolades, highlighting its ability to protect occupants in various collision scenarios.
One of its standout innovations, Evasive Steering Assist, actively helps drivers maneuver around obstacles by providing additional steering support in emergency situations, ensuring greater control when split-second decisions are needed.
Beyond safety, the Ford Explorer delivers impressive performance and versatility. With a range of powerful engine options, it offers strong acceleration and towing capabilities, making it well-suited for both daily commutes and adventurous road trips.
Inside, the spacious cabin provides ample room for passengers and cargo, while advanced infotainment and connectivity features enhance convenience. By combining safety, performance, and comfort, the Explorer remains a top contender for families seeking a well-rounded SUV.
3. Volvo XC90
Volvo has long been synonymous with automotive safety, consistently leading the industry in life-saving innovations. The XC90 continues this legacy, offering a robust suite of advanced safety technologies that make it one of the most secure SUVs available. With Volvo’s unwavering commitment to occupant protection, the XC90 sets a high standard in the midsize luxury SUV segment.
A key highlight of the XC90’s safety features is Volvo’s City Safety system, which can automatically engage the brakes to prevent collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and even large animals. Additionally, the SUV comes equipped with advanced driver assistance technologies like Pilot Assist, which integrates adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to enhance highway driving comfort and reduce driver fatigue.
The XC90’s crash test performance further cements its reputation for safety. It has achieved the highest accolades, including a perfect 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These results reflect Volvo’s meticulous approach to designing a vehicle that excels in real-world crash scenarios.
Beyond standard safety measures, Volvo has incorporated unique protective features into the XC90, such as an inflatable curtain airbag that extends downward in rollovers to safeguard passengers’ heads.
Another innovative addition is the optional airbag positioned between the front seats, which minimizes head injuries during side impacts. Paired with its luxurious Scandinavian design, premium materials, and refined driving experience, the XC90 is not only one of the safest SUVs but also one of the most well-rounded choices in its class.
2. Lexus RX
The Lexus RX secures its position as one of the safest SUVs, thanks to its cutting-edge Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. This advanced suite of driver assistance features includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
These technologies work in harmony to prevent accidents, ensure lane stability, and maintain safe distances from other vehicles, offering drivers and passengers a heightened level of protection on the road.
Backing up its impressive safety technology, the Lexus RX excels in crash test performance. It has achieved perfect 5-star ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highlighting its superior crashworthiness.
Lexus’s commitment to safety innovation is evident in the RX’s meticulously engineered body structure, designed to absorb and distribute impact forces effectively, ensuring maximum occupant protection in various collision scenarios.
Beyond standard safety features, the RX offers unique options that further enhance driver confidence. The available Digital Rearview Mirror provides a clear, camera-based view of what’s behind the vehicle, eliminating blind spots.
Meanwhile, Safe Exit Assist prevents doors from opening into oncoming traffic or cyclists, reducing the risk of accidents when parked. Coupled with its luxurious interior, smooth ride quality, and refined driving dynamics, the Lexus RX delivers an exceptional balance of safety, comfort, and sophistication.
1. Volvo XC60
Topping the list as the safest SUV for families in 2024, the Volvo XC60 continues the brand’s strong legacy of automotive safety. With perfect crash test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, this midsize luxury SUV sets the benchmark for occupant protection. Volvo’s reputation for pioneering safety technology is fully evident in the XC60, making it one of the most secure vehicles on the road.
Equipped with Volvo’s City Safety system, the XC60 offers an array of advanced driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
What sets it apart, however, is its innovative steer assist system, designed to help avoid oncoming collisions, and Volvo’s oncoming mitigation technology, which detects approaching vehicles and automatically applies the brakes to minimize impact. These groundbreaking features reinforce Volvo’s commitment to proactive accident prevention.
In addition to its top-tier safety credentials, the XC60 boasts a refined and luxurious interior, characterized by premium materials and a sleek Scandinavian design. Spacious seating ensures comfort for all passengers, while its responsive handling and precise steering make for an engaging driving experience.
With a choice of turbocharged and hybrid powertrains, the XC60 balances performance with efficiency, making it an ideal family SUV that seamlessly blends safety, luxury, and driving pleasure.
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