Choosing a family SUV is really a safety decision. Parents want proof, not slogans. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety supplies that proof through independent crash testing.
Its Top Safety Pick+ award is the highest honor it gives. A vehicle needs good ratings in every crash test. It also needs strong headlight and pedestrian-protection results.
The 2026 criteria are tougher than past years. Updated side tests use a heavier barrier that mimics a modern SUV. Rear-seat passenger protection also counts for more.
That is why this list matters. Fifteen family SUVs cleared the bar. They include gas, hybrid, plug-in and fully electric models. There is one catch. Several awards depend on the build date. Automakers often change parts mid-production, and only the later vehicles qualify.
The Hyundai Palisade, Kia Sorento and 2027 Kia Telluride carry that restriction. An early-build example of the same model may not earn the award. Check the sticker on the driver’s door jamb before you buy. Here are the 15 winners.
1. 2026 Honda Passport
The Passport is Honda’s rugged two-row midsize SUV. It seats five and favors adventure over luxury. Families who skip the third row will find plenty of room.
A 3.5-liter V6 makes about 280 horsepower. A nine-speed automatic sends power to the wheels. Acceleration is smooth and confident. The TrailSport trim adds off-road tires and a higher stance. It suits gravel roads and camping trips. Towing is rated around 5,000 pounds.
Honda Sensing comes standard. It includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control makes highway drives easier.
The cabin keeps physical knobs and buttons for key controls. That reduces distraction while driving. Cargo space is generous once the seats fold down.
The Passport’s awards show that a simple, sturdy design can still lead in safety. Higher trims get expensive, so compare prices carefully. The mid-level trims offer the best balance.
2. 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
The Ioniq 9 is Hyundai’s large three-row electric SUV. It is built in Georgia. That helps with supply and some purchase incentives. Its big battery pack delivers long range. Hyundai claims more than 300 miles on the most efficient versions. Real-world numbers fall in winter or when towing.
The 800-volt system supports very fast charging. A short stop at a strong public charger adds a lot of range. That makes road trips far less stressful.
Seating comes in six- or seven-seat layouts. Captain’s chairs in the second row suit families with teens. The flat floor gives everyone extra foot room.
The smooth, rounded shape reduces drag and helps efficiency. It also gives the Ioniq 9 a distinctive look. Dual-motor all-wheel drive adds strong acceleration.
Hyundai packs in many driver aids. Highway driving assist helps on long commutes. This is one of the few electric three-row SUVs with a top award.
3. 2026 Hyundai Palisade (Built After November 2025)
The Palisade was fully redesigned for 2026. The award applies only to vehicles built after November 2025. Earlier examples do not qualify. That detail is easy to miss at a dealership. The production date appears on the door-jamb label. Ask the salesperson to confirm it in writing.
The new body is boxier and more upright. The third row gains usable space for older kids. Seven- and eight-seat layouts are available. A hybrid option joins the lineup for the first time. It promises better fuel economy for big families. Gas engines remain available too.
The cabin feels upscale for the price. Large screens and soft-touch materials rival luxury brands. Hyundai also keeps its long warranty. Driver aids include automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring. Many arrive standard on lower trims. The Palisade remains a value leader, now with a safety badge.
4. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe has a bold, boxy shape that stands out in traffic. It seats five. The square roofline helps cargo space and rear headroom. The wide hatch opening makes loading easy. Strollers and sports gear slide in without fuss. Folding the rear seats creates a very large load floor.
Engine choices include a turbocharged four-cylinder. A hybrid saves fuel for commuters. Both are well suited to daily family use. The cabin features a wide curved display. Controls remain practical and easy to find. A lower storage tray hides phones and chargers.
Rear passengers get generous legroom. Tall teenagers fit without complaint. Ride comfort is a clear highlight. Driver assistance is thorough. Automatic emergency braking and lane centering are common. The Santa Fe suits families who want space and safety without a third row.
5. 2026 Kia EV9
The EV9 was Kia’s first big three-row electric SUV. It remains one of the best. Kia builds it in Georgia. It seats six or seven. Some versions allow the second row to swivel. That makes loading a child seat easier.
Range reaches roughly 300 miles on the best trims. Fast charging helps on long trips. Home charging covers daily needs. The boxy body maximizes cabin space. Headroom is excellent in all three rows. Large windows keep the interior bright.
Dual-motor models deliver strong power. Even the base version feels quick. Towing is possible with the right setup. The dashboard uses big screens with a clean layout. Kia adds highway driving assist and many safety features. The EV9 proves electric family haulers can lead on safety.
6. 2026 Kia Sorento (Built After September 2025)
The Sorento earns the award only if it was built after September 2025. Earlier builds miss the cut. Always verify the date on the door label. This midsize SUV offers an optional third row. The rear seats suit children best. Adults will want the second row.
Engine choices include a turbocharged four-cylinder. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are also offered. The plug-in allows short electric-only trips.
That plug-in can cut fuel costs for commuters. Charging at home is simple. Longer trips use the gas engine without worry. Cargo space is practical. The seats fold flat with little effort. The tailgate opens wide.
The cabin is tidy and well built. Physical buttons remain for climate control. The Sorento is a smart middle choice that blends space, efficiency and safety.
7. 2027 Kia Telluride (Built After June 2026)
The Telluride appears here as a 2027 model. Only vehicles built after June 2026 qualify. Earlier stock may not carry the award. The Telluride has long been a family favorite.
It balances size, price and comfort. Demand is usually high. It seats seven or eight. The third row is roomier than in many rivals. Adults can sit there for short trips.
The cabin feels premium for the money. Quiet roads show off its refinement. Storage cubbies are everywhere. Towing capacity is strong for a midsize SUV. That suits boats and small trailers. Folding the seats opens a huge cargo area.
Kia adds modern driver aids, including automatic braking and blind-spot warnings. Popular trims may carry dealer markups. Confirm the build date before you pay.
8. 2026 Mazda CX-70
The CX-70 is Mazda’s two-row sibling to the CX-90. It seats five. It targets buyers who want style and driving fun. A turbocharged inline-six delivers smooth, strong power. The engine feels refined at highway speeds. Handling is sharper than most big SUVs.
The interior feels premium. Leather and wood accents lift the mood. Fit and finish compete with luxury brands. Cargo space is larger than most rivals in this class. The rear seats fold flat. Loading bulky gear is easy.
Standard all-wheel drive improves grip in rain and snow. Towing capacity reaches about 5,000 pounds. That covers many family trailers. Mazda includes a strong safety suite on every trim. Automatic braking is standard. The CX-70 adds fun to the family-safety formula.
9. 2026 Mazda CX-70 PHEV
The CX-70 plug-in hybrid adds an electric motor and battery. It also earned the top award. Safety did not suffer from the extra hardware. Electric-only range covers short daily trips. Many commuters could use little gas for weeks. Charging overnight at home is enough.
Combined power is strong. Acceleration feels brisk and smooth. The gas engine takes over when the battery runs low. That removes range anxiety on long drives. Fuel economy improves in daily use. Savings add up over time.
The cabin stays upscale and quiet. Space is similar to the gas model. The battery trims cargo room slightly, but the difference is small. Mazda’s driver aids remain thorough. They match the non-hybrid version. This is a great pick for efficiency-minded families.
10. 2026 Mazda CX-90
The CX-90 is Mazda’s three-row flagship. It seats seven or eight. It shares its platform with the CX-70. The inline-six engine is smooth and plentiful. It gives the SUV a relaxed, powerful feel. Few rivals match its refinement.
The third row suits children best. Adults will find it tight. The second row is comfortable for long trips. Interior quality stands out. The design feels expensive. Materials look and feel upscale. Handling remains a highlight. Few three-row SUVs feel this composed. All-wheel drive is standard.
Towing is rated up to 5,000 pounds. Safety equipment is extensive, with automatic braking on every trim. The CX-90 competes with luxury brands but costs noticeably less.
11. 2026 Mazda CX-90 PHEV
The CX-90 PHEV adds plug-in power to the three-row body. It also earned the top award. It suits families who need seven seats. It offers a useful electric-only range. Short school runs can use no fuel. Charging overnight fits easily into home life.
Combined output is strong. It feels quicker than the gas versions. The transitions between power sources are smooth. The third row remains available. Space is similar to the standard model. The battery has only a small effect on cargo room.
Fuel economy improves in daily driving. Long trips remain easy thanks to the gas engine. That mix suits mixed city and highway use. The cabin keeps its upscale feel. Mazda’s safety technology stays the same and remains thorough. It is a strong all-rounder.
12. 2026 Nissan Murano
The Murano sits as Nissan’s two-row midsize SUV. It seats five. Its redesign made it more modern and refined. It uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The engine balances power and economy. Acceleration is adequate for merging and passing.
The cabin is comfortable and quiet. Seats are supportive on long trips. Rear passengers get generous legroom. The interior feels more upscale than before. Materials and screens have improved. Controls are easy to understand.
Cargo space is practical. The seats fold flat with little effort. Families can pack for road trips without trouble. Nissan includes safety technology as standard, covering automatic braking and lane assistance. The ride is smooth and relaxed. The Murano suits families who value comfort.
13. 2026 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is Nissan’s three-row family SUV. It seats seven or eight. It focuses on practicality. A V6 engine provides strong power. A nine-speed automatic keeps shifts smooth. Passing on the highway is easy.
Towing capacity reaches about 6,000 pounds. That is high for the class. Boat owners and campers will notice. The third row is usable for older kids. Access is easier than in many rivals. Second-row seats slide for better entry.
Cargo space is generous. Seats fold in several ways. Storage spots are everywhere. All-wheel drive is available for bad weather. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard. The Pathfinder is a solid value that combines space, towing and safety.
14. 2026 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent is Subaru’s three-row SUV. It seats seven or eight. Standard all-wheel drive is a signature feature. A turbocharged boxer engine powers it. The output is smooth and adequate. It handles family loads without strain.
The cabin is practical and durable. Cupholders and storage are plentiful. Materials resist daily wear. Visibility is excellent thanks to large windows. Parking and lane changes feel easy. That helps in busy school lots.
The third row suits kids best. Adults will feel cramped. Ground clearance helps on rough roads. Subaru’s EyeSight system is standard. It uses cameras for braking and adaptive cruise control. The Ascent continues Subaru’s long safety-first reputation.
15. 2026 Subaru Outback
The Outback is a wagon-like crossover with rugged looks. It seats five. Few vehicles blend space and capability so well. Standard all-wheel drive helps in bad weather. Ground clearance is generous.
Dirt roads and snowy driveways pose little trouble. A turbocharged engine is available. It adds power for hills and passing. The base engine suits calm commuting.
Cargo space is large, and the low floor eases loading. Built-in roof rails carry bikes and boxes. Crossbars are included. EyeSight driver assistance is standard. It watches the road with stereo cameras.
It handles braking and cruise control. The cabin is functional and comfortable. A big touchscreen controls most features. The Outback suits active families who want safety and adventure.
