Consumer Reports’ simplified safety verdict can help buyers choose a safe vehicle with room for the whole family
A Hyundai Palisade Hybrid going through Consumer Reports’ accident avoidance test.
By Keith Barry
If you’re in the market for a three-row SUV, chances are that you’re planning to carry precious cargo.
“Safety is especially important when purchasing a vehicle that will likely carry your whole family,” says Emily A. Thomas, PhD, associate director of auto safety at Consumer Reports.
All the safety information out there can be confusing. But Consumer Reports’ safety verdict simplifies it all into a single score that makes it easy to compare cars based on excellent crash test results, superior braking and handling performance in Consumer Reports’ testing, proven crash-prevention technology as standard equipment, and controls that aren’t distracting.
The midsized and large SUVs listed below earned the highest Best score in our safety verdict evaluation, which means they:
• Excelled in the latest Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests.
• Come standard with automatic emergency braking that is highway-speed capable and has pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning.
• Don’t have the lowest usability rating in Consumer Reports’ evaluation of controls and infotainment systems.
• Got average or above scores in Consumer Reports’ own tests of routine handling, emergency handling, and braking distance.
Big, heavy vehicles are already at a disadvantage when it comes to safety. “Most large SUVs could not achieve a top score because of their long braking distances and ponderous handling,” she says. In fact, only one large SUV, the Nissan Armada, earned a Best score.
For example, many midsized three-row SUVs took less than 130 feet to stop from 60 mph. By comparison, nearly all large SUVs took more than 140 feet to stop. Similarly, many large SUVs performed worse than smaller models in our crash-avoidance test, in which drivers swerve to avoid an obstacle.
The vehicles below are listed in alphabetical order by category. Consumer Reports members can click on the model names to see our exclusive road test and reliability data, and whether a vehicle is CR Recommended. To be recommended, vehicles must excel in owner satisfaction, road tests, and reliability, among other factors.
Safest Midsized SUVs
• Honda Passport
• Mazda CX-70
• Mazda CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid
• Nissan Murano
• Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
The Honda Passport that Consumer Reports purchased for its auto test program is among the safest SUVs.
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
Safest Midsized Three-Row SUVs
• Buick Enclave
• Chevrolet Traverse
• Ford Explorer
• GMC Acadia
• Honda Pilot
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
• Hyundai Palisade
• Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
• Kia Sorento
• Kia Sorento Hybrid
• Mazda CX-90
• Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Subaru Ascent
• Toyota Grand Highlander
• Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
• Volkswagen Atlas
The Subaru Ascent stands out for safety.
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
Safest Large SUVs
The Nissan Armada is the only large SUV to get a Best score in Consumer Reports’ safety verdict.
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
Safest Luxury Midsized SUVs
• BMW X5
• Genesis GV80
• Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid
The BMW X5 in crash avoidance testing at Consumer Reports’ test track in CT.
CR
Safest Luxury Three-Row SUVs
• Acura MDX
• Audi Q7
• Lincoln Aviator
• Volvo XC90
The Lincoln Aviator earned a Best safety verdict for meeting all the CR advanced safety requirements.
Consumer Reports
Safest Electric Three-Row SUVs
• Hyundai Ioniq 9
• Kia EV9
• Volvo EX90
CR’s own Hyundai Ioniq 9 three-row electric SUV at our test track.
Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
More on Car Safety
• Find the Safest New Car Using Consumer Reports’ Safety Verdict
• Safest Car Brands Ranked by CR’s Safety Verdict
• How to Escape Your Car If the Electronic Door Handle Fails
• CR’s Car Seat Buying Guide & Ratings
• Best Infant Car Seats
• Best All-in-One Car Seats
• Best Booster Seats for Kids
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