Revealed: The Safest SUVs For Families In 2024
SUVs are becoming the go-to choice for families seeking both comfort and practicality. Their expansive interiors, complete with spacious seats and generous cargo room, make them ideal for transporting your loved ones… and their gear. Considering this, we have curated a list of the safest family SUVs of 2024 in every size and price range. We’ve evaluated each vehicle based on safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)... as well as the standard and optional safety features offered by them. So, let us get started.
Hyundai Kona: $25,645
Designed for city driving, this stylish subcompact SUV is powered by a standard 147-hp 2.0-liter engine, with an optional 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine for more power. While the base engine offers sluggish acceleration, the Kona makes up for that by its roomier cabin, its engaging road manners, and its high safety rating.
With a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, the 2024 Kona comes standard with six airbags, stability control, and tire-pressure monitoring. Higher trims add more features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and front junction-turning assistance.
Kia Telluride: $37,585
The 2024 Kia Telluride offers a spacious cabin and a well-equipped base model, with top trims providing near-luxury features. While it isn't as fuel efficient as four-cylinder rivals, the Telluride stands out with its value, capability, and safety… earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
Standard safety features include nine airbags, ABS, stability control… as well as a comprehensive suite of driver assists including front-collision alert, hill-start assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims further add features like a blind-spot camera and automatic reverse braking.
Ford Explorer: $38,455
The 2024 Ford Explorer offers an extensive range of trims, starting with a 300-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and topping out with a powerful 400-hp 3.0-liter V6. The Explorer's interior lacks refinement and it has a very tight third-row, but it has earned a lot of praise for safety.
The midsize SUV earned a full five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for the 2024 model. Standard safety features include forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, rear parking sensors, and trailer-sway damping.
Subaru Ascent: $35,740
The Subaru Ascent features standard all-wheel drive, a robust 260-hp turbocharged flat-four engine paired with a CVT, and a wide array of safety technologies. The 2024 Ascent earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
Standard features include seven airbags, adaptive LED headlights, and Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology that throws in adaptive cruise control with lane centering, lane keep assist, lane departure and sway warning, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency steering.
Mazda CX-30: $26,415
The Mazda CX-30 offers a sport-tuned chassis and a posh interior. But it lacks space for both people and cargo… and the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine can feel sluggish. Thankfully, a 250-hp turbocharged engine is available for those who crave more power.
Safety is another strong area. The 2024 iteration bagged a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, thanks to a host of standard safety features that include ABS, stability and traction control, ten airbags, a driver-attention system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, smart brake assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Nissan Pathfinder: $38,040
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder boasts a practical cabin design, a quiet interior, a smooth V6 engine, a well-tuned suspension, and a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, surpassing many rivals. The Pathfinder also enjoys a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award for 2024.
Standard safety features include ten airbags, ABS, stability control, and advanced driver assists like forward-collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, and trailer-sway assist. Higher trims add ProPILOT Assist adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a surround-view monitor.
Honda Pilot: $38,485
The 2024 Honda Pilot might not be as fuel efficient as some of its rivals, but it impresses with its smooth V6 engine, car-like road manners, off-road capability, and ample space for both cargo and people. It also excels in safety, with a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
Standard features include eight airbags, ABS, stability control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention monitoring, and traffic jam assist. Higher trims also include a multi-view camera system.
Mazda CX-90: $39,220
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 builds on the legacy of the CX-9 with a luxurious package, modern engine options, and engaging driving dynamics. It also impresses with safety, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star safety rating for the 2024 iteration.
Standard safety features include eight airbags, AWD, stability control, hill-start assist, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, forward automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-alertness monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, and vehicle-exit warning.
Honda HR-V: $25,950
Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, the Honda HR-V lacks power. But it excels when it comes to safety. The HR-V earned a Top Safety Pick+ title from the IIHS in 2024.
Standard safety features across all trims include ten airbags, ABS, stability and traction control, and tire-pressure monitoring. Furthermore, the Honda Sensing driver-assistance suite adds features like front-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, lane-departure warning, traffic-jam assist, and lane-keep assist.
Hyundai Ioniq 5: $43,195
The base Ioniq 5 is a 168-hp single-motor rear-drive EV with up to 220 miles of range. Thankfully, its higher variants offer increased power and range. The Ioniq 5 is fun to drive, offers quick DC fast-charging, and is incredibly safe for family use, with the 2024 iteration bagging the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
Besides the usual standard safety features, the Ioniq 5 comes with front-collision alert, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-following assist. Higher trims add a number of unique features including automatic reverse braking, blind-spot-view cameras, and a head-up display.
Genesis GV60: $53,350
The Genesis GV60 stands out in the luxury EV segment with its stylish and quirky design. Its powertrains deliver up to 483 horsepower and offer a range of 294 miles per charge. The IIHS awarded the GV60 a Top Safety Pick+ title in 2024, thanks to its comprehensive safety suite.
This includes ABS, eight airbags, automatic headlights, stability and traction control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver-attention monitoring. Higher trims throw in blind-spot monitor and advanced rear occupant alert as well.
Honda CR-V: $30,850
The 2024 Honda CR-V offers a refined ride and fuel-efficient engine options, making it a solid choice for crossover buyers despite its higher starting price. It comes standard with a 190-hp engine or a 204-hp hybrid… and offers a spacious interior with ample cargo space.
Safety is also a priority, thanks to a long list of standard features that include ten airbags, ABS, traction and stability control, and the Honda Sensing suite… comprising adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.
Kia Sportage: $28,565
The 2024 Kia Sportage impresses with its spacious interior and smooth ride but its 187-hp four-cylinder engine is too lethargic when compared to the rivals. Thankfully, the Sportage excels in safety to make up for its lackluster powertrain.
Earning a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, the 2024 Sportage comes standard with eight airbags, ABS, stability control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, front-collision alert with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear parking sensors, driver-alertness monitoring, and rear-occupant alert.
Toyota Highlander: $40,720
The 2024 Toyota Highlander stands out with its efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine, its quiet cabin, and its extensive standard safety tech. The midsize SUV has received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.
Standard features include eight airbags, ABS, stability control, and Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, which covers adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, hill-start assist, front-collision alert with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist and lane tracing, and road-sign recognition.
Mazda CX-50: $31,720
The Mazda CX-50 impresses with its sporty handling and upscale interior. It features a base 187-hp engine and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged option in higher trims. In terms of safety, the 2024 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a 5/5 overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
All trims come with essential driver-assistance features such as automatic LED headlights, front-collision alert, and adaptive cruise control. Upgrades in higher trims include a head-up display, traffic-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera system, with the flagship model adding parking sensors and traffic-jam assist, and more.
Subaru Solterra: $46,340
The 2024 Subaru Solterra provides an electric option for Subaru fans, featuring standard all-wheel drive and some off-road capability. However, it offers a mediocre driving range compared to competitors, and its styling might not suit everyone's taste.
Safety-wise, the Solterra shines with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. Standard safety features include eight airbags, automatic high beams, lane departure alert, lane change assist, pre-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention alert.
Kia EV9: $56,395
The 2024 Kia EV9 stands out as a versatile family-friendly EV with a long range and solid towing capacity. The EV9 offers three powertrains, topping out at 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Safety wise, it earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, thanks to a long list of standard features including eight airbags, ABS, stability control, forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning and avoidance assist, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention system
Hyundai Tucson: $28,875
The 2024 Tucson stands out in the compact SUV segment with its chic design and practical, upscale interior. It features a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available in both front- and all-wheel drive.
While its acceleration is somewhat sluggish, the Tucson compensates with a comfortable ride and luxurious feel in upper trims. With a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, the 2024 Tucson comes standard with eight airbags, traction and stability control, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies including forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver-attention warning.
Acura MDX: $51,500
Though it may not match the luxury of rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, the 2024 Acura MDX makes up for that with its athletic handling and stylish design. Powered by a 290-hp V6 engine, it delivers a spirited driving experience, especially in the sporty Type S trim… that comes with a 355-hp turbocharged V6, all-wheel drive, and adjustable air suspension.
The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, thanks to a plethora of standard safety features including adaptive cruise control, road-departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front-collision alert, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and road-sign recognition.
Volkswagen ID.4: $41,160
The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 offers a range of powertrain options, starting with a 201-hp single-motor rear-drive model that provides up to 291 miles of range. The ID.4 might not excel in performance (and a lot of other areas)… but safety is where it truly beats the competition.
The midsize SUV has received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, thanks to a long list of standard features including six airbags, automatic post-collision braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, forward collision warning with emergency automatic braking, and pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: $39,830
Known for its rugged appeal, the Jeep Grand Cherokee now caters to a wider audience with its handsome design and luxury features. It is powered by a 293-hp, 3.6-liter V6 engine, with rear-wheel drive standard and multiple all-wheel-drive options available.
The 2024 Grand Cherokee enjoys a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. Standard safety features include six airbags, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
BMW X3: $47,895
The 2024 BMW X3 offers powerful engine options, starting with a 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and stepping up to a 382-hp turbo inline-six. Both engines provide impressive performance, with the latter standing out for its remarkably smooth operation. The X3 also stands out due to its sprightly road manners, which are akin to a sports sedan.
Safety-wise, it received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, thanks to a host of standard features including rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, front-collision alert, hill-hold assist, and lane-departure alert.
Hyundai Santa Fe: $35,365
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a robust 277-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine, an expanded wheelbase for added cabin space, a well-organized interior, a smooth ride, and a remarkably stylish design.
Awarded a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, it also offers a long list of safety features including forward collision avoidance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, lane-keep assist, lane following, and front and rear parking assist. Higher trims add advanced features like a surround-view monitor, blind-spot collision avoidance, and Highway Driving Assist.
Tesla Model Y: $44,630
The Tesla Model Y trades sporty handling for increased practicality, offering a spacious cabin and generous cargo space for families. It also boasts an impressive driving range of up to 330 miles, which is longer than most rivals.
The Model Y is also known for its robust safety features that earned it a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS in 2024. Standard features include eight airbags, stability control, and Tesla's Autopilot suite comprising lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning,.
BMW X5: $66,195
The 2024 BMW X5 offers a choice of three potent powertrains: a 375-hp turbocharged inline-six, a 483-hp plug-in hybrid, and a 523-hp twin-turbo V-8. Despite its strong power options and luxurious interior, the X5 is less sporty than expected and lacks a third-row seat.
Safety wise, it's a great vehicle. The 2024 X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. Standard safety features include six airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, an auto-dimming interior and driver's side mirror, and active blind-spot detection.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: $63,800
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class combines a luxurious cabin with advanced tech and some pretty formidable off-road capability. One of the safest family SUVs out there, the 2024 GLE-Class has a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
Standard safety features include nine airbags, ABS, stability control, rain-sensing wipers, a surround-view camera, forward-collision alert, automatic brake initiation, blind-spot monitoring, Mercedes eCall, and Mercedes Pre-Safe. Optional driver aids include adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition as well.
Land Rover Range Rover: $109,025
The Range Rover is renowned for its elite off-road capabilities and luxurious cabin. Although it has a high starting price, it makes up for that with its potent powertrain and an extensive list of standard features… including leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a 13.1-inch touchscreen, and wireless device charging.
Safety features are also quite comprehensive. Even the base trim comes with a surround-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and hands-free parking assist.
Volvo XC90: $57,895
The Volvo XC90 remains a standout with its timeless design, luxurious interior, and versatile powertrain options ranging from a 247-hp entry-level engine to a 455-hp plug-in hybrid. Known for its emphasis on safety, the 2024 XC90 enjoys a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
Standard safety features include seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and front and rear park assist. Higher trims further add a 360-degree camera and a head-up display.
Lexus TX: $55,050
Sharing its platform with the Toyota Grand Highlander, the 2024 Lexus TX debuts as the replacement for the RX-L. Offering a luxurious three-row experience with adult-friendly accommodations for up to seven passengers, it is tailored for family use.
The TX impresses with solid fuel economy, a roomy interior, and a plethora of safety features including but not limited to forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and vehicle exit warning.
Jeep Wagoneer: $64,945
The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer features a smooth twin-turbo inline-six engine that delivers 420 horsepower and offers three 4WD configurations. Its spacious interior, impressive craftsmanship, and luxurious appeal make it a standout in the mid-priced SUV segment.
An IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2024, the Wagoneer comes standard with rain brake support, trailer-sway control, hill-start assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and active lane-keep assist besides a number of other features as well.
Audi Q7: $60,69
The 2024 Audi Q7 combines the sporty feel of the A6 sedan with the practicality of a three-row SUV. It features a 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 45 model and a 335-hp V-6 in the 55 version, both with standard all-wheel drive.
The Q7 is notable for its agile handling, premium interior, and advanced tech features. Safety is also top-notch, with the SUV enjoying a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Standard driver assists include adaptive cruise control, front-collision alert, lane-keep assist, active lane-change assist, and more.
Lexus NX: $40,605
The Lexus NX offers a spacious cabin and a variety of powertrains, ranging from a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder to a 302-hp plug-in-hybrid. Although it has mundane driving dynamics and isn't the quietest, it excels in safety… with the 2024 NX earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard across the lineup. It includes features like all-speed adaptive cruise control, front-collision alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims further add rain-sensing wipers and adaptive headlights with cornering functionality.
Rivian R1S: $76,700
Rivian is not here to play around. The base variant generates 600 hp from its dual motors… while the quad-motor option delivers 835 hp, propelling the R1S from 0-60 mph in just over 3 seconds. Its upscale design, exceptional off-road capability, and three-row seating make it an excellent choice for adventurous families.
The R1S is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2024, thanks to its long list of safety features that include adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and a driver-assist system with 11 cameras, five radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
Genesis GV80: $59,050
The 2024 Genesis GV80 stands out with its sophisticated design, athletic handling, standard all-wheel drive and extensive standard features. Engine choices include a 300-hp turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6.
On the safety front, the GV80 has earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS… thanks to a plethora of standard features including ten airbags, ABS, stability control, highway driving assist, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision avoidance, and a driver attention system.
Lincoln Nautilus: $52,010
The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus impresses with its quiet, comfortable ride, opulent interior, and advanced tech. Earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for the 2024 iteration, every trim includes a robust safety suite.
This includes ABS, stability control, eight airbags, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, a surround-view camera, and post-collision braking. The Nautilus also offers Lincoln BlueCruise, providing a 90-day trial of hands-free driving capabilities.
Audi Q8 e-tron: $75,595
Powered by dual electric motors with 402 horsepower, the Audi Q8 e-tron offers an exhilarating driving experience. With its quiet interior, ample space for adults in both rows, and a tech-laden, luxurious cabin, it perfectly stands as the brand's flagship EV SUV.
Enjoying a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, the 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and collision detection and preparation along with automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offer upgrades like Matrix-design headlights, a surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.
Ford Expedition: $57,625
The Ford Expedition features a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, available in rear- or all-wheel drive. The Expedition has a vast interior space and can tow up to 9,300 pounds… which makes it perfect for hauling trailers and boats.
The cabin is reasonably upscale, with seating for five in the base model and up to eight in higher trims. Standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and forward automatic emergency braking.
Cadillac Escalade: $83,890
The Cadillac Escalade combines a bold exterior with a luxurious cabin. It comfortably seats up to eight and offers impressive cargo space, especially with the extended-wheelbase version, which provides 142.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded.
The engine lineup includes a standard 420-hp V8 and a high-performance option with 682 horsepower. It's also a safe family hauler, with standard safety features including forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, front and rear pedestrian detection, safety alert seat, and a surround-view camera system.
Lincoln Navigator: $85,260
The Lincoln Navigator offers an opulent and spacious interior along with a powerful standard V6 producing 440 horsepower. For 2024, four-wheel drive is standard, alongside heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, navigation, wireless charging, and smartphone integration.
The Navigator also comes equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-centering assist, pedestrian detection, traffic-sign recognition, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system… to name a few!
Chevrolet Suburban: $61,195
The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban stands out for its spacious cabin that can comfortably accommodate seven to nine passengers across three rows. It also offers substantial cargo space, second only to the GMC Yukon XL in the large SUV category.
The Suburban is powered by two V8 options and a turbodiesel engine, all providing robust performance. Safety is also top notch, with standard features including forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rearview mirror with an integrated camera display, and a surround-view parking camera system.
